In the battle for the AFC on Sunday, we've got the new generation of QB talent, plus the first appearance in over 30 years of a Super Bowl-worthy Bengals.
The New Generation Clashes: Best QB v. Future Best QB?
Current Best QB: Patrick Mahomes
The best quarterback in the league right now is Patrick Mahomes. In case of doubt, a quick throwback to last weekend: He orchestrated 3 final drives that saved the game for the Chiefs, keeping them in Super Bowl contention. Performance under pressure, athleticism, charisma - There's a reason every advertiser in America wants a piece.
That said, his season hasn't been without its turbulence. He went through a midseason struggle that caused questions about consistency. And there started the speculation, especially around how off-field drama might be affecting his performance: his wife & brother have become the two "love-to-hate" faces of what's wrong with the Tiktok generation.
Future best QB: Joe Burrow?
Bengals' quarterback Joe Burrow is poised to take some mindshare from Mahomes as QB supreme. What we're seeing from the first full season of the 2020 #1 draft pick has been a pure acceleration. He's broken franchise records this season, with 4611 passing yards and 34 passing touchdowns.
He's also got the intangibles: A work ethic that refuses to see himself as an underdog and some pretty charming chemistry with his teammates. A lot of folks would love to see him succeed.
Who Dey: The Bengals are Winners Now
After 31 years, the rains have come to Cincinnati. This playoff run has ended some serious droughts:
First Playoff win since 1990
First Divisional Playoff win since 1988
It's a new look for Cincinnati, but one we should all get used to. We already talked about Joe Burrow. The other half of the Bengals rebirth is Ja'Marr Chase. He & Burrow were college teammates at LSU and have immediately replicated their college football success on the NFL stage. It's clear that they're hungry, and they've only just gotten started.