The Third Anniversary of Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ Historic AFC Championship Victory
Today, January 30th, marks the three-year anniversary of one of the greatest comebacks in AFC Championship history. On this day in 2022, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals overcame a daunting 21-3 deficit late in the second quarter to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Burrow’s remarkable performance solidified his reputation as “Joe Sheisty” and ushered in a new era of AFC quarterback rivalries. Three years later, the Burrow-Mahomes rivalry remains the NFL’s premier quarterback showdown.
A Defining Moment in NFL History
Last week, when ranking the Top 10 Conference Championship Games since the AFL-NFL merger, I placed the 2021 Bengals-Chiefs AFC Championship at No. 9. The significance of this game extends beyond the dramatic comeback; it marked the beginning of an AFC arms race at quarterback and the birth of the league’s most exciting quarterback rivalry. The Burrow-Mahomes rivalry stands out because of its sheer unpredictability. In their five matchups to date, Burrow leads the series 3-2, with victories in both the regular season and playoffs. With each encounter bringing a different storyline, fans are left on the edge of their seats, unsure of what will happen next.
Bengals’ Underdog Story
Cincinnati embraced the underdog role throughout the 2021 season. Despite trailing by double digits in both their regular-season and AFC Championship matchups against the Chiefs, the Bengals pulled off thrilling comeback victories on game-winning field goals by Evan McPherson. Even after these triumphs, they entered their 2022 regular-season rematch as underdogs, yet they prevailed once again, winning 27-24.
Heading into the 2022 AFC Championship, many analysts expected the Bengals to repeat their success, especially with Patrick Mahomes playing through a high-ankle sprain. However, Mahomes showcased his resilience, leading the Chiefs to a narrow 23-20 victory. In their most recent battle, Cincinnati once again outplayed Kansas City for much of the game, but a controversial pass interference call on 4th-and-16 allowed the Chiefs to escape with a 51-yard game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker. These nail-biting finishes are what make this rivalry the best in the league.
Burrow vs. Mahomes: The NFL’s Best Quarterback Rivalry
Joe Burrow has delivered some of his most memorable performances against the Chiefs. In their 2021 regular-season meeting, he torched Kansas City for 446 yards and four touchdowns. In the AFC Championship that year, he orchestrated a go-ahead fourth-quarter drive and then led a game-winning drive in overtime. The following season, he completed 25 of 31 passes for 286 yards and two touchdowns in another Bengals victory, adding 46 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Mahomes, however, has also had his moments. In the 2022 AFC Championship, he threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns despite being hobbled by a high-ankle sprain. That game was the last time the Chiefs lost in the playoffs. Since then, Kansas City has won back-to-back Super Bowls and is now aiming for a historic three-peat in Super Bowl LIX. Burrow remains one of only two quarterbacks to beat Mahomes in the playoffs—the other being Tom Brady, who defeated him in the 2018 AFC Championship and Super Bowl LV.
Comparing Quarterback Rivalries: Burrow-Mahomes vs. Allen-Mahomes
While Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes have produced some thrilling matchups, their rivalry lacks the unpredictability that defines Burrow-Mahomes. Allen has won four straight regular-season matchups against Mahomes, but Mahomes is a perfect 4-0 against Allen in the playoffs. The consistency in outcomes diminishes the rivalry’s intrigue.
Additionally, several Allen-Mahomes matchups have been decided by multiple scores. This season’s regular-season game ended in a nine-point Bills victory. In 2021, Buffalo defeated Kansas City 38-20. Both of their 2020 meetings, including the AFC Championship, were decided by double digits.
In contrast, every Burrow-Mahomes clash has been decided by three points or fewer. Their most recent meeting was decided by a single point. The combination of uncertainty, elite quarterback play, and razor-thin margins cements Burrow-Mahomes as the best quarterback rivalry in the NFL.
Looking Ahead: More Battles to Come
The Bengals and Chiefs may not face off in the 2025 regular season, but another playoff showdown is certainly on the table. As long as Burrow and Mahomes are at the helm of their respective franchises, this rivalry will continue to deliver unforgettable moments. Whether it’s in the regular season or the playoffs, fans can expect the unexpected whenever these two superstars take the field.
Three years after the Bengals’ stunning AFC Championship victory, one thing remains clear: the Burrow-Mahomes rivalry is the gold standard of quarterback matchups in the NFL.
