Bengals vs. Chiefs prediction, odds, picks for NFL Week 2

We are back for Week 2 of NFL action and want to bring you all our betting predictions and tips for the upcoming matchups. This next game will be a rematch of the 2021 AFC Championship as the Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) compete against the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs (1-0). It’s time to continue our NFL odds series with a Bengals-Chiefs prediction and pick.

The Cincinnati Bengals enter Week 2 as the most surprising 0-1 team following their loss to the New England Patriots. The Bengals were -7.5 point favorites and didn't look like themselves during the 10-16 loss. They have been known for slow starts in the past, but Joe Burrow and his receivers won't have much time to adjust when they face the raucous crowd at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Kansas City Chiefs started the new NFL season 1-0 after beating the Baltimore Ravens at home earlier in the season. They narrowly avoided late comebacks from the Ravens and will be looking forward to carrying their momentum into this game. They enter the game as betting favorites for the second year in a row.

Here are the NFL odds, courtesy of FanDuel.

NFL Odds: Bengals-Chiefs Odds

Cincinnati Bengals: +5.5 (-110)

Money line: +205

Kansas City Chiefs: -5.5 (-110)

Money line: -250

Over: 47.5 (-115)

Under: 47.5 (-105)

How to watch Bengals vs. Chiefs

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET/ 1:25 p.m. PT

TV: CBS, Paramount+, fuboTV

Stream: fuboTV (Free Trial)

Why the Bengals could cover/win the spread

The Cincinnati Bengals looked completely out of shape in their first game of the season, and it's clear that players like Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are still trying to get their chemistry together after not appearing in any preseason replays. Joe Burrow was visibly rusty in his return to the game, managing just 164 total yards on 21 of 29 attempts and no real throws on the field. Zack Moss was the clear beneficiary of a backfield that initially seemed to be a joint effort between him and Chase Brown, but they should see more production in the next few games. The Bengals are used to starts like this, and it's only a matter of time before Burrow and Chase get back into the swing of things.

The Bengals defense allowed 120 yards of running to Patriots' Rhamondre Stevenson last week, and they will certainly need to bolster their front line to keep Isiah Pacheco from doing the same. Kansas City showed some glaring holes in its middling pass defense against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, so Joe Burrow should have some opportunities to let the ball fly and find his receivers for big yardage plays. Still, protecting their quarterback and controlling the offensive line will be key in this game, as the Chiefs' pass rush could derail their plans.

Why the Chiefs could cover/win the spread

The Kansas City Chiefs looked like the reigning Super Bowl champions in their victory over the Baltimore Ravens, and even though the game was a little extra for their opponents, the Chiefs managed to get the job done and walk away with the resounding victory. While Travis Kelce wasn't as big a factor as he usually is, receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy made their impact through the air and their speed immediately apparent. With two touchdowns in just three touches, Xavier Worthy already looks like a dangerous weapon in Andy Reid's offense, and it will be interesting to see what creative ways they use him in this season. Patrick Mahomes also looked his usual self and is ready to give this team its first consecutive three-peat victory in the Super Bowl era.

Isiah Pacheco was also very important to the Chiefs' game plan in Week 1, and although the offensive line didn't give him the most running opportunities, he is usually solid at running through contact and gaining extra yards while defenders are hanging on him. Kansas City's defensive line was also very impressive in Week 1, as they managed to something Keep Lamar Jackson under control and force some broken plays by moving into the backfield. If they can apply the same pressure to Burrow and the Bengals, they should start the season 2-0.

Final Bengals-Chiefs Prediction and Pick

This will be an intriguing matchup given the history of these two teams, but we see both teams with different chemistry to start the season. The Chiefs look to pick up right where they left off, and while they had some struggles during their narrow Week 1 win, they will only get better as the season progresses and find their offensive rhythm.

The Cincinnati Bengals are still waiting to find their rhythm, and this start is typical of what we've seen from this team. Don't expect their struggles to last too long, but this is a rough week for the visiting returning Super Bowl champions.

For our final prediction, we have to rely on the Kansas City Chiefs to cover this spread at home. Their defensive line was very active against the Ravens and I believe they will give Joe Burrow some trouble getting the ball out of the pocket. Ultimately, we believe the Chiefs win this game by a touchdown.

Final Bengals-Chiefs prediction and pick: Kansas City Chiefs -5.5 (-110)