You know how some things just feel like a movie script? That’s basically every single time Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes step onto the same patch of grass. If you’re looking for the Bengals vs Chiefs score from their most recent clash, you’re looking at a 26-25 heartbreaker that went the way of Kansas City.
Honestly, it’s getting a bit ridiculous.
These two teams can’t just play a normal, boring game of football. No, it always has to come down to a kick, a flag, or a soul-crushing turnover. In their last meeting on September 15, 2024, at Arrowhead, it was Harrison Butker—who else?—nailing a 51-yard field goal as the clock hit zero. It left Cincinnati fans staring at their TVs in that specific kind of stunned silence only the Chiefs can induce.
Breaking Down That 26-25 Scoreline
Let's get into the weeds of how we actually got to that 26-25 final. Most people remember the ending, but the middle was a mess of brilliant defense and uncharacteristic mistakes.
The Bengals actually led 16-10 at halftime. Evan McPherson was doing his usual thing, knocking through three field goals, and Joe Burrow found Andrei Iosivas for a touchdown. It felt like Cincinnati had the formula. They were frustating Mahomes. They were making him look human.
Then the second half happened.
Mahomes did something you don't see every day: he threw a touchdown pass to Wanya Morris. Yes, the 300-plus pound offensive tackle. It was one of those classic Andy Reid "why would you even try that?" plays that worked perfectly. But the real turning point was a fumble. Burrow got sacked, the ball popped loose, and Chamarri Conner scooped it up for a 38-yard touchdown return.
Even with that, the Bengals fought back. McPherson hit a 53-yarder to put Cincy up 25-23 late in the fourth.
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The Flag That Changed Everything
You can't talk about the Bengals vs Chiefs score without talking about the 4th-and-16.
Kansas City was basically dead. They were staring down a massive fourth down with the game on the line. Mahomes threw a prayer toward Rashee Rice, and the ball fell incomplete. For a split second, Cincinnati thought they won.
Then came the yellow laundry.
A pass interference call on rookie safety Daijahn Anthony gave the Chiefs a fresh set of downs and moved them right into field goal range. Was it a fair call? Depending on who you ask in Ohio, it was either a legitimate foul or a total gift. Regardless, it set the stage for Butker to do what Butker does.
Notable Performances from the 26-25 Game
- Joe Burrow: 23/36 for 258 yards and 2 touchdowns. He played almost flawlessly, except for that one devastating fumble.
- Patrick Mahomes: 18/25 for 151 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Statistically, it was one of his worst games, but he found a way.
- Trey Hendrickson: He was a nightmare for the KC offensive line, bagging two sacks and living in the backfield.
- Rashee Rice: 5 catches for 75 yards and a massive 44-yard touchdown.
A History of Three-Point Games
If you feel like the Bengals vs Chiefs score is always the same, you’re not crazy. Before this one-point nail-biter, the previous four games were all decided by exactly three points.
Think back to the January 2022 AFC Championship. The Bengals came back from a 21-3 deficit to win 27-24 in overtime. Then the Chiefs got their revenge in the 2023 AFC Championship with a 23-20 win, aided by a late hit out of bounds that set up—you guessed it—a Harrison Butker field goal.
It’s a pattern. These teams are essentially mirrors of each other. Cincinnati has the "ice in the veins" composure of Burrow, and Kansas City has the "magic out of nowhere" capability of Mahomes.
Why This Rivalry Hits Different
Most NFL rivalries are about geography or decades of hatred. This one is different. It's about the throne.
For years, the Chiefs were the undisputed kings of the AFC. Then Joe Burrow showed up and started beating them. He’s one of the few quarterbacks who doesn’t seem intimidated by the noise at Arrowhead.
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There's a lot of trash talk, too. Remember "Burrowhead"? The Chiefs certainly did. They used that as fuel for an entire offseason. Even when the stars are being respectful in press conferences, you can feel the tension. It’s the kind of game where players are hitting just a little bit harder.
What to Watch for in the Next Matchup
Whenever these two meet again, don't look at the season records. Cincinnati could be 0-10 and Kansas City could be 10-0, and it would still probably end up being a 24-21 game decided in the final minute.
Keep an eye on the injury reports, though. In the 26-25 game, Isiah Pacheco suffered a fractured fibula, which changed how the Chiefs had to play for weeks afterward. The Bengals were also missing Tee Higgins, which forced Iosivas into a bigger role.
If you're betting on the next one, or just trying to sound smart at the sports bar, remember that the margin for error is zero. One holding penalty or one dropped pass is usually the difference between a win and a long flight home.
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Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Check the Line: If you see a spread larger than 3.5 points for this matchup, the "underdog" is almost always the smart play. These games are statistically destined to be close.
- Follow the Trenches: Don't just watch the QBs. Watch Trey Hendrickson vs the Chiefs' tackles. That’s where the Bengals win these games.
- Watch the Clock: The Chiefs are masters of the "two-minute drill." If the Bengals leave Mahomes more than 45 seconds on the clock at the end of the half or the game, the lead isn't safe.
- Review the Injury Report: Both teams have a history of key players (like Higgins or Pacheco) missing these specific head-to-head battles, which drastically shifts the offensive schemes.