KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With the clock ticking down to less than one minute at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, Patrick Mahomes found himself in a challenging situation against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although 48 seconds can feel like a lot of time for the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, it all came down to a single, decisive play.

Facing fourth-and-16 from their own 35-yard line, the pressure was on the Chiefs.

However, as the Bengals could confirm, anything can happen. Mahomes eluded pressure, rolled to his left, and found Rashee Rice open down the middle. He delivered a flawless throw that Rice might have caught if not for a crucial detail: a timely penalty flag. Bengals safety Daijahn Anthony made contact just a moment too soon, resulting in a 29-yard penalty that put the Chiefs in position for a field goal.

Just four plays later, Harrison Butker kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired, giving the Chiefs a narrow victory of 26-25. The Bengals had to leave with another tough lesson in what could have been.

This marked the fifth consecutive game where Mahomes and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow faced off, each decided by three points or fewer. According to ESPN, this is unprecedented in the NFL since at least 1950.

Both teams have learned that even the smallest details can swing the outcome.

“One play changed everything for us,” said Ja’Marr Chase, star receiver for the Bengals, while speaking to reporters in the visitors’ locker room, reflecting on the crucial penalty. “You all saw the defensive flag. Just one play.”

The Chiefs, now 2-0 in their quest to become the first team to achieve a three-peat in Super Bowl history, have been walking a fine line in their recent games. Just ten days prior, they almost squandered a 10-point lead, benefiting from a last-minute review that overturned a potential game-tying touchdown after the player’s toe stepped out of bounds.

On Sunday, the lead changed hands five times in the second half. Beyond the game-winning kick and the pivotal penalty, other significant moments included Charmarri Conner’s 38-yard fumble return touchdown that temporarily put the Chiefs ahead, and his later sack of Burrow that forced a punt. Additionally, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson made a 53-yard field goal but missed an extra point in the third quarter. The pattern of ‘one play’ constantly echoed throughout the match.

Coach Andy Reid’s squad remains undefeated partly because their rivals have failed to capitalize on their mistakes. So far this season, the Chiefs have shown the gulf in quality that still exists between them and other teams vying for the top spot, even as Reid admits there’s room for improvement, especially with running back Isiah Pacheco suffering an ankle injury and needing crutches post-game.

The Chiefs struggled with three turnovers during the game—two interceptions thrown by Mahomes and a fumble by fullback Carson Steele—but still managed to win. They converted just one of eight attempts on third downs, were outgained in yards, and yet, they emerged victorious.

Indeed, top teams often find a way to emerge victorious, even when they’re not performing at their best and avoiding self-inflicted wounds.

The Bengals came close to pulling off a win, but a little more precision was needed.

“Playing against a team that’s won three out of the last five Super Bowls is always tough,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “Things aren’t always going to go smoothly. It’s about pushing through adversity, and I believe our team did that well.”

“I’m disappointed we lost, but that doesn’t diminish my confidence in our players.”

Yet, the Bengals find themselves at 0-2 for the fifth time in Taylor’s six seasons. This has intensified the urgency as the season begins. Burrow’s record now stands at 1-9 in his first two games each season, with Taylor at 1-11.

They have faced similar situations before and have shown they can turn their season around to become serious contenders. However, it’s not the best way to navigate a challenging season.

“We need to learn from our mistakes,” Chase said.

Despite a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Chase for arguing a non-call during the fourth quarter, the Bengals were fortunate enough to still score a field goal. Referee Alex Kemp reported that Chase used “abusive language” while questioning why a penalty for what he felt was a hip-drop tackle wasn’t called.

Chase’s frustrated outburst perhaps signified the team’s feelings as their chance to upset the Chiefs slipped away.

“Losing never feels good,” Chase reflected.

The Bengals were hopeful after seeing Burrow perform much better, coming off wrist surgery that cut his last season short. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 258 yards, scored two touchdowns, and recorded an impressive 103.7 efficiency rating.

Burrow understands they might face the Chiefs again in the playoffs, but that remains a distant goal.

“We have a lot of work ahead before thinking about facing them in the playoffs again,” he said. “There is a lot more football to be played.”

Moral victories, however, do not count in the standings.