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Coming into the divisional round, there was a particular focus on the Cincinnati Bengals taking on the Buffalo Bills in Buffalo. The AFC divisional matchup would not only determine who would advance to the AFC Championship game, but also where it would be played.
Waiting for the winners of the game were the Kansas City Chiefs. The Kansas City Chiefs were the top seed in the AFC and secured a bye in the Wild Card round. After the wild card round was completed, they secured a date with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The AFC South champions were the fourth seed, which left second seed Buffalo to take on third seed Cincinnati at home.
The Chiefs defeated the Jaguars 27-20 yesterday to progress to the AFC Championship game yet again. The Bengals took an early lead in their game today against the Bills, despite being on the road in Buffalo. Cincinnati never relinquished their lead and coasted to their second straight AFC Championship game, where they will face the Chiefs.
Where will the Bengals vs. Chiefs AFC Championship Game be played?
As the Kansas City Chiefs are the top seed, they will be hosting the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. If the Buffalo Bills had won, they would have gone to Atlanta for a neutral venue game.
Even though the Bills finished 13-3, one game behind the 14-3 Chiefs, they played one game fewer due to Damar Hamlin's cardiac arrest causing their Week 17 game against the Bengals to be abandoned. Hence, they would be considered joint top seeds if it came down to the AFC Championship game.
Cincinnati, however, made sure that it was not something that needed consideration as they defeated Buffalo on the road and proceeded to the AFC Championship. It will be a repeat of last year's AFC Championship between the same teams at the same venue.
Of course, the Bengals defeated the Chiefs on their way to the Super Bowl last season and will be attempting to replicate that feat this year. They also defeated the Chiefs 27-24 earlier in the season.
It should be a fascinating game. Patrick Mahomes has been the presumptive MVP this season and the Chiefs have the experience of winning multiple AFC Championships and a Super Bowl. Joe Burrow, meanwhile, has never lost to the Chiefs in his career. We might just experience an AFC Championship for the ages this coming weekend.
