Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase won’t name Patrick Mahomes in NFL Top 100 list: ‘I’m salty’

One of the NFL’s fiercest new rivalries is extending beyond the gridiron.

While explaining his annual ranking of the NFL’s top 100 players, Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t want to mention Patrick Mahomes by name.

“I’m not saying him,” Chase quipped when asked who the best player was on his list. “I give credit when it’s due, but I’m not saying his name.”

Chase only mentioned one quarterback by name: his own, Joe Burrow.

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However, he still conceded just how talented Mahomes is.

“He’s good. He’s amazing, not going to lie,” Chase offered with a wry smile. “I’m salty, though. I’m a little salty. Two years in a row. But I’m putting Burrow first.”

Chase seemingly alluded to the fact that he and Cincinnati have dropped two straight close games to the Chiefs, including the 2022 AFC Championship game and in Week 17 of 2023.

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Cincy and KC have met a whopping five times in the last three years, including twice in the AFC title game.

The Bengals hold the head-to-head advantage at 3-2, including downing the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium to reach Super Bowl 56 in 2021.

While Mahomes and the Chiefs won their second straight Lombardi Trophy title last year, the Bengals — sans Burrow due to a season-ending wrist injury — finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs for the first time in three years.

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The 24-year-old Chase has fared quite well against the Chiefs in his career, averaging 6.6 catches, 106.6 yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game against the AFC powerhouse.

After finishing No. 1 in last year’s “NFL Top 100,” Mahomes is widely expected to repeat in the top slot, even after his overall numbers dipped due to broader offensive incohesion.

Meanwhile, Chase ranked 39th last year but was 24th in 2022.

Chase and the Bengals — sporting some new looks — begin their 2024 regular season against the New England Patriots before getting a crack at revenge in Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2.

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