Ja’Marr Chase just dropped a truth bomb right into the middle of the AFC North, and if you thought the Pittsburgh Steelers were top dog for the Cincinnati Bengals, think again. Ahead of a massive Sunday showdown, when asked to rank the Steelers rivalry, Chase told reporters it’s “up there,” adding, “I wouldn’t put it No. 1. I don’t have nobody No. 1. But it’s pretty up there, I would say.” But then came the real gut punch. When pressed if it was on par with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chase’s reply was clear, “No. They’re way higher than that.” Boom.
Why Kansas City Is The Real Measuring Stick
Look, it’s not disrespect to the storied rivalry with the Steelers, but let’s be real, for Chase, the Chiefs are the ultimate target. Since he hit the NFL as the No. 5 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Kansas City has been *the* team. He’s faced them in the AFC Championship Game in back-to-back years during his first two seasons, winning one, losing one. You think that doesn’t stick with you? The Chiefs aren’t just good, they’re the gold standard, the franchise everyone measures themselves against. We’re talking three straight Super Bowl appearances from 2022 to 2024, two Lombardi Trophies bagged. Plus, they won a Super Bowl in 2019 and were there in 2020, all before Chase even stepped onto an NFL field. It makes total sense why that dynasty is the one he’s truly chasing.
The AFC North Showdown That Still Hits Different
Don’t get it twisted, the Steelers-Bengals rivalry is absolutely legendary. It’s got history, it’s got passion, and it’s center stage this Sunday for a reason. Both teams are sitting at a nasty 6-2 record, tied for first place in the AFC North. This game is massive, a real statement game for divisional supremacy. Chase knows it’s important. He said it’s “pretty up there.” But his comments just highlight a clear hierarchy in his head: division rivals are tough, but the Chiefs are the actual goal. For Chase and the Bengals, Kansas City has been the constant, ultimate target throughout his career. This Sunday’s game is huge for the standings, no doubt, but Chase’s candidness reveals where the true competitive fire burns hottest.
So, as we head into Sunday’s massive AFC North clash where first place is on the line, remember Ja’Marr Chase’s words. The Steelers are a rival, an important one, but the real measuring stick, the true “way higher” rivalry, still lives out in Kansas City. It’s going to be a brutal battle on Sunday for the AFC North crown, but the mental game against Mahomes and Co. clearly looms large for the Bengals.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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