Burrow completed a 3-yard touchdown pass to Higgins in overtime, leading the Bengals to a 30-24 victory over the Broncos.

In a dramatic conclusion to a challenging season, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to secure a victory. A well-known partnership sealed the game, as Joe Burrow connected with Tee Higgins for his third touchdown pass with just 1:07 remaining in overtime. This thrilling 30-24 win against the Denver Broncos kept the Bengals' slim playoff aspirations alive. "This is one of the crazy ones I’ve been involved with in the NFL," Burrow remarked. "It feels like we had a couple of those this year, and it’s nice to come out on top in one." Following Denver's second punt in overtime, Burrow executed a 31-yard pass to Higgins, bringing the ball to the Denver 3-yard line, before returning to Higgins for the decisive score in Cincinnati's fourth consecutive win. Higgins concluded the game with 11 receptions totaling 131 yards.

Cade York had an opportunity to clinch the game for Cincinnati with approximately three minutes left in overtime, but his 33-yard field goal attempt struck the left upright. Denver subsequently went three-and-out, including an incompletion by Bo Nix on third down, which allowed Burrow and the Bengals (8-8) to regain possession. "Tough one to lose," commented Denver coach Sean Payton. "We had our opportunities. The will to compete and respond was quite impressive. Ultimately, we didn’t make enough plays, and they did." This marked the Bengals' first victory this season against a team with a winning record. To reach the postseason for the first time since 2022, they require another win in their final game against Pittsburgh, along with assistance from other teams. "We know we can compete with anyone," Burrow stated. "We’ve demonstrated that this year. We played closely against every team. It’s about making the crucial plays at the end to win those games. Today we did, and we have over the last four weeks. We must continue this trend." The Broncos (9-7) could have secured an AFC wild card with a win over the Bengals. They will have another chance to earn a postseason spot when they face Kansas City next weekend, where a victory would also eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention.

Burrow maintained his exceptional performance this season, completing 39 of 49 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns, all directed to Higgins. Ja'Marr Chase recorded nine receptions for 102 yards. Burrow has achieved a remarkable feat, surpassing 250 passing yards and three touchdowns in eight consecutive games, thereby extending his NFL record. "I don’t know that anybody can stand on the field and watch Joe Burrow and say he’s not the best player in the world," remarked Bengals coach Zac Taylor. Burrow's 1-yard touchdown run provided Cincinnati with a 24-17 advantage with just 1:29 remaining in regulation. Prior to Burrow's touchdown, Chase Brown sustained a right ankle injury during an awkward slide while attempting to assist the Bengals in managing the clock. This injury halted the game clock, allowing Nix to deliver an impressive 25-yard touchdown pass to a soaring Marvin Mims Jr., resulting in a tying score with only 8 seconds left. Nix completed 24 of 31 passes for 219 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Mims concluded the game with eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Burrow effectively utilized his two primary receivers throughout the match. The combination of Burrow, Higgins, and Chase posed significant challenges for the Broncos. "I just throw it where the defense tells me to," Burrow explained. "If they’re going to double Ja’Marr, I’m going to throw it to Tee. If Ja’Marr is going to get a one-on-one, I’m going to throw it to him." Both receivers find themselves in intriguing contract situations. Chase entered Week 17 as the NFL leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, positioning him for a substantial new contract that could rank him among the highest-paid receivers in the league. Meanwhile, Higgins is currently under the franchise tag, and the Bengals may be hesitant to meet the financial demands required to retain him for the next season.

Injuries for the Broncos include cornerback Damarri Mathis, who exited during the first quarter due to a hamstring injury. For the Bengals, right tackle Amarius Mims departed late in the first half with a hand injury. Looking ahead, the Broncos will conclude the regular season at home against the AFC West champions, with the specific date and time of the game yet to be confirmed. The Bengals are scheduled to face the Steelers in Pittsburgh, although the date and time remain to be determined. The Bengals previously suffered a defeat against the Steelers, losing 44-38 on December 1.