CINCINNATI – In a dramatic conclusion to a challenging season, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to secure a victory, maintaining their slim playoff chances.
Quarterback Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for the third time in the game, delivering a touchdown with just 1:07 remaining in overtime. This thrilling finish resulted in a 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday. Burrow expressed his excitement, stating, “This is one of the crazy ones I’ve been involved with in the NFL. It feels like we had a couple of those this year, and it’s nice to come out on top in one.”
Following Denver’s second punt in overtime, Burrow executed a 31-yard pass to Higgins, bringing the ball to the Broncos’ 3-yard line. The duo then connected once more for the decisive touchdown, which secured Cincinnati’s fourth consecutive win. Higgins had an impressive game with 11 catches for 131 yards.
Cade York had the opportunity to clinch the game for the Bengals earlier with a 33-yard field goal attempt, but it hit the left upright. Denver then managed to go three-and-out, including an incomplete pass from Bo Nix, giving the ball back to Burrow and the Bengals, now at a record of 8-8.
Denver’s coach, Sean Payton, reflected on the loss, noting, “Tough one to lose. We had our opportunities. The will to compete and answer, it was pretty impressive. In the end, we didn’t make enough plays, and they did.”
This victory marked the Bengals’ first win of the season against a team with a winning record. They need to secure another win against Pittsburgh in their final game and hope for favorable outcomes in other matches to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2022.
“We know we can hang with anybody,” Burrow said. “We’ve proven that this year. We played everybody this year close. It’s just about making the plays down the stretch to win those games. Today we did. The last four weeks we have. We’ve got to continue to do it.”
For the Broncos (9-7), a win would have assured them a wild card spot in the AFC. They will have another chance to clinch a postseason berth when they take on Kansas City next weekend. A win against the Chiefs would also eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention.
Burrow continued to shine, completing 39 out of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all directed to Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase also contributed with nine catches for 102 yards. Burrow has set an NFL record by throwing for at least 250 yards and three touchdowns in eight consecutive games.
“Honestly, I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and say he’s not the best player in the world,” said Bengals coach Zac Taylor.
A key moment in the game came when Burrow scored a 1-yard touchdown, giving Cincinnati a 24-17 lead with 1:29 left in regulation. Following this play, Chase Brown sustained an ankle injury, which led to a stoppage in play. This allowed Nix to throw a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. just 8 seconds before the end, tying the score.
Nix had a strong performance, going 24 for 31 for 219 yards and three touchdowns, despite one interception. Mims finished with eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.
Burrow utilized his prominent receivers effectively throughout the game, making things challenging for the Broncos’ defense. “I just throw it where the defense tells me to,” he explained. “If they’re going to double Ja’Marr, I’m going to throw it to Tee. If Ja’Marr is going to get a one-on-one, I’m going to throw it to him.”
Both receivers are navigating complex contract situations. Chase was the NFL leader in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns at the end of Week 17 and is expected to command a lucrative contract. Meanwhile, Higgins is playing under the franchise tag, and it remains uncertain if the Bengals will be willing to meet the financial demands to retain him for the next season.
In terms of injuries during the game, Broncos cornerback Damarri Mathis exited in the first quarter due to a hamstring issue, while Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims left late in the first half with a hand injury.
Looking ahead, the Broncos will conclude the regular season at home against the AFC West champions, with the exact date and time of the game yet to be determined. The Bengals will travel to Pittsburgh for their next matchup, with its date and time also still pending. The Bengals previously faced the Steelers on December 1, losing 44-38.
