Halftime Observations: Bengals Trailing Chiefs 28-17 in Shootout at Paul Brown Stadium

Cincinnati is one win away from clinching their first AFC North title since 2015.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals trail the Chiefs 28-17 at halftime. 

Kansas City's offense has put on a show. Patrick Mahomes has completed 16-of-20 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. 

Here are our halftime observations:

Chiefs Explosion

Kansas City's offense was unstoppable after punting on their first drive. They moved the ball up-and-down the field against Cincinnati's defense. 

Mahomes led the Chiefs on four-straight touchdown drives. They converted 4-of-6 third downs and were 1-for-1 on fourth down over that span. 

The only time Kansas City didn't score a touchdown was on their first and final drives of the half. 

Burrow to Chase

The Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase connection is alive and well. 

Chase has five receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. Burrow continues to lean on him in critical moments. 

The rookie wide-out also drew two key pass interference penalties on third down that extended drives. 

Burrow has completed 15-of-21 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns. 

Watch both of Chase's touchdowns here. 

Missed Opportunity

Bengals cornerback Eli Apple nearly intercepted Mahomes late in the first quarter, but the ball bounced off his hands and hit the ground. It would've been an over the shoulder grab, but it's a catch Apple should've and could've made. 

The Chiefs scored a touchdown five plays later. 

The Bengals Will Win If...

They force a turnover or two on defense and continue to produce explosive plays on offense. 

Cincinnati got off to a slow start, but Burrow and Chase have kept them in it. 

They need to keep Burrow upright long enough for him to continue to get the ball to their playmakers. He's been sacked twice and hit five times. It's also worth noting that Quinton Spain suffered a right leg injury late in the second half. 

Joe Mixon only has four carries for 28 yards. Getting him more involved could take pressure off of a defense that has struggled against Mahomes all game long. 

The Bengals receive the second half kickoff. Scoring a touchdown on that drive will be crucial to their chances of coming back to win this game. 

Make sure you bookmark All Bengals for the latest NFL news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

You May Also Like:

Bengals Veteran Praises Burrow, Believes Team Can Make Playoff Run

Key Matchups: Cincinnati Bengals vs Kansas City Chiefs

Former Ravens Star Takes Aim at Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor

Analyzing the Bengals' Path to the Playoffs

Film Breakdown: Analyzing Joe Burrow's Three Elite Traits

Bengals Assistant Mentioned as Candidate for Head Coaching Jobs

Joe Burrow Gave Icy Present to Entire Bengals' Offensive Line

Here's How Brandon Allen's Positive Test Impacts Joe Burrow

Bengals' Offense Sets NFL Record With Two Games Left

Five Takeaways From the Bengals' Win Over the Ravens

Listen: The Best Radio Calls From the Bengals' Win Over the Ravens

Joe Burrow Weighs in on Late Game Passing Against the Ravens

Three Down Look at the Bengals' Win Over the Ravens

Winners and Losers From the Bengals' Win Over the Ravens

Watch: Bengals Celebrate Blowout Win Over Ravens

Postgame Observations: Bengals Crush Ravens, Move into First Place

Joe Burrow Joins Elite List After Dominant Performance Against Ravens

Bengals Players Making an Impact Off the Field This Holiday Season

Snubbed: Cincinnati's Best Defensive Player Left Out of the Pro Bowl

Three Bengals Named to 2022 Pro Bowl

Film Breakdown: Analyzing the Bengals' Elite Pass Rush

Zac Taylor Discusses Decision to Run Ball on 3rd-and-8

Zac Taylor Made Right Call in Final Minutes Against Broncos

Eli Apple and Jerry Jeudy Take Shots at Each Other After Bengals' Win

-----

Be sure to keep it locked on All Bengals all the time!

Subscribe to the All Bengals YouTube channel
Follow AllBengals on Twitter: @AllBengals

Like and follow All Bengals on Facebook