Bengals keep playoff hopes alive with exhilarating overtime win over Broncos

Saturday night was a wild roller coaster ride for Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 win 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 run for a while came back to bite 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 goal, and that was exactly what they needed. Marvin Mims caught his second touchdown of the day over two defenders on a wild Nix throw. The play was reviewed to determine if Mims had possession of the ball through the catch, but the touchdown decision stood. With the PAT, the game went into overtime, ending the fourth quarter with 28 points.

The teams traded punts, and Burrow and the Bengals got within field goal range in their next meeting. But Cade York’s 33-yard shot bounced off the post.

Cincy, however, forced a second down, giving the Bengals life, and they took advantage. Burrow dropped a 31-yard pass to 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 in front of Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (29) at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

LONG-TIME SPORTS ANNOUNCER GREG GUMBEL DIES AT AGE 78

A loss would eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention. Now they will need a win and some help in Week 18.

Burrow threw for 412 yards, completing 39 of 49 passes. All three of his touchdown passes went to Higgins. Burrow also drove in a run in the bottom of the fourth. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and a hat trick.

A win or tie would 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 was 24-for-31 passing for 219 yards and three touchdowns.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) is introduced before the 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)

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Cincy will make the playoffs if they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next time and the Broncos lose to Kansas City Chiefs. Denver controls its own destiny.

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