Weather Delays Start of Chiefs-Ravens Game

The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the third minute of the fourth quarter to take their first lead of the game as the AFC Championship—and the Chiefs’ season—was on the line.

The Chiefs’ 23-20 victory came in classic AFC West fashion: hard-fought, dramatic and decided in the final minutes.

The Chiefs held a 10-point lead as the second half began, but that was cut to three after a 6-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase. On the ensuing drive, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was intercepted by Bengals cornerback Eli Apple. The Bengals took over at the Chiefs’ 23-yard line and scored three plays later on a 1-yard run by Samaje Perine.

The Bengals’ defense forced a three-and-out from the Chiefs, and Burrow led the Bengals on a 14-play, 67-yard drive that ended with a 31-yard field goal by Evan McPherson. That gave the Bengals a 20-13 lead with 8:45 remaining in the game.

The Chiefs responded with a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that tied the game at 20-20. Mahomes hit wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 16-yard pass on 3rd-and-10 and scrambled for 14 yards on 3rd-and-14 to keep the drive alive.

The Chiefs’ defense held the Bengals to three-and-out, and Mahomes led the Chiefs on a game-winning 44-yard field goal drive, which kicker Harrison Butker nailed as time expired.

With the win, the Chiefs advanced to the Super Bowl for the third time in four years. They will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII on Feb. 12.

The Chiefs’ victory was a tale of two halves. In the first half, they dominated the Bengals, holding them to just 89 yards of total offense. But the Bengals came out firing in the second half, outgaining the Chiefs 216-106 and scoring 17 unanswered points.

Mahomes finished the game 29-of-43 for 326 yards, one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 26 yards. Chase led the Bengals with nine catches for 119 yards and one touchdown.

The Chiefs’ defense was led by linebacker Nick Bolton, who had 12 tackles and one sack. Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed also had a strong game, with eight tackles and one interception.

The Chiefs are now 7-0 in the playoffs under Mahomes. They will be looking to win their second Super Bowl in three years when they face the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.