Cincinnati Bengals (8-8) – Denver Broncos (9-7): 30-24 AP
The Bengals were very hot! But their playoff hopes still hold. In a particularly close meeting, where there were many twists and turns, it was ultimately Joe Burrow (39/49, 412 yards, 3 TDs and 4 races, 25 yards, 1 TD) and his team who won.
Bo Nix (24/31, 219 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int and 7 races, 31 yards) and the Broncos, however, were not unworthy. For them, it was especially the defense that shone today, to the point of saving the match on several occasions. The defensive line, particularly in good shape, inflicted 7 sacks on Joe Burrow. Bo Nix sparked in the fourth quarter but unfortunately collapsed in overtime. However, victory was within reach…
For the Bengals, the start of the match proved complicated. Constantly under pressure from the Broncos, the Cincinnati attack failed twice on fourth down, but also accumulated drops. Despite his good stats, Ja'Marr Chase was a bit disappointing. Today, it was Tee Higgins who impressed, with 3 touchdowns scored, including the victory.
With this victory down to the wire, Cincinnati can still believe in its chances of reaching the playoffs. But for that, we will have to beat the Steelers next week and hope for a defeat of the Broncos, the Dolphins, and the Colts. It is far from won, if not impossible.
The defenses shine
Good start for the Broncos. After an opening field goal, Sean Payton's men did the job in defense. They stop the Bengals on fourth attempt 22 yards from the end zone. However, Denver does not benefit from this.
It’s clearly the defense flexing its muscles. On the next drive, the Broncos stopped the Bengals again on fourth attempt after a long drive of almost 8 minutes. Joe Burrow is sacked just 5 yards from the paint. Zac Taylor's aggression doesn't pay off…
After another punt from Denver, it finally happened for Joe Burrow thanks to a full center pass for Tee Higgins (7-3). Less than a minute before the break, Bo Nix tried to pick up the score but was sacked on two consecutive plays. The Broncos return to the locker room empty-handed.
Touchdowns galore
In control, the Bengals offense made its way into the red zone after halftime thanks to two costly Broncos penalties. Illegal use of hands and offside. But offensive pass interference ultimately led Cincinnati to start the third quarter with a field goal (10-3).
Which allowed Denver to pick up a few minutes later with a touchdown on a magnificent lobbed pass captured by Courtland Sutton (10-10). Except that the Bengals respond immediately. After a fourth attempt (finally) converted, Joe Burrow once again found Tee Higgins in the paint to regain the advantage (17-10).
But Bo Nix does not intend to let his place in the playoffs slip away so easily. He gets into gear straight away by sending a 51-yard bomb to Marvin Mims to tie things up (17-17). Still under pressure, the Bengals returned possession after a covered fumble by Tee Higgins.
3 minutes from time, Denver tries to finish but Bo Nix is intercepted by Germaine Pratt on the opposing 40 yards. With the match ball in their hands, Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase regain their automatisms. And finally, Burrow is at the conclusion on a QB sneak a handful of centimeters from the end zone (24-17).
With 1 minute 30 on the clock, Denver moves up the field at full speed and Bo Nix converts a miraculous 25-yard pass on the gong, for a new touchdown from Marvin Mims (24-24). The match goes into overtime.
The Bengals at the end of the suspense
In overtime, the Bengals decide to receive the ball. Joe Burrow quickly fails, victim of two sacks from the terrible Broncos defense. But Bo Nix doesn't do much better and Denver clears in turn.
This time, Joe Burrow has time to find his targets. Until putting his team within reach of a field goal to conclude this suspenseful match. But that would have been too easy. Just 33 yards away, Cade York hits the left bar with the ball and misses the 3 points of victory.
So, Bo Nix will give his team victory? Not even… The Broncos are still held in check and clear again after three attempts. The Bengals roll and Tee Higgins finally offers the victory with a superb reception on the sidelines then a third touchdown. Cincinnati can still believe it.
