Mahomes vs. Burrow: Will Chiefs-Bengals Reignite as NFL’s Top Rivalry in 2025?
In the ever-evolving narrative of the National Football League, rivalries are the lifeblood that fuels fan engagement and provides the backdrop for unforgettable moments. As the 2025 season approaches, one question looms large: Will the burgeoning clash between Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs and Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals reclaim its spot as the league’s premier rivalry?
Three years ago, on January 30th, the Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, orchestrated a historic comeback against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship. Overcoming a 21-3 deficit, Burrow cemented his “Joe Sheisty” persona, propelling the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in decades. That game not only ignited an arms race of quarterbacks in the AFC but also sparked what many believed would be the next great NFL rivalry.
A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
At the heart of this potential rivalry are two of the game’s brightest stars: Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. Mahomes, with his improvisational wizardry and no-look passes, has already etched his name among the NFL’s elite. Burrow, possessing a steely resolve and pinpoint accuracy, has quickly ascended to the upper echelon of quarterbacks.
Their head-to-head matchups have been nothing short of captivating. In their five encounters, Burrow holds a 3-2 edge over Mahomes. Burrow also boasts a 3-2 record against the Chiefs, including a 27-24 victory in the 2021 AFC Championship game. Burrow’s success against Mahomes initially saw him start his career with a 3-0 record against the Chiefs’ star quarterback. However, Mahomes has since evened the score, winning their last two meetings, including the 2023 AFC Championship. Each of their first four contests was decided by a mere three points, with two of those games having Super Bowl implications.
Mahomes vs. Bengals: By the Numbers
- Record: 4-3 (including postseason)
- Completion Percentage: 68.9%
- Average Passing Yards: 280.7
- Touchdowns: 13
- Interceptions: 3
Burrow vs. Chiefs: By the Numbers
- Record: 3-2 (including postseason)
- Completion Percentage: 69.8% in his first four games
- Average Passing Yards: 313 in his first two regular-season games
- Touchdowns: 9
- Interceptions: 3
The Unpredictability Factor
What makes the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry so compelling is its inherent unpredictability. As noted by SportsGrid, all of their recent matchups have been decided by a mere three points, highlighting the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat. Whether it’s Burrow leading a furious comeback or Mahomes engineering a game-winning drive, these games consistently deliver high drama and unforgettable moments.
In a Week 17 shootout at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Burrow torched the Chiefs’ defense for 446 yards and four touchdowns, forming an unstoppable connection with Ja’Marr Chase, who hauled in 11 catches for 266 yards and three scores. Despite Mahomes throwing for 259 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, Burrow orchestrated a second-half rally, capped off by a 69-yard touchdown pass to Chase and a game-winning field goal by Evan McPherson as time expired.
The Road Ahead in 2025
While the Chiefs and Bengals aren’t currently scheduled to face each other in the 2025 regular season, the possibility of a playoff showdown looms large. Both teams are expected to be contenders in the AFC, and a postseason clash would undoubtedly reignite the rivalry and provide another chapter in their ongoing saga.
However, both teams face challenges heading into the 2025 season. The Chiefs, despite their recent success, are facing questions about their aging core and the need to retool their roster. Key contributors like Travis Kelce and Chris Jones are entering the twilight of their careers, and the team must find ways to replace their production.
Meanwhile, the Bengals are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 9-8 season in 2024, which saw them miss the playoffs. Cincinnati’s defense was average at best last season. They ranked 19th in rushing defense and 22nd in passing defense. And they ranked an unsustainable 25th in points allowed, giving up 25.5 pts per game.
The Verdict
Whether the Chiefs-Bengals rivalry reclaims its spot as the NFL’s top rivalry in 2025 remains to be seen. However, the ingredients are certainly there: two elite quarterbacks, a history of close games, and the potential for high stakes matchups in the playoffs. As long as Mahomes and Burrow are leading their respective teams, this rivalry will continue to captivate NFL fans and shape the landscape of the AFC.