Nancy Turner
Dec 31, 2023 - 11:45

Ja'Marr Chase history vs. Chiefs: WR can back up trash talk

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is active for Week 17's game against the Kansas City Chiefs after some trash talk.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been given the green light to back up his recent trash talk. He was questionable going into Sunday's game with a shoulder injury, but he is active for the Week 17 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Chase, a two-time Pro Bowler, recently offered a direct assessment of the Chiefs' secondary, saying that nothing stood out about them. He didn't hold back in his criticism, stating that the Chiefs just know how to play them and don't have a top-of-the-line, lockdown cornerback.

The Bengals and the Chiefs have a heated rivalry, having faced off in the last two AFC Championships. The Bengals have also won the last two regular-season meetings between the teams. Chase's comments have added spice to an already fiery matchup, and the Bengals are hoping to continue their winning streak against the Chiefs.

Chase's confidence in calling out the Chiefs' defense has raised some eyebrows, including those of Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. However, the third-year pro has a track record of living up to his strong words. In his first two regular-season meetings against the Chiefs, Chase has put up impressive numbers. Despite the absence of Pro Bowl quarterback Joe Burrow, Chase continues to perform well, with 93 catches for 1,156 yards and seven scores going into Sunday's game.

Backup QB Jake Browning, who has been throwing to Chase for more than a month, has earned praise from the Kansas City side. His performance could be crucial for the Bengals in staying in the playoff race. With Browning leading the way, Cincinnati has won three of its last four games to stay in the Wild Card hunt. However, a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week makes a Bengals playoff trip unlikely, though not impossible.

The Bengals have roughly a 17 percent chance of reaching the postseason, while the Chiefs can clinch a playoff berth and the AFC West division title with a win or tie against the Bengals. The Arrowhead Crowd may love nothing more than clinching at home in front of Chase and the Bengals.