Saturday night was a wild roller coaster for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 victory over the Denver Broncos.
After Bo Nix threw an interception with 2:30 left in regulation, the Bengals scored a touchdown about a minute later. But the decision not to go running at some point backfired on the Bengals.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) passes against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 28, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Broncos had 1:29 on the clock after the score, and it was just what they needed. Marvin Mims caught his second touchdown of the day over two defenders on a wild throw by Nix. The play was reviewed to determine if Mims had possession during the reception, but the ruling on the touchdown field stood. With the PAT, the game went to overtime, capping a 28-point fourth quarter.
The teams traded punts and Burrow and the Bengals were within field goal range on their next drive. But Cade York’s 33-yard goal bounced off a post.
Cincy, however, forced a second punt, giving the Bengals life, and they took the lead. Burrow dropped a 31-yard point on a basket for Higgins to put the Bengals at the Denver 3-yard line. On the next play, Higgins finished the job with a touchdown, his third of the night, to end the game.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a touchdown pass off Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (29) at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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A loss would have eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention. Now they’ll need a win and some help in Week 18.
Burrow threw for 412 yards, completing 39 of his 49 pass attempts. All three of his touchdown passes went to Higgins. Burrow also ran for a score late in the quarter. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and had his hat trick.
A win or a tie would have put the Broncos in the playoffs, and they will have to wait until the final week of the season to determine their playoff fate. Nix completed 24 of 31 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) is introduced before a game against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
Cincy will make the playoffs if they next beat the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver controls its own destiny.
