The Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) had a slim chance of making the playoffs after their 19-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. But within hours, their hopes were dashed after the Denver Broncos (10-7) crushed the Kansas City Chiefs 38-0. The Chiefs had rested stars like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones. That has left the fans and analysts wondering whether the back-up heavy starting line-up was a ploy by Kansas City to push the Bengals out. Kelly Stafford, wife of Rams QB Matthew Stafford, thinks so.
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“I know, it sucked for the Bengals fans. Because they needed the Chiefs to beat Denver and they didn’t. So, poor Bengals. Well, honestly, I bet the Chiefs did that on purpose because they don’t want to face the Bengals right now because they are hot. They missed playoffs but it is crazy how it works,” Kelly shared on The Morning After Media podcast.
While Kelly could have a point, the poor start to the season the Bengals had is also to be blamed for the predicament. In fact, Stephen A. Smith had called for an “investigation” into why the Bengals lost so many games in September.
Veteran analyst Shannon Sharpe had similar thoughts too. Unc elaborated that the Bengals only seem to hit their stride in November and December, a pattern that has hurt their playoff chances in recent years.
The heartbroken Bengals fans would also be reflecting on the ‘what ifs’. Had they won their early September game against the Patriots (10-16), that would have probably been enough to push them into the playoffs. And, in turn, the Patriots would’ve secured the number one pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the wake of the Bengals’ exit, Kelly had a suggestion for the NFL. She stated that the league should reconsider its scheduling, particularly when it comes to divisional matchups. She believes playing divisional teams twice a season creates an unfair advantage, and proposed a system more akin to college football.
“It’s a reason there’s divisions. You shouldn’t be playing people twice. One time just like college, unless you see them in the SEC Championship again. So, if they want to talk about reseeding, they want to do away with the divisions,” Kelly explained.
Even though she criticized the Chiefs, Kelly also offered encouraging words for Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, who are expecting a child during the bye week.
“They have a bye. Patrick Mahomes is gonna have his baby, I believe. That’s f***ing great timing. Wow, they planned that out perfectly,” Kelly exclaimed on the podcast.
