It seems to have become an unfortunate trend for the Cincinnati Bengals. Once again, they find themselves off to a disastrous start in the lead-up to their Week 2 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Under head coach Zac Taylor since 2019, the Bengals have struggled with a 1-10 record in the first two games of each season.

Controversy, injuries, and uncertainty have plagued the Bengals' offseasons, and unfortunately, this has carried over into their regular seasons. The 2024 version of the team faced its fair share of challenges, including a holdout by wide receiver Jamarr Chase which remains unresolved. Additionally, quarterback Joe Burrow is coming off wrist ligament surgery, leaving lingering questions regarding his health, while wide receiver Tee Higgins is battling a hamstring injury and is doubtful to play.

As the Bengals face the Chiefs in Week 2, both teams are dealing with key absences. The Chiefs will be missing wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who has been placed on injured reserve this week. Last week, the Bengals' offense struggled, while the Chiefs' offense appeared to be more explosive compared to the previous year, despite missing their new veteran receiver.

Looking at some player props and the point spread on FanDuel Sportsbook, the focus turns to Jamarr Chase. The over/under for his receiving yards is set at 71.5. Although Chase had a slow start due to his holdout, he played in 84% of the team's snaps in the first game, finishing with six receptions for 62 yards. With the absence of Higgins, Chase is expected to have an even more significant role in the Bengals' offense, and in each of his career games against the Chiefs with Burrow as quarterback, he has surpassed the 71.5-yard mark.

Meanwhile, on the Chiefs' side, two players whose stocks rise in the absence of Hollywood Brown are Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Rice has an over/under line of 6.5 receptions, while Worthy is set at 3.5 receptions. Both players saw expanded roles in the Chiefs' offense, with Worthy impressing with two touchdowns in his NFL debut, and Rice appearing to be a favored target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Alongside tight end Travis Kelce, Rice and Worthy will play a crucial part in the Chiefs' offensive game plan against the Bengals.

With regards to the point spread, the Chiefs are favored by 5.5 points. Historically, the matchups between Mahomes and Burrow have been closely contested, with each game decided by three points. However, it is worth noting that those games took place in December or January when the Bengals are typically playing their best football. Considering the Bengals' struggles and the Chiefs' potential to cover the spread, this matchup appears to be a perfect opportunity for Kansas City to assert their dominance.

As the Bengals and Chiefs prepare for their Week 2 clash, the Bengals find themselves facing numerous obstacles. From slow starts to injuries and off-field issues, they are desperately seeking a turnaround. On the other hand, the Chiefs aim to capitalize on their offensive firepower and secure a victory. Only time will tell if the Bengals can defy their early-season woes and challenge the formidable Chiefs.