Chase Ranks Bengals-Chiefs Rivalry Above Steelers Matchup

The Bengals and Steelers are both 6-2 entering Sunday night’s game, and the victor will stand alone atop the AFC North. But Ja’Marr Chase said on November 12 that Pittsburgh’s rivalry with Cincinnati does not match the Bengals’ rivalry with Kansas City when both teams are strong.

Asked where Pittsburgh ranked among his career rivalries, Chase called it “pretty up there” and said he did not have a No. 1. When asked directly whether the Steelers matchup was on par with Cincinnati’s meetings with the Chiefs, he answered no and placed the Kansas City rivalry “way higher.”

Chase’s most memorable Chiefs games include a 34-31 Bengals win during his rookie season. He hauled in 11 receptions totaling 266 yards, adding three scores, as Cincinnati overcame three 14-point deficits and secured the AFC North with Evan McPherson’s field goal as time expired.

The teams met again four weeks later in the AFC Championship Game, with a Super Bowl berth at stake. Cincinnati rallied from a 21-3 deficit to win 27-24 in overtime. Kansas City won the next season’s AFC Championship Game, 23-20, on a field goal as time expired.

Sunday’s meeting has its own division stakes. Cincinnati is seeking a fifth consecutive win and aiming to avoid losing both season matchups with Pittsburgh for the first time since 2023.