Despite facing a Kansas City Chiefs team playing in their fifth-consecutive AFC Championship Game. The Cincinnati Bengals head into Sunday’s conference title game as arguably the more formidable team.

Cincinnati has the more versatile offense heading into Sunday. They have three receivers that would individually be many teams’ top receivers. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. Along with that, Cincinnati’s rushing game is not merely Joe Mixon and a bunch of guys. Samaje Perine is another reliable option for Joe Burrow to turn to.

By contrast, the Chiefs offensive production is mostly fueled by two people. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce. Mahomes and Kelce are perhaps the most dynamic duo in the National Football League. However, the rest of the Chiefs offense doesn’t stand out. In the way one would expect from a conference’s top seeded team.

Kelce led the Chiefs in the regular season with 1,338 receiving yards and 12 touchdown receptions. Outpacing Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster by over 400 yards. Kelce is the only Chiefs player with double digit touchdown receptions. In last Saturday’s Chiefs divisional round game, Kelce scored two of Kansas City’s three touchdowns. Slowing down Kelce will be one of the keys to victory for Cincinnati.

Patrick Mahomes’ health is one of the biggest storylines heading into Sunday’s game. He suffered a right ankle sprain during last Saturday’s game. Leaving his status for the AFC Championship game in an uncertain spot. The injury limited Mahomes’ ability to make the dazzling plays we’re used to seeing from him. If Mahomes opted to pursue a Major League Baseball career. He likely would have a trophy case full of Gold Glove Awards. If the Bengals can limit Mahomes and Kelce; they’ll be in good shape to repeat as AFC champions.

If Mahomes isn’t available in Sunday’s game, the Chiefs can turn to backup QB Chad Henne. He completed five of his seven passes, including one touchdown pass. When he came in to wrap up the first half of last week’s game. Rushing plays are not Henne’s specialty this season. In the four games Henne has appeared in this season, none of his rushing attempts resulted in gains.

Even if Mahomes was 100 percent healthy and the Chiefs offense matched Cincinnati’s versatility. Kansas City would still have to contend with Cincinnati’s defense. While Kansas City’s defense is an afterthought at times; Cincinnati’s defense walloped one of the NFL’s best offensive units last week. When they limited the Buffalo Bills to just one touchdown in Buffalo. While containing Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Bills top receiver Stefon Diggs. Despite leading the team in regular and postseason receiving yards. Diggs ranked fourth in receiving yards last weekend with 35 and no touchdowns.

The Bengals also limited Bills top rusher Devin Singletary. He trailed Josh Allen through six carries resulting in 25 yards. In the wildcard round, Cincinnati’s defense came through in the clutch against the Baltimore Ravens. Most notably through Sam Hubbard’s game-changing fumble recovery touchdown. Cincinnati’s defense doesn’t get the hype that the San Francisco 49ers defense gets. Yet, Cincinnati’s defense is a relatively healthy and consistent unit. Utilizing various ways to shorten opposing teams drives.

Then there’s the efforts of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. One of the nominees for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award. He’s becoming as dynamic as Mahomes without the flashy status quo bending plays. Burrow is striving to keep his unbeaten record against the Chiefs intact. The most successful quarterback in Bengals postseason history is eager to make more history this weekend. By helping secure back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Along with continuing a remarkable turnaround for the Bengals franchise.

Sunday’s AFC Championship Game in Kansas City is set to kickoff at 6:30 PM Eastern. The game can be seen on CBS and Paramount+. While the Bengals radio call can be heard on WLW-AM (700), WCKY-AM (1530) and WEBN-FM (102.7).