KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An improbable season, an improbable playoff run, an improbable comeback, and the Bengals aren’t done yet.
With 9:26 remaining in the game the game and the Bengals future once again came down to the leg of rookie kicker Evan McPherson.
McPherson connected on a 31-yard field goal to send the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI, defeating the Chiefs, 27-24, to give Cincinnati the AFC championship title.
What You Need To Know
- The Cincinnati Bengals defeated Kansas City, 27-24, to win the AFC title in overtime
- The Bengals will go to Super Bowl LVI
- It’s the Bengals’ first trip to the Super Bowl in 33 years
A tipped pass by Bengals defensive back Jessie Bates III into the hands of teammate Von Bell killed the Chiefs opening drive of overtime.
Cincinnati then worked the ball down the field with multiple passes to Tee Higgins and runs by running back Joe Mixon.
The Bengals took a 24-21 lead on a 52-yard field goal by McPherson with 6:07 remaining in the game, but the defense couldn’t keep the Chiefs off the board the rest of the game.
However, two sacks on the Chiefs’ final drive kept Kansas City from scoring a game-winning touchdown and led to a 44-yard field goal by Harrison Butker forced overtime with the score tied, 24-24.
Cincinnati controlled the third quarter, outscoring the Chiefs 11-0 to tie the game going into the fourth quarter.
The Bengals defense halted Kansas City’s offense, forcing two punts and an interception by Cincinnati defensive lineman BJ Hill.
The defensive effort was capitalized on by the offense with a field goal and a touchdown capped by a successful two-point conversion with 14 seconds remaining in the quarter.
The Bengals struggled to find their footing earlier on with a three-and-out possession to start the game.
Cincinnati’s following possession saw tight end CJ Uzomah being carted off the field with a lower body injury.
The Chiefs began the game with all cylinders firing, scoring on their first possession on a 10 yard pass from Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill.
The passing game continued to be strong for Kansas City, as the Chiefs scored three touchdowns in the first half — all in the air despite the furthest score being from 10 yards outside the end zone.
Mahomes finished the half 18-21 passing for 220 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Cincinnati found some momentum going into halftime.
Running back Samaje Perine caught a short pass and took it 41 yards for a touchdown with 1:05 remaining in the half.
The Bengals defense also found some life as Kansas City tried to punch in a fourth touchdown with just five seconds remaining in the half, but were stopped by the Cincinnati defense on the 1 yard line as time expired.
