Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs: 2024 Week 2 Recap

Game story

In Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season on 2024-09-15, the Kansas City Chiefs took care of business against the Cincinnati Bengals, pulling away with a 26–25 final that came down to the wire.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.

J. Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) paced the passing game, with +2.60 total EPA, and +4.9% completion percentage over expected.

On the individual side, M. Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +8.04 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.

The momentum swing (+48.6% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Kansas City Chiefs changed the game: (:03) 7-H.Butker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.

1. 1 M. Gesicki · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +8.04 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.89 EPA/play
2. 2 A. Iosivas · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.66 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
3. 3 R. Rice · Kansas City Chiefs · Receiving · +3.88 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.65 EPA/play
4. 4 J. Burton · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.78 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.39 EPA/play
5. 5 J. Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +2.60 total EPA · 44 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
6. 6 D. Sample · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.16 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.72 EPA/play
7. 7 C. Steele · Kansas City Chiefs · Rushing · +2.11 total EPA · 7 snaps · +0.30 EPA/play
8. 8 C. Brown · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +1.67 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.42 EPA/play

Player of the game

FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

• Cincinnati Bengals — A. Iosivas (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 42:09)
• Kansas City Chiefs — R. Rice (P. Mahomes pass) (Q2 38:57)
• Kansas City Chiefs — W. Morris (P. Mahomes pass) (Q3 23:25)
• Cincinnati Bengals — A. Iosivas (J. Burrow pass) (Q3 17:22)
• Kansas City Chiefs — C. Conner (Q4 14:52)

Field goals

• Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson (Q1 55:44)
• Kansas City Chiefs — H. Butker (Q1 47:13)
• Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson (Q2 34:23)
• Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson (Q2 31:37)
• Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson (Q2 31:33)
• Cincinnati Bengals — E. McPherson (Q4 9:33)
• Kansas City Chiefs — H. Butker (Q4 0:03)
• Kansas City Chiefs — unlisted player (Q4 0:00)

How it unfolded, quarter by quarter

A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.

The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the KC 4 (Q1 55:44) — (10:44) 2-E.McPherson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal from the CIN 1 (Q1 47:13) — (2:13) 7-H.Butker 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza..

The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 16–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the KC 4 (Q2 42:09) — (12:09) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the KC 15 (Q2 42:04) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Kansas City Chiefs found the end zone from the CIN 44 (Q2 38:57) — (8:57) (Shotgun) 15-P.Mahomes pass deep left to 4-R.Rice for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Kansas City Chiefs added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 38:50) — 7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the KC 15 (Q2 34:23) — (4:23) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the KC 30 (Q2 31:37) — (1:37) 2-E.McPherson 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the CIN 35 (Q2 31:33) — 2-E.McPherson kicks 65 yards from CIN 35 to end zone, Touchback to the KC 30..

The third quarter: Kansas City Chiefs won the period 7–6. Kansas City Chiefs found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q3 23:25) — (8:25) (Shotgun) 64-W.Morris and 54-L.Chenal reported in as eligible. 15-P.Mahomes pass short right to 64-W.Morris for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Kansas City Chiefs added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q3 23:21) — 7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the KC 3 (Q3 17:22) — (2:22) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

The fourth quarter: Kansas City Chiefs won the period 12–3. Kansas City Chiefs found the end zone from the KC 66 (Q4 14:52); Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the KC 35 (Q4 9:33) — (9:33) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal from the CIN 32 (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 7-H.Butker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.; Kansas City Chiefs connected on a field goal (Q4 0:00) — END GAME.

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.

• Kansas City Chiefs (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 7-H.Butker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza. [WPA +48.6% · EPA +1.03]
• Kansas City Chiefs (Q4 0:48) — (:48) (Shotgun) 15-P.Mahomes pass incomplete deep left to 4-R.Rice. PENALTY on CIN-33-D.Anthony, Defensive Pass Interference, 29 yards, enforced at KC 35 - No Play. [WPA +31.3% · EPA +1.89]
• Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 14:52) — (14:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow sacked at CIN 34 for 0 yards (sack split by 98-T.Wharton and 51-M.Danna). FUMBLES (98-T.Wharton) [51-M.Danna], RECOVERED by KC-27-C.Conner at CIN 38. 27-C.Conner for 38 ya [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.76]
• Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 57:14) — (12:14) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki pushed ob at KC 6 for 37 yards (6-B.Cook). [WPA +18.2% · EPA +5.49]
• Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 17:22) — (2:22) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +4.07]

Impact plays

Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.

• Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 14:52) — (14:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow sacked at CIN 34 for 0 yards (sack split by 98-T.Wharton and 51-M.Danna). FUMBLES (98-T.Wharton) [51-M.Danna], RECOVERED by KC-27-C.Conner at CIN 38. 27-C.Conner for 38 ya [WPA -29.9% · EPA -6.76]
• Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 57:14) — (12:14) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 88-M.Gesicki pushed ob at KC 6 for 37 yards (6-B.Cook). [WPA +18.2% · EPA +5.49]
• Kansas City Chiefs (Q1 45:28) — (:28) (Shotgun) 15-P.Mahomes pass short middle intended for 87-T.Kelce INTERCEPTED by 59-A.Davis-Gaither at KC 43. 59-A.Davis-Gaither to KC 31 for 12 yards (65-T.Smith). [WPA -13.8% · EPA -5.41]
• Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 17:22) — (2:22) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +4.07]

Quarterback report card

J.Burrow led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

• J.Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 44 dropbacks · 52.3% completion · +4.9% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +2.60 total EPA
• P.Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) · 37 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +4.6% CPOE · -0.19 EPA/play · -7.03 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.

By the numbers

Despite the final score, Cincinnati Bengals generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.06 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

• Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +4.45 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
• Kansas City Chiefs: 10 drives, -0.48 total EPA, 4 scoring drives

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.

• Kansas City Chiefs leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
• One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
• M. Gesicki (Cincinnati Bengals) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
• J. Burrow (CIN) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
• P. Mahomes (KC) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.

1. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q1 55:44 · KC 4 · Score 3-0
   (10:44) 2-E.McPherson 22 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
2. Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q1 47:13 · CIN 1 · Score 3-3
   (2:13) 7-H.Butker 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.
3. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 42:09 · KC 4 · Score 9-3
   (12:09) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
4. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 42:04 · KC 15 · Score 10-3
   2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
5. Kansas City Chiefs TD (+6) — Q2 38:57 · CIN 44 · Score 10-9
   (8:57) (Shotgun) 15-P.Mahomes pass deep left to 4-R.Rice for 44 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
6. Kansas City Chiefs XP (+1) — Q2 38:50 · CIN 15 · Score 10-10
   7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.
7. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 34:23 · KC 15 · Score 13-10
   (4:23) 2-E.McPherson 33 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
8. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 31:37 · KC 30 · Score 16-10
   (1:37) 2-E.McPherson 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
9. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 31:33 · CIN 35 · Score 16-10
   2-E.McPherson kicks 65 yards from CIN 35 to end zone, Touchback to the KC 30.
10. Kansas City Chiefs TD (+6) — Q3 23:25 · CIN 1 · Score 16-16
    (8:25) (Shotgun) 64-W.Morris and 54-L.Chenal reported in as eligible. 15-P.Mahomes pass short right to 64-W.Morris for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
11. Kansas City Chiefs XP (+1) — Q3 23:21 · CIN 15 · Score 16-17
    7-H.Butker extra point is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.
12. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 17:22 · KC 3 · Score 22-17
    (2:22) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 80-A.Iosivas for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
13. Kansas City Chiefs TD (+6) — Q4 14:52 · KC 66 · Score 22-23
    (14:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow sacked at CIN 34 for 0 yards (sack split by 98-T.Wharton and 51-M.Danna). FUMBLES (98-T.Wharton) [51-M.Danna], RECOVERED by KC-27-C
14. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q4 9:33 · KC 35 · Score 25-23
    (9:33) 2-E.McPherson 53 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-C.Adomitis, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
15. Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q4 0:03 · CIN 32 · Score 25-26
    (:03) 7-H.Butker 51 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-41-J.Winchester, Holder-14-M.Araiza.
16. Kansas City Chiefs FG (+3) — Q4 0:00 · Score 25-26
    END GAME