Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Reignites AFC Rivalry with Patrick Mahomes Snub

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has reignited the budding rivalry between his team and the Kansas City Chiefs by controversially stating that Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes is not the NFL's top player.

The AFC rivalry between the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs has taken a spicy turn, thanks to outspoken Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. In a recent NFL social media clip, Chase was asked to name the No. 1 player on the league's 2024 Top 100 list. To everyone's surprise, Chase refused to acknowledge the reigning Super Bowl champion quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has held the coveted title two years in a row.

Instead, Chase boldly declared that his teammate, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, was the true No. 1. "I'm not saying him," Chase said of Mahomes. "I give credit when it's due, but I'm not saying his name. … I'm not saying his name, brother. I'm sorry. Joe Burrow — I'm not saying that guy's name."

Chase's comments not only hinted at a growing rivalry between the Chiefs and Bengals, but also a budding personal rivalry between Mahomes and Burrow. Burrow, widely regarded as one of the league's elite quarterbacks outside of Kansas City, has emerged as a formidable challenger to Mahomes' dominance in the AFC.

"He's good. He's amazing," Chase said of Mahomes, with a hint of grudging respect. "Not gonna lie, I'm salty, though. I'm a little salty. Two years in a row — I'm putting Burrow first."

The Bengals and Chiefs have met in the AFC Championship Game twice in the past two seasons, with each team claiming a victory. The Chiefs prevailed in the 2022 AFC Championship Game, ending the Bengals' hopes of a Super Bowl appearance.

Last season, the Bengals suffered a setback when Burrow suffered a season-ending hand injury in November. However, with Burrow now healthy and sporting a flashy new haircut, Chase is determined to keep the rivalry alive.

The animosity between the Chiefs and Bengals has cooled somewhat since the Bengals' playoff exit, but Chase's latest comments have added fuel to the fire. The NFL world eagerly awaits the next chapter in this burgeoning rivalry, as the Chiefs and Bengals gear up for another season of fierce competition.