Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs, Conference Championship 2021
Cincinnati Bengals
AwayWon, advanced
27
Kansas City Chiefs
Home
24
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengals | 3 | 7 | 11 | 3 | 3 | 27 |
| Chiefs | 7 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
CIN 27KC 24 Final/OT
Passing leader
22.9PPR pts
26/39, 275 YDS, 3 TD, 2 INT
Top fantasy scorer
25.5PPR pts
10 REC, 95 YDS, 1 TD
Chiefs leader
Tyreek Hill
20.8PPR pts
7 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD
Defensive playmaker
B.J. Hill
1 INT, 0.5 SACK, 5 TKL
Bengals 27, Chiefs 24: Cincinnati wins the 2021 Conference Championship in overtime
Cincinnati trailed 21–10 at halftime, regulation ended 24–24, and the Bengals won it 27–24 in overtime. Kansas City outgained the Bengals 375–359.
The Chiefs went 6-for-12 on third down and committed two turnovers, while the Bengals kept the ball for 35:56.
The Bengals' run ended in the Super Bowl, a 23–20 loss to the Rams.
The two teams meet again in Week 14 of 2026. If you roster anyone from either side, run the start/sit call in Redraft Command and it will weigh your lineup, your opponent and your league scoring, not only the player rankings.
Key advantages
- +1 turnover margin CIN 1 · KC 2 turnovers
- +7% third-down rate CIN 57% · KC 50%
- +6:14 time of possession CIN 35:56 · KC 29:42
Game Highlights
Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube
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Why the Bengals Won
Cincinnati won the turnover, third-down, and time of possession battles.
| Bengals | Stat | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Turnovers | 2 |
| 57% | Third-down conversion | 50% |
| 35:56 | Time of possession | 29:42 |
| Other team stats | ||
| 359 | Total yards | 375 |
| 5.4 | Yards per play | 5.6 |
| 66 | Plays | 67 |
Scoring Summary
The Bengals scored two touchdowns and four field goals; the Chiefs scored three touchdowns and one field goal.
| Time | Team | Play | CIN | KC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | ||||
| 7:17 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Tyreek Hill, 10-yard TD Takes leadHarrison Butker XP | 0 | 7 |
| 0:36 | CIN | Evan McPherson 32-yard FG | 3 | 7 |
| 2nd quarter | ||||
| 12:14 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Travis Kelce, 5-yard TD Extends leadHarrison Butker XP | 3 | 14 |
| 5:04 | KC | Patrick Mahomes → Mecole Hardman, 3-yard TD Extends leadHarrison Butker XP | 3 | 21 |
| 1:05 | CIN | Joe Burrow → Samaje Perine, 41-yard TDEvan McPherson XP | 10 | 21 |
| 3rd quarter | ||||
| 2:58 | CIN | Evan McPherson 31-yard FG | 13 | 21 |
| 0:14 | CIN | Joe Burrow → Ja'Marr Chase, 2-yard TD Ties gameJoe Burrow → Trent Taylor, 2-pt conversion | 21 | 21 |
| 4th quarter | ||||
| 6:04 | CIN | Evan McPherson 52-yard FG Takes lead | 24 | 21 |
| 0:00 | KC | Harrison Butker 44-yard FG Ties game | 24 | 24 |
| Overtime | ||||
| 9:22 | CIN | Evan McPherson 31-yard FG Game winner | 27 | 24 |
Playoff game: these points don't count in most season-long fantasy leagues.
Fantasy Points vs Expected
Expected points (xFP) are what a player's pass attempts, carries and targets are worth at the league's average rates; the difference is what the player made of them.
- Biggest overperformer+8.0Mecole Hardman Jr.16.0 PTS vs 8.0 xFP
- Biggest underperformer−5.1Demarcus Robinson0.0 PTS vs 5.1 xFP
- Highest expected volume19.9 xFPJoe Burrow21.5 PTS scored
| Player | PTS | xFP | vs xFP | Snap% | Usage | Rte% | Pass att | Car | Car% | Tgt | Tgt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joe BurrowCIN · QB | 21.5 | 19.9 | +1.6 | — | 38 att | — | 38 | 5 | 19% | 0 | 0% |
| Patrick MahomesKC · QB | 22.9 | 19.1 | +3.8 | — | 39 att | — | 39 | 3 | 13% | 0 | 0% |
| Joe MixonCIN · RB | 14.5 | 18.5 | −4.0 | — | 78% car | — | 0 | 21 | 78% | 3 | 8% |
| Travis KelceKC · TE | 25.5 | 18.5 | +7.0 | — | 30% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 11 | 30% |
| Tee HigginsCIN · WR | 16.3 | 16.8 | −0.5 | — | 28% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 10 | 28% |
| Tyreek HillKC · WR | 20.8 | 16.8 | +4.0 | — | 27% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 10 | 27% |
| Ja'Marr ChaseCIN · WR | 17.7 | 15.8 | +1.9 | — | 25% tgt | — | 0 | 1 | 4% | 9 | 25% |
| Jerick McKinnonKC · RB | 12.5 | 14.4 | −1.9 | — | 50% car | — | 0 | 12 | 50% | 4 | 11% |
| Tyler BoydCIN · WR | 5.9 | 10.1 | −4.2 | — | 17% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 6 | 17% |
| Mecole Hardman Jr.KC · WR | 16.0 | 8.0 | +8.0 | — | 11% tgt | — | 0 | 2 | 8% | 4 | 11% |
| Clyde Edwards-HelaireKC · RB | 5.0 | 7.2 | −2.2 | — | 25% car | — | 0 | 6 | 25% | 2 | 5% |
| Samaje PerineCIN · RB | 13.3 | 6.7 | +6.6 | — | 11% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 4 | 11% |
| Byron PringleKC · WR | 3.6 | 5.1 | −1.5 | — | 8% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 8% |
| Demarcus RobinsonKC · WR | 0.0 | 5.1 | −5.1 | — | 8% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 8% |
| C.J. UzomahCIN · TE | 0.0 | 3.4 | −3.4 | — | 6% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 6% |
| Drew SampleCIN · TE | 1.4 | 3.4 | −2.0 | — | 6% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 2 | 6% |
| Michael BurtonKC · RB | 0.1 | 0.6 | −0.5 | — | 4% car | — | 0 | 1 | 4% | 0 | 0% |
Team totals: Bengals 36 targets and 27 carries; Chiefs 37 targets and 24 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts aren't available for this game. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2021 season: 1.68 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.64 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.
Fantasy Verdicts
Joe Burrow
23 of 38 passing for 250 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception; 5 carries for 25 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 19.9 expected.
Patrick Mahomes
26 of 39 passing for 275 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions; 3 carries for 19 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 19.1 expected.
Joe Mixon Volume, no payoff
3 targets (8% of the team's), 3 catches for 27 yards; 21 carries (78% of the team's) for 88 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 18.5 expected.
Tee Higgins
10 targets (28% of the team's), 6 catches for 103 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 16.8 expected.
Travis Kelce Ran hot
11 targets (30% of the team's), 10 catches for 95 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 18.5 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
A touchdown in 5 of the last 8 games.
Tyreek Hill
10 targets (27% of the team's), 7 catches for 78 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 16.8 expected.
Best score since Week 15.
Mecole Hardman Jr. Ran hot
4 targets (11% of the team's), 3 catches for 52 yards and 1 touchdown; 2 carries (8% of the team's) for 18 yards.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 8.0 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Samaje Perine Ran hot
4 targets (11% of the team's), 3 catches for 43 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 6.7 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Best score since Week 7.
Fantasy Matchups
Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2021 through Week 18.
| Points allowed to | Bengals D | Chiefs D |
|---|---|---|
| QBs | 16.0 | 20.2 |
| RBs | 24.5 | 23.6 |
| WRs | 31.7 | 31.1 |
| TEs | 14.7 | 12.3 |
Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.
How the Game Swung
Kansas City opened at 70% win probability, climbed as high as 99%, then lost.
Chiefs win probability
Key Swings
- +16Mahomes → Hill, 10-yd TD69% → 85%Q1 7:17
- −32Burrow → Chase, 2-yd TD92% → 60%Q3 0:14
- −27McPherson 52-yd FG57% → 30%Q4 6:04
- +28Butker 44-yd FG29% → 56%Q4 0:00
- −50McPherson 31-yd FG50% → <1%OT 9:22
Swing in Chiefs win probability, in points
Play Calling and Possessions
| Cincinnati Bengals | Measure | Kansas City Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 66 | Plays | 67 |
| 59% | Pass rate | 64% |
| 6.2 | Yds / dropback | 5.5 |
| 4.3 | Yds / carry | 5.8 |
| 8/14 | Third downs | 6/12 |
Efficiency edge Cincinnati ran 1 fewer plays but gained 0.7 more yards per dropback.
- Top targets
- CIN Higgins 28% · Chase 25% · Boyd 17%
- KC Kelce 30% · Hill 27% · McKinnon 11%
Possession Results
| Result | CIN | KC |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdowns | 2 | 3 |
| Field goals | 4 | 1 |
| Punts | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 1 | 2 |
CIN turnover edge: +1
- The Chiefs opened the scoring on their first possession, a 11-play, 84-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.
- The Bengals drained the clock with three second-half drives of five to seven minutes.
All 21 possessions, drive by drive
| Team | Start | Plays | Yards | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIN | Q1 15:00 | 3 | 5 | 1:34 | Punt |
| KC | Q1 13:26 | 11 | 84 | 6:09 | Touchdown |
| CIN | Q1 7:17 | 14 | 61 | 6:41 | Field goal |
| KC | Q1 0:36 | 7 | 75 | 3:22 | Touchdown |
| CIN | Q2 12:14 | 5 | 16 | 2:14 | Punt |
| KC | Q2 10:00 | 8 | 72 | 4:56 | Touchdown |
| CIN | Q2 5:04 | 7 | 70 | 3:59 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q2 1:05 | 7 | 80 | 1:05 | End of half |
| KC | Q3 15:00 | 5 | 16 | 2:13 | Punt |
| CIN | Q3 12:47 | 4 | 40 | 1:50 | Punt |
| KC | Q3 10:57 | 5 | 17 | 2:17 | Punt |
| CIN | Q3 8:40 | 11 | 52 | 5:42 | Field goal |
| KC | Q3 2:58 | 2 | 7 | 0:40 | Interception |
| CIN | Q3 2:18 | 5 | 27 | 2:04 | Touchdown |
| KC | Q3 0:14 | 3 | -2 | 1:13 | Punt |
| CIN | Q4 14:01 | 1 | 0 | 0:05 | Interception |
| KC | Q4 13:56 | 3 | -4 | 1:29 | Punt |
| CIN | Q4 12:27 | 11 | 46 | 6:23 | Field goal |
| KC | Q4 6:04 | 14 | 49 | 6:04 | Field goal |
| KC | OT 15:00 | 3 | 0 | 0:14 | Interception |
| CIN | OT 14:46 | 9 | 42 | 5:24 | Field goal |
About these numbers
Possessions that ended with the clock running out at the half or the end of the game aren't counted.
Personnel groupings, average depth of target and pass rate over expected appear when the tracking feed is connected.
Bengals vs Chiefs Head-to-Head
The Bengals and Chiefs first met in 1968 and have played 35 times since.
- All-time series
- 18–17Bengals lead, 35 meetings since 1968
- Postseason
- 1–1Bengals won in 2021; Chiefs won in 2022
- Largest Bengals win
- 33–61974
- Largest Chiefs win
- 45–102018
Since 2021
3–3 Series tied
6 meetings since the 2021 season, regular season and playoffs.
Oldest to newest. B = Bengals win, C = Chiefs win, outlined = this game.
2026 Meetings
- Week 14 Chiefs at Bengals Upcoming
Recent Meetings
- 2024 Wk 2 Bengals at Chiefs, 2024 Wk 2 recap KC 26 CIN 25 KC W
- 2023 Wk 17 Bengals at Chiefs, 2023 Wk 17 recap KC 25 CIN 17 KC W
- 2022 Conference Championship Bengals at Chiefs, 2022 Conference Championship recap KC 23 CIN 20 KC W
- 2022 Wk 13 Chiefs at Bengals, 2022 Wk 13 recap CIN 27 KC 24 CIN W
- 2021 Conference Championship Bengals at Chiefs CIN 27 KC 24 CIN W
- 2021 Wk 17 Chiefs at Bengals, 2021 Wk 17 recap CIN 34 KC 31 CIN W
Season to Date (Through Week 18)
The 2021 regular season, from each game's box score.
| Bengals | Stat | Chiefs |
|---|---|---|
| 10-7 | Record | 12-5 |
| 27.1 | Points per game | 28.2 |
| 361.5 | Yards per game | 396.8 |
| 5.9 | Yards per play | 5.9 |
| 22.1 | Points allowed per game | 21.4 |
| 350.8 | Yards allowed per game | 368.9 |
Bengals vs Chiefs Odds and Results
How this game finished against the betting lines.
- Spread
- KC −7Chiefs failed to cover by 10
- Total
- 54.5Under: 51 points scored (by 3.5)
Expected vs Actual Scoring
| Team | Implied | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiefs | 30.8 | 24 | −6.8 |
| Bengals | 23.8 | 27 | +3.3 |
The Bengals beat their implied total and the Chiefs fell short of theirs; the Fantasy tab has the player lines behind it.
Betting Trends
Last 2 meetings: Bengals 2–0 ATS, overs and unders 1–1.
Each team's 2021 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Against the spread
- 13–7
- Over/under
- 8–11–1
- ATS as favorite
- 5–4
- ATS as underdog
- 8–3
- ATS on the road
- 8–2
Kansas City Chiefs
- Against the spread
- 10–10
- Over/under
- 12–8
- ATS as favorite
- 10–10
- ATS at home
- 6–6
Lines: ESPN's consensus, captured at kickoff. Individual sportsbooks varied.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting availability depends on your state.
Bengals vs Chiefs Fantasy Outlook for 2026
One meeting is left on the 2026 schedule: Week 14 in Cincinnati. Here's how to decide who to play in your league.
- Start/Sit ToolShould your Bengals or Chiefs player start in Week 14? Compare the decision against your other options.
- Fantasy Football ProjectionsSee the latest weekly and rest-of-season projections for Bengals and Chiefs players.
- Fantasy Points Allowed by PositionHow the Bengals and Chiefs defenses have treated QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs.
- Strength of ScheduleWhere this matchup falls in each team's fantasy playoff run.
- Redraft CommandConnect your league for personalized lineup, trade and roster advice.
Keep Exploring
2021 Game Logs for Players in This Game
Bengals vs Chiefs Game FAQ
Who won the 2021 Bengals vs Chiefs Conference Championship game?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Kansas City Chiefs 27–24 in the Conference Championship of the 2021 playoffs. The game was played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO, on January 30, 2022. See the Bengals' 2021 schedule.
What was the final score of Bengals vs Chiefs?
The final score was Bengals 27, Chiefs 24 in overtime. The Chiefs led 21–10 at halftime, and the second half went Bengals 14, Chiefs 3 before overtime.
What happened in the Bengals vs Chiefs game?
Cincinnati trailed 21–10 at halftime, regulation ended 24–24, and the Bengals won it 27–24 in overtime. Kansas City outgained the Bengals 375–359. The Chiefs committed 2 turnovers, the Bengals 1.
What was the game-winning score in Bengals vs Chiefs?
Evan McPherson's 31-yard field goal with 9:22 left in the overtime gave the Bengals a 27–24 lead they never gave up. It was the final score of the game.
How did the Bengals come back to beat the Chiefs?
The Bengals' chances of winning fell as low as 1% in the first half. Evan McPherson's 31-yard field goal in the overtime was the biggest swing of the game. Evan McPherson's 31-yard field goal then put them ahead for good.
Which team won the turnover battle in Bengals vs Chiefs?
The Bengals won the turnover battle 2–1: the Chiefs gave the ball away 2 times and the Bengals 1 time. The Bengals won the game.
What was the turning point of Bengals vs Chiefs?
Evan McPherson's 31-yard field goal with 9:22 left in the overtime was the biggest swing of the game, moving the Chiefs' win probability from 50% to <1%.
What is the all-time Bengals vs Chiefs record?
The Bengals lead the all-time series 18–17 across 35 meetings since 1968, including a 1–1 record in the postseason.
When did the Bengals and Chiefs last play before this game?
Before the 2021 Conference Championship round, they last met in the 2021 season on January 2, 2022, when the Bengals beat the Chiefs 34–31.
Have the Bengals and Chiefs met in the playoffs?
Yes, 2 times, most recently in the 2022 playoffs. The Bengals are 1–1 against the Chiefs in the postseason.
What is the Bengals vs Chiefs record since 2021?
The series is tied 3–3 across 6 meetings since the 2021 season, including this game.
What was the closing spread for Bengals vs Chiefs?
The consensus closing spread at kickoff was Chiefs −7, making the Kansas City Chiefs 7-point favorites, with a closing total of 54.5. That implied about 30.8 points for the Chiefs and 23.8 for the Bengals.
Did Bengals vs Chiefs go over or under the total?
The game went under. The consensus closing total was 54.5, and the teams combined for 51 points, 3.5 under the number.
Who covered the spread in Bengals vs Chiefs?
The Bengals covered as 7-point underdogs against the closing line of Chiefs −7. The final margin was 3 points.