2022 AFC Championship Game Bengals vs Chiefs
Bengals fall to Chiefs in AFC Championship rematch
The 2022 season was the Cincinnati Bengals' 53rd in the National Football League (NFL), their 55th overall, and their fourth under head coach Zac Taylor. After an 0–2 start, the Bengals quickly turned around, winning 12 out of their last 14 games to match their franchise best record of 12–4. The Bengals improved upon their 10–7 record from the previous season and clinched the AFC North title for the second straight year. Cincinnati's Week 17 game against Buffalo was declared a no-contest after Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest, resulting in only 16 games played. Despite the incident, they won the AFC North and won their last game to finish 12–4, tied for the best record in the history of the franchise. However, as a result of the cancellation they were deprived of the chance to get the two seed and risked losing home advantage if they lost their last game and coin toss to the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers beat the Denver Broncos. Instead, they defeated Baltimore 27–16 to avoid that situation.
- date
- January 30, 2022
- venue
- Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
- final_score
- Chiefs 27, Bengals 24 (OT)
- mvp
- Patrick Mahomes
- key_play
- Isiah Pacheco's game-winning touchdown run in overtime
- bengals_record_at_stake
- First Super Bowl appearance since XXIII
Lore & Background
The Bengals faced Kansas City in Arrowhead Stadium for a rematch of the previous year's contest and found themselves tied 20–20 late into the fourth quarter. However, a personal foul penalty by defensive end Joseph Ossai on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes would aid a late Kansas City field goal attempt and the Bengals ultimately lost 23–20 to the eventual Super Bowl LVII champions.
In Their Own Story
The cold January air inside Lucas Oil Stadium felt heavy with anticipation as Joe Burrow wiped sweat from his brow, staring down at the field that had just witnessed a miracle. The crowd was a sea of orange and black, their cheers vibrating through the concrete floor, believing this was finally their year. As the clock ticked into overtime, the silence was deafening, broken only by the snap of the ball and the roar of the stadium as Harrison Butker lined up for the kick that would decide destiny.
Reader's Guide
The Bengals defeated Baltimore 24–17 in the Wild Card round. The most notable play was a fumble recovery and 98-yard touchdown return by defensive end Sam Hubbard after linebacker Logan Wilson stripped the ball from Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley on a quarterback sneak. The following week, the Bengals traveled to face Buffalo. Despite Buffalo's home-field advantage and snowy conditions, the Bengals prevailed 27–10. With the win, they advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive year, a first in franchise history.
Did You Know?
- The Bengals advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the second consecutive year, a first in franchise history.
- The Bengals lost the AFC Championship Game 23–20 to the Kansas City Chiefs, who went on to win Super Bowl LVII.
- A personal foul penalty by defensive end Joseph Ossai on Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes aided a late Kansas City field goal attempt.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where was the 2022 AFC Championship Game played?
This matchup took place on January 30, 2022, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. It served as a high-stakes showdown between two division rivals vying for the conference title.
Why is this game considered iconic for Bengals history?
It represented Cincinnati's first return to the Super Bowl since 1989, revitalizing hope among the fanbase. Despite the loss, the performance kept the championship dream alive for another season.
What was the final score and outcome of the match?
The Kansas City Chiefs won 27 to 24 after the teams played through overtime. This result sent Mahomes to the Super Bowl while ending Burrow's playoff run in heartbreaking fashion.
Who was named the Most Valuable Player of the game?
Patrick Mahomes received the MVP award for his performance leading the Chiefs offense. His leadership proved crucial during the critical moments that secured the victory.
What play ultimately decided the winner in overtime?
Isiah Pacheco ran for a touchdown to give Kansas City the game-winning points. This specific moment remains one of the most painful memories for Bengals supporters following their regular season success.
More in Iconic Matches & Games
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