FS1 expert says Chiefs have taken a step back this off-season and one rival is ready to exploit weakness

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The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for an almighty defense of their Super Bowl title but could one choice level the playing field in the AFC?

Joe Burrow has remarked that the Cincinnati Bengals are ‘built to beat’ the Chiefs.

The AFC quarterback delivered the observation on the live episode of the New Heights podcast.

He made these comments to Chiefs player Travis Kelce and both were complimentary of each other teams.

Joe Burrow remains the Chiefs’ biggest threat when healthy

Joe Burrow, other than Tom Brady, is the only signal-caller to beat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the postseason.

When healthy against the Chiefs, Burrow possesses a 3-1 winning record.

Only five teams have beaten the Chiefs in the Mahomes era and Burrow has done it multiple times.

In the same time frame, the overall record between the franchises stands at 3-3.

In addition, both franchises have defeated each other in an AFC Championship contest.

Burrow has missed some contests due to injuries and faces the challenge of remaining healthy consistently.

NFL expert says L’Jarius Sneed’s departure opens a weakness

On Speak, they discussed if the Bengals are truly built to beat the Chiefs.

Former player Emmanuel Acho believes they are and one offseason decision has made the Chiefs take ‘a step back’.

Acho explained: “What is the Bengals’ strength? The passing game and L’Jarius Sneed ain’t there no more.

“You got Ja’Marr Chase he talks cash, Burrow talks cash, Tee Higgins, that deal is allegedly going to get done, you added Gesicki, I don’t like him as a pass blocker but as a receiver, I like his game. So the Chiefs, I won’t say their weakness [but] is in the secondary but without L’Jarius Sneed they definitely took a step back.”

Acho believes the departure of the star cornerback Sneed has opened a weakness the Bengals can exploit.

Furthermore, Sneed was traded to the Tennessee Titans in March to open limited cap space.

All-Pro Trent McDuffie is expected to be CB1 in 2024

However, First-Team All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie is expected to be promoted to CB1.

McDuffie has softened the blow of Sneed’s departure and he could even turn out to be an upgrade.

Brett Veach and the front office are exceptional drafters so would back themselves to identify excellent replacements.

The Chiefs and Bengals are set to meet at Arrowhead Stadium in the 2024 regular season.