A back-and-forth game that saw the Broncos tie it with eight seconds left in regulation on a miracle touchdown pass, along with Cade York doinking a 33-yard field-goal attempt with 2:43 left in overtime, had to have Bengals fans thinking their team was cursed.
But the Bengals found a way to keep their season alive, with Joe Burrow connecting with Tee Higgins in the end zone for the third time with 1:07 left in overtime to give Cincinnati a 30-24 victory Saturday.
The team’s fourth straight win means the Bengals (8-8) will enter Week 18 still with a chance to make the NFL playoffs after their hopes seemed dismal at 4-8, though they will need plenty of help along the way.
Here are the Bengals playoff scenarios entering the final week of the season.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow reacts after throwing the game-winning touchdown in overtime vs. the Broncos on Dec. 28, 2024. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Bengals must beat Steelers
Nothing else matters if the Bengals don’t take care of business again Saturday night on the road against the AFC North rival Steelers, who won the first matchup, 44-38, in Week 13.
The Steelers (10-6) have lost three in a row but still have a chance to win the division if they beat the Bengals and the Ravens (11-5) lose to the Browns (3-13).
Colts quarterback Joe Flacco will start vs. the Giants in Week 17. APColts must lose at least once
The Bengals got one result to break their way on Sunday as the Colts, with Anthony Richardson out and Joe Flacco under center, lost on the road to the woeful Giants.
The Colts (7-9) are now eliminated from the playoff race, as they are two games behind the Broncos for the No. 7 spot.
Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Getty ImagesDolphins must lose at least once
The Dolphins were able to beat the listless Browns on Sunday, 20-3, despite not having starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who was out with a hip injury.
It’s unclear whether Tagovailoa will be healthy enough to play next week or whether Miami will rely on Tyler Huntley again at QB, but they visit the Jets on Sunday at 4:25 p.m.
Miami must lose, otherwise Cincinnati is eliminated.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix looks to pass against the Bengals on Dec. 28, 2024. Joseph Maiorana-Imagn ImagesBroncos must lose to Chiefs
The Broncos (9-7) are still in the driver’s seat, holding sole possession of the No. 7 seed and the final wild-card spot in the AFC.
They host a Chiefs team next week that has already locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and the question is whether Kansas City will opt to rest star players like quarterback Patrick Mahomes to ensure their health for the playoffs and give them essentially two weeks off as they earned a bye into the divisional round.
