Burrow Heroics Keep Bengals’ Playoff Hopes Alive

DENVER — The Bengals refused to bow out of the playoff race Saturday night, riding a Joe Burrow masterpiece to a heart-stopping 30-24 overtime win over the Broncos.

In a game with twists worthy of a Hollywood script, Burrow delivered yet another legendary performance, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns — including the game-winner in overtime — to keep Cincinnati’s postseason hopes alive heading into the season finale.

“It feels like we’ve had six games like this,” Burrow said, downplaying his eighth straight 250-yard, three-touchdown performance that extended his own NFL record.

A Season-Saving Drive

Burrow’s final act came with 2:20 left in overtime after Bengals kicker Cade York missed a 33-yard game-winning field goal. Taking over at his own 25, Burrow sliced through Denver’s defense with surgical precision, highlighted by a 31-yard strike to Tee Higgins. Moments later, his three-yard touchdown pass to Higgins sealed the game and kept Cincinnati’s playoff dreams alive.

“I don’t know how anyone can watch Joe Burrow and not call him the best player in the world,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. “He’s our MVP. No question.”

Historic Night

The win marked a banner night for Burrow and the Bengals’ record books. Burrow broke his own franchise record for single-season passing yards, reaching 4,641, and added his league-leading 42nd touchdown pass. The Bengals also set a new team record for points in a season with 454, surpassing the 1988 AFC champion squad.

Burrow wasn’t the only star. Ja’Marr Chase, the NFL’s Triple Crown leader for receivers, broke T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s franchise record for catches in a season with 117. Higgins chipped in 11 catches for 131 yards and two scores, while tight end Mike Gesicki matched a career high with 10 catches for 86 yards.

Resilience Defined

The Bengals overcame a season-high seven sacks and saw yet another late lead slip away. Denver’s rookie quarterback Bo Nix sent the game into overtime with a miraculous 25-yard touchdown pass on fourth-and-one with eight seconds left.

But the Bengals’ defense, which forced 12 turnovers during their four-game winning streak, clamped down when it mattered most. A quick three-and-out in overtime gave Burrow the ball back — and that’s all he needed.

“We’ve learned from the tough losses this year,” Taylor said. “There were moments tonight where you could’ve said, ‘Here we go again,’ but this team stepped up. We believed in each other.”

What’s Next

With the win, the Bengals head into next weekend’s regular-season finale with a clear playoff path. Their resilience and Burrow’s brilliance have them alive for a Wild Card berth, capping a season defined by wild finishes and unforgettable moments.

“It was one of the crazier games I’ve been a part of,” Burrow said, exhausted but triumphant. “And it’s nice to finally come out on top.”