Kansas City Chiefs vs Cincinnati Bengals Picks and Predictions September 15th 2024

The Chiefs are favored on the money line at -253 as they host the Bengals at 4:25 ET on Sunday, September 15th at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Chiefs are favored by -6 on the point spread, and the over/under line is 48.5 points. This week two AFC matchup is being televised on CBS.

Cincinnati vs. Kansas City Key Information

• Teams: Bengals at Chiefs
• Where: Arrowhead Stadium Kansas City
• Date: Sunday, September 15th
• Betting Odds KC -253 | CIN +207 O/U 48.5

The Bengals Can Win If…

The Bengals’ 16-10 loss to the Patriots in their most recent game dropped their record to 0-1 to start the season. Despite losing, they did cover the spread, as they were 7.5-point favorites at home. The combined 26 points was below the over/under line of 41. Cincinnati fell behind early, as the Patriots led 10-0 at halftime.

Cincinnati finally found the endzone in the 3rd quarter when Zack Moss scored on a 5-yard touchdown run. In the 4th quarter, Joe Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 28-yard touchdown to pull within 16-10, and the Bengals also added a field goal. However, they couldn’t complete the comeback.

In their 16-10 loss to the Patriots, the Bengals’ offense struggled to move the ball, finishing with just 13 first downs and 154 yards passing on 29 attempts. They were held to 70 yards on 16 rushing attempts. Joe Burrow was sacked three times and failed to throw any touchdown passes, finishing with 164 yards and a passer rating of 85.

Burrow’s top target was Ja’Marr Chase, who caught six passes for 62 yards. The running game was led by Zack Moss, who managed 44 yards on nine carries and scored the Bengals’ only touchdown of the game. Cincinnati’s offense also had a tough time on third down, converting just 36.4% of their third down attempts.

In their 16-10 loss to the Patriots, the Bengals’ defense gave up 170 rushing yards on 39 attempts, despite holding New England to just 120 yards passing. They also managed to sack the quarterback once and held the Patriots to a 40% third-down conversion rate. Overall, the Bengals allowed just 290 total yards in the game.

Despite their struggles against the run, the Bengals’ defense kept the Patriots out of the endzone, as New England’s lone touchdown came on special teams with a blocked punt recovery. Additionally, Cincinnati’s defense forced the Patriots to punt 7 times in the game.

• Through their last three regular season contests, Cincinnati has a record of 1-2. In these contests, the team went just 1-2 against the spread, while going 1-2 on the over-under.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Bengals have gone 4-6 straight up. Their record vs the spread sits at 3-6-1 in these matchups, while posting a 7-3 over-under mark.

The Chiefs Can Win If…

The Chiefs picked up a 27-20 win over the Ravens, moving to 1-0 on the season. They were favored by -3 and also covered the spread with their 7-point victory. The combined 47 points was just over/under line of 46 points. Kansas City and Baltimore were tied at 7 after the 1st quarter, and the Chiefs led 13-10 at halftime. They extended their lead to 20-10 heading into the 4th quarter.

In the 4th quarter, both teams found the endzone, with Patrick Mahomes connecting with Xavier Worthy for a touchdown and the Ravens adding a late score with a Lamar Jackson touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely. Derrick Henry and the Ravens struck first, but Xavier Worthy quickly answered for the Chiefs with a 21-yard touchdown. Harrison Butker added two field goals in the 2nd quarter, and Isiah Pacheco added a 1-yard touchdown run early in the 3rd quarter.

Patrick Mahomes threw for 291 yards, completing 20 of 28 passes (71%) in the Chiefs’ 27-20 win over the Ravens. He threw one touchdown and was intercepted once. The Chiefs’ offense managed 21 first downs and 281 yards through the air, with a balanced attack, but struggled to run the ball, finishing with only 72 rushing yards on 20 attempts.

Isiah Pacheco led the team with 45 rushing yards and one touchdown, while Rashee Rice was the top receiver, gaining 103 yards on seven catches. Mahomes was sacked twice and the Chiefs converted on 44.4% of their third down attempts.

In their most recent game, the Chiefs’ defense gave up 185 rushing yards on 32 attempts but managed to come out on top, beating the Ravens 27-20. The Chiefs allowed 452 total yards and 185 rushing yards. They gave up one sack and allowed the Ravens to convert on 50% of their third down attempts. The Ravens finished with 267 passing yards and a 63.4% completion percentage.

Kansas City’s defense struggled to stop the run, but they did enough to help the team secure the win. They also won the tackles for loss battle, finishing with one more tackle for loss than the Ravens.

• Through their last three games, the Chiefs have a record of 3-0. This also includes going 3-0 ATS and an over-under mark of 1-1-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Chiefs have gone 7-3 straight up. Their record against the spread in this stretch is 7-3 to go along with an over-under mark of 1-7-2.

The Lean

Our pick vs. the spread is to take the Chiefs to cover as home favorites. They are currently sitting at -6, and we have them not only covering but also winning this week two matchup by a score of 26-16.

For this week’s over/under pick, we like the under, with a projected combined score of 42 points. With the line sitting at 48.5 points, there is some good value in taking the under.

Bengals Aim to Rebound as They Renew Rivalry with Chiefs

The Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs are set to clash once again on Sunday in Kansas City, Mo. The Bengals, reeling from a disappointing season opener, hope to get back on track, while the Chiefs look to build on their dramatic Week 1 victory.

Chiefs Build Momentum with Narrow Win

The Chiefs (1-0) kicked off the season with a thrilling 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. A potential game-tying touchdown from Baltimore’s Isaiah Likely was overturned when his toe landed out of bounds, securing Kansas City’s win in the closing seconds.

Patrick Mahomes was sharp in the opener, completing 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards. The Chiefs also saw exciting contributions from rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who made a 35-yard reception and added a 21-yard rushing touchdown in his NFL debut.

Bengals Offense Struggles in Week 1 Loss

In contrast, the Bengals (0-1) struggled to find their offensive rhythm in their 16-10 loss to the New England Patriots. Joe Burrow completed 21 of 29 passes for 164 yards, but the Bengals failed to score a passing touchdown and managed just one trip to the end zone.

Burrow, coming off wrist surgery that cut short his 2022 season, acknowledged that he’s still working his way back to full strength.

Despite some discomfort, Burrow was a full participant in practice and is expected to play Sunday, eager to help Cincinnati rebound.

Rivalry Renewed

The Bengals and Chiefs have developed a fierce rivalry in recent years, meeting six times over the past four seasons. Cincinnati holds a 3-3 record against Kansas City in those matchups, including a win in the 2021 AFC Championship Game. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs got their revenge in the 2022 AFC Championship, defeating the Bengals 23-20.

In their last regular-season meeting, Kansas City beat the Burrow-less Bengals 25-17 in Week 17 last season, a loss that knocked Cincinnati out of playoff contention.

Key Injuries Could Impact the Outcome

Both teams are grappling with significant injuries heading into Sunday’s showdown. For the Bengals, star wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is doubtful, while defensive tackle Kris Jenkins (thumb) has been ruled out. Tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) and right tackle Amarius Mims (pectoral) are also doubtful.

The Chiefs will be without veteran wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who was placed on injured reserve after shoulder surgery. Despite Brown’s absence, Mahomes still has a wealth of options, including his go-to target, Travis Kelce.

Kelce, speaking on his “New Heights” podcast, acknowledged the importance of the Bengals matchup:

Bengals Look for Offensive Improvement

The Bengals struggled to find any momentum in their Week 1 loss, going three-and-out on their first three possessions and never holding a lead. Joe Burrow will be looking to bounce back and reignite the Bengals’ offense against a Chiefs defense that allowed only 266 yards in their win over the Ravens.

Bengals head coach Zac Taylor knows that stopping Mahomes and the Chiefs will be a tough task.

What’s at Stake

This Week 2 matchup could set the tone for both teams as they look to cement their standing in the AFC. For the Bengals, avoiding an 0-2 start is crucial as they aim to regain their offensive rhythm. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are seeking to solidify their position as early-season favorites and keep building momentum as they navigate a tough AFC West.

Key Storylines to Watch:

1. Joe Burrow’s Recovery: How will Burrow fare in his second game back from wrist surgery? His performance will be key to Cincinnati’s chances.
2. Patrick Mahomes’ Leadership: Mahomes continues to find ways to win, even as the Chiefs deal with injuries. Will he and the Kansas City offense continue their strong start?
3. Injury Impact: Both teams are dealing with injuries to key players. How will the absence of stars like Tee Higgins and Marquise Brown affect the flow of the game?

The renewed rivalry between the Bengals and Chiefs promises to deliver yet another thrilling contest, with both teams eager to make an early-season statement.