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3 Cincinnati Bengals who must step up vs. Chiefs in Week 17

By Riley Thomas

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) celebrates a tackle of Baltimore Ravens running back Latavius Murray (28) on fourth down in the fourth quarter during a Week 16 NFL game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 41-21.Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Dec 26
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end B.J. Hill (92) celebrates a tackle of Baltimore Ravens running back Latavius Murray (28) on fourth down in the fourth quarter during a Week 16 NFL game, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Baltimore Ravens, 41-21.Baltimore Ravens At Cincinnati Bengals Dec 26 /
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Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

As the Cincinnati Bengals continue to joust for a playoff spot, one of their toughest games of the year takes place this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Chiefs are in the midst of an eight-game winning streak with an average win margin of over 16 points. Kansas City had their struggles early in the year, but that is no longer the case as the offense looks explosive once again complemented by a sound defense.

Cincy has their work cut out for them against possibly the number one seed in the AFC conference. Per WynnBET, the Bengals currently sit as a 5.5-point underdog in their home game clash with KC.

Grabbing a win over the Chiefs would build great momentum for the playoffs, and could even clinch the stripes a spot in the playoffs at 10-6. To pull off the upset, Cincinnati will need several key players to have big days.

Cincinnati Bengals who need to step up vs. Chiefs

3. Joe Mixon

First up is Cincy’s running back enjoying a career season, Joe Mixon.

When the run game is working, the Bengal offense is typically rolling. The Chiefs’ defense has improved immensely since the start of the season, however, the run game led by Mixon could be an advantage.

Kansas City does not have dominant linebackers like some of the league’s best defenses. The presence of the defensive tackle Chris Jones will be challenging but could be overcome. The Chiefs’ rush defense — even with improvement throughout the year — ranks 30th allowing 4.7 yards per carry and surrenders 116.5 rushing yards per game (20th).

Mixon has, of course, been fantastic this season. During his career season, the Oklahoma product has broken tackles in bunches with little hesitation, which has earned him a Pro Bowl bid.

At this point, the Bengals’ passing attack can have success against anyone with the way Joe Burrow is playing and his wideouts. When Mixon has success, this is when Cincy’s balanced attack becomes near unstoppable.

With that said, Mixon will need to run hard and generate success on the ground this Sunday.

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