NFL Week 17: Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs Odds, and Picks (Dec 31)

• The Bengals lost 11-34 to the Steelers in week 16.
• The Chiefs suffered a 20-14 shock defeat against the Raiders last time out.
• These teams last met in the 2022 season AFC Championship game that the Chiefs won 20-23.

The 8-7 Cincinnati Bengals take on the 9-6 Kansas City Chiefs in this week 17 AFC matchup. The Bengals need to win out to keep their playoff hopes alive, whilst the Chiefs are almost certain to head to the post season regardless of results.

How To Watch

• CBS

Game Preview

The Bengals should be able to welcome Ja’Marr Chase back into the fold this week after the star WR logged two practices on his way to recovery from the shoulder injury picked up in week 15. The 23-year-old is officially listed as questionable but is expected to suit up. Following three consecutive top 10 performances, QB Jake Browning had a poor outing in week 16, throwing three picks compared to just one touchdown pass. Browning should be able to bounce back here.

Kansas City have three important questionable tags over players heading into this week 17 matchup. Running back Isiah Pacheco has cleared concussion protocols and is expected to suit up, but head injuries can often cause these plans to change. Pacheco’s back up, Clyde Edwards-Helaire has been suffering with an illness but that is unlikely to see him miss time. Biggest of all is the status of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, the superstar defenseman is carrying a calf strain, and could be set to miss his first game of the season.

Prediction

The Chiefs’ loss to the Raiders was unexpected, and puts pressure on them to win out and claim the division title. The Bengals should pose more threats on offense than Las Vegas did, so this could be a tough test. I’ll take Kansas City here, but only just.

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