In a game filled with dramatic moments and playoff implications, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Denver Broncos 30-24 in overtime on Saturday. Quarterback Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins on a 3-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute remaining in the extra period, securing the Bengals’ fourth consecutive win and keeping their slim playoff hopes alive.
After Denver’s second punt in overtime, Burrow orchestrated a game-winning drive, highlighted by a 31-yard strike to Higgins that brought Cincinnati to the Broncos’ 3-yard line. Two plays later, Burrow found Higgins again for the decisive score, capping off a performance that showcased the duo’s remarkable chemistry. Higgins finished the game with 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns.
“It’s moments like these that you live for as a quarterback,” Burrow said after the game. “We knew we needed this win to stay in the hunt, and Tee made some unbelievable plays.”
The Bengals had a chance to end the game earlier in overtime, but kicker Cade York’s 33-yard field goal attempt clanged off the left upright with just over three minutes remaining. Denver’s ensuing possession was brief, as Bo Nix’s third-down incompletion forced the Broncos to punt, setting up Burrow’s game-winning drive.
Burrow continued his torrid pace, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all to Higgins. He extended his NFL record of consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns to eight. Burrow also added a 1-yard rushing touchdown late in regulation, giving Cincinnati a 24-17 lead.
The Broncos, needing a win to secure an AFC wild card spot, forced overtime in dramatic fashion. After Burrow’s late touchdown, Denver quarterback Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims Jr. on a spectacular 25-yard touchdown pass with just eight seconds left in regulation. Mims, who finished with eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns, kept Denver’s hopes alive momentarily.
“Bo made a great throw, and Mims went up and got it,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “We just didn’t finish the job in overtime.”
The win improved Cincinnati to 8-8, keeping their postseason hopes alive. To make the playoffs for the first time since 2022, the Bengals must defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers next week and get help from other teams. For the Broncos (9-7), a win over Kansas City in Week 18 would clinch a wild card spot and eliminate Cincinnati from contention.
Burrow relied heavily on his top two targets, Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, to dismantle the Broncos’ secondary. Chase, who entered Week 17 leading the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns, hauled in nine catches for 102 yards. Both receivers are facing pivotal contract situations, with Chase likely poised for a record-setting deal and Higgins playing under the franchise tag.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said. “Right now, we’re focused on Pittsburgh.”
As the regular season approaches its conclusion, the Bengals’ thrilling victory over the Broncos sets up an exciting final week, with their playoff hopes and roster future hanging in the balance.
