AFC Championship Game 2021
Bengals rally from 18 down to reach Super Bowl LVI
The 2021 AFC Championship Game was played between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bengals defeated the Chiefs 27–24 in overtime, advancing to Super Bowl LVI.
- Location
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Opponent
- Kansas City Chiefs
Lore & Background
The Bengals' 18-point comeback in this game matched a record previously set by the 2006 Indianapolis Colts.
In Their Own Story
The cold January air inside Lucas Oil Stadium felt heavy with expectation. Joe Burrow stood in the huddle, his breath visible, scanning the Bills' defensive formation. The scoreboard read 17-3, a deficit that had haunted Cincinnati before. But this time, the script was different. With seconds ticking away on the clock and the crowd roaring like a storm, Burrow dropped back. He saw Ja'Marr Chase break free in the corner of the end zone, a sliver of space against a sea of defenders. The spiral was perfect. As the ball landed in Chase's outstretched hand, the stadium erupted, not just for the points, but for the realization that the Bengals had finally conquered their demons and were heading to the Super Bowl.
Reader's Guide
The Bengals defeated the second-seeded Kansas City Chiefs 27–24 in overtime in the AFC Championship Game. This marked their first AFC Championship win since 1988.
Did You Know?
- The Bengals' 18-point comeback matched a record previously set by the 2006 Indianapolis Colts.
- This was the Bengals' first AFC Championship win since 1988.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the 2021 AFC Championship Game played?
The match occurred on January 31, 2022, inside Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This neutral site location hosted the decisive battle between the Bengals and the Bills.
Who did the Cincinnati Bengals face in this championship game?
They competed against the Buffalo Bills, who were the defending AFC champions at the time. The Bengals emerged victorious with a final score of 26-17.
Which player was named the most valuable player for the victory?
Quarterback Joe Burrow received MVP recognition for his leadership during the contest. He successfully navigated the offense against a formidable Bills defense despite past injuries.
What major milestone did this win achieve for the franchise?
This triumph sent Cincinnati to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1988. It capped off a remarkable season that included a significant offensive turnaround.
Which team did the Bengals play next after winning this game?
Following this victory, the team advanced to face the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI. This matchup represented the culmination of their playoff run for the 2021 season.
More in Honours & Records
Elsewhere in the Cincinnati Bengals universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record