The Cincinnati Bengals remain alive in the AFC playoff race after a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos. Joe Burrow led the way with four total touchdowns (three passing and one rushing), helping Cincinnati stay in contention while denying Denver a chance to secure its first playoff berth since 2015.
Denver forced overtime with a dramatic touchdown catch by Marvin Mims Jr. on fourth down in the final seconds of regulation. However, the Bengals clinched the win when Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for the game-winning score with just 1:07 left in the extra period.
Burrow delivered a stellar performance, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, in addition to a rushing score that gave Cincinnati a 24-17 lead late in regulation. Higgins was his go-to target, hauling in 11 catches for 131 yards and all three touchdown receptions, despite playing through injuries.
The Bengals overcame a rocky start, including failed fourth-down conversions on their first two drives, and narrowly avoided disaster when Cade York’s 33-yard field goal attempt clanged off the upright in overtime. Despite Denver’s seven sacks and a strong outing from Nix, the Bengals’ resilience proved decisive.
Why the Bengals Won
While far from perfect, Cincinnati displayed remarkable resilience in a season previously marked by near-misses. The Bengals capitalized on critical moments, making game-changing plays when it mattered most.
Burrow once again delivered an MVP-worthy performance, standing strong against Denver’s relentless pass rush. His composure was exemplified by a clutch 31-yard pass to Higgins in overtime, setting up their game-winning touchdown. It was a testament to Burrow’s leadership and the team’s ability to thrive under pressure.
One of Joe Burrow's most pivotal moments came late in the third quarter when a penalty nullified his impressive 50-yard touchdown pass to Andrei Iosivas. Earlier in the season, such a setback might have derailed the Bengals, who began the year with a 4-8 record. However, Burrow wouldn’t allow history to repeat itself. On the very next play, he kept the drive alive with a clutch 19-yard scramble on third-and-13. The drive ultimately culminated in Burrow’s second touchdown pass of the game to Tee Higgins.
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins shined, but they weren’t the only contributors to the Bengals’ win. Ja'Marr Chase hauled in nine passes for 102 yards, tight end Mike Gesicki caught 10 of 12 targets for 82 yards, and running back Chase Brown tallied 91 all-purpose yards before leaving the game with an ankle injury late in regulation.
The Bengals' defense also rose to the occasion, particularly when the offense stumbled early on fourth-down attempts. They allowed just three points in the first half and forced two critical punts in overtime. Linebacker Germaine Pratt's fourth-quarter interception of Nix set up Burrow's go-ahead rushing touchdown.
Why the Broncos Lost
Denver’s defense, which led the league with 51 sacks entering the game, added to its total with another strong performance. Zach Allen was dominant, recording 3.5 sacks, including 1.5 on back-to-back plays during Cincinnati's first overtime possession, forcing a punt.
However, the Broncos struggled to contain Burrow when their pass rush didn’t connect. After stopping the Bengals on fourth down twice early, Denver allowed Cincinnati to convert 7 of 13 third downs, including a critical fourth-and-11 pass to Chase Brown that set up the Bengals’ go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Offensively, Denver got a gritty effort from Nix, who delivered a perfectly thrown touchdown to Courtland Sutton, a 51-yard strike to Marvin Mims Jr., and the game-tying touchdown to Mims that forced overtime. Despite these highlights, the Broncos couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities, ultimately sealing their fate.
Nix and the Broncos' offense couldn’t recapture their earlier magic in overtime. It’s worth questioning whether head coach Sean Payton chose to play it safe, as a tie would have secured Denver a playoff berth.
Turning Point
The pivotal moment came after Denver’s defense forced a punt to open overtime. With a chance to seize control, the Broncos faced a third-and-6 from their own 14-yard line. Nix dropped back and aimed deep for Troy Franklin, who had gotten wide open about 30 yards downfield. However, Nix’s throw sailed just out of reach, and Franklin’s diving effort fell short. The missed opportunity forced Denver to punt, squandering a chance to drive for the game-winning score.
Play of the Game
Though there were more visually spectacular moments, the play of the game was undoubtedly Joe Burrow’s game-winning touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. The historic score marked the Bengals' first-ever overtime touchdown in franchise history, sealing a crucial victory.
What’s Next
The Bengals head to Pittsburgh next week for another must-win game. To keep their playoff hopes alive, they’ll also need some help: a Denver loss to the Chiefs—who are likely to rest key starters with the AFC's top seed secured—and losses by both the Colts and Dolphins in one of their final two games.
The Broncos, meanwhile, control their own destiny. A win over the Chiefs will end their nine-year playoff drought and punch their ticket to the postseason.
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