How the Bengals can overcome primetime woes against Chiefs
By Ian Wharton
The marquee matchup of Week 7 of the 2018 NFL season features two top-notch AFC teams. The 4-2 Cincinnati Bengals have the chance to exorcise their primetime demons against the 5-1 Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
The NFL flexed the best matchup of Week 7 into Sunday Night Football’s primetime spot. The Cincinnati Bengals will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. On face value it appears to be a tall task for the young Bengals.
Vegas has the Chiefs as six-point favorites for good reason. Even in a loss to the New England Patriots, the Chiefs could have hung more than 50 points had Mahomes hit two pressured but reasonable red zone throws. The Chiefs’ offense is a powerhouse that presents issues for every defensive scheme and group and personnel in the league.
After looking at each game for the Bengals and Chiefs thus far, this game doesn’t have to be Marvin Lewis’ 33rd loss in 43 primetime football contests. Lewis’ distinct struggles in big games hasn’t been for a lack of roster talent, but rather the inflexibility of his tenure. The Bengals don’t tend to deviate from their norm and it’s costly against higher-caliber teams.
Despite this, there are three distinct ways the Bengals can stay within their identity and overcome the Chiefs. Let’s jump in.