Five historic storylines for Chiefs, Bengals in AFC Championship

4. It’s the first time that Mahomes is a home dog in the playoffs.

It seems crazy that the Chiefs had never been an underdog at home until earlier this season during the Mahomes/Reid regime. Now, Mahomes is going to have that underdog experience for the first time at home in the playoffs. Once again, this one is a legacy builder for Mahomes. The idea that he is not expected to win in his own stadium en route to a Super Bowl seems difficult to wrap your arms around.

A victory for the Chiefs here could not be ignored and would make the Chiefs both notorious and respected in a way that no team has been since Brady and Belichick’s Patriots.

5. “Burrowhead”

The Bengals have every right to talk trash about the Chiefs until Kansas City beats them. No matter how disappointing or uncomfortable that is, it’s the truth. However, Mike Hilton dared to look into a camera and call the loudest stadium in the world with the most loyal fanbase: “Burrowhead.”

Perhaps it’s the swagger that they want to showcase for the Chiefs so that it may strike fear in the hearts of their opponent. Or, maybe it’s just blatant disrespect. Either way, this will be remembered beyond this week’s game.

Not only is this game a determining factor for who represents the AFC in the Super Bowl, but it is also a line drawn in the sand to determine, once and for all, which team has the most guts. Expect this one to be more physical than any game you have seen all season and for there to be real commentary about the “Burrowhead” remark. Fans and team personnel alike will not forget that statement as we navigate this journey together.

No matter how you look at this game, it has truly historic implications.