The Bengals keep their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling overtime win over the Broncos

It was a wild roller-coaster for a Saturday night Cincinnati Bengals.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals won 30-24 to keep their playoff hopes alive. Denver Broncos.

After Bo Nix threw an interception with 2:30 to go 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) runs against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on Dec. 28, 2024 in Cincinnati. (Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Broncos had 1:29 on the clock and that was all they needed. Marvin Mims caught his second touchdown of the day over two defenders on a wild throw from Nix. The play was reviewed to determine if Mims had the ball through the interception, but the touchdown ruling stood. The PAT sent the game into overtime with a 28-point fourth quarter.

The teams traded passes and Burrow and the Bengals went for a field goal on the next drive. But Cade York’s 33-yarder bounced off the post.

Cincy, however, forced a second punt that gave the Bengals life, and they took advantage. Burrow kicked a 31-yard punt on a bucket for Higgins to put the Bengals at the Denver 3-yard line. On the next play, Higgins finished with a touchdown, his third of the evening, to end the game.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) catches a touchdown pass to Denver Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian (29) Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024, at Paycor Stadium. (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 49 pass attempts. All three of his touchdown passes went to Higgins. Burrow also ran for a score 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 would 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, Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024. (via Sam Greene/The Enquirer/USA Today Network Imagn Images)

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If Cincy wins against the Pittsburgh Steelers and loses to the Broncos next time, they will make the playoffs. Kansas City Chiefs. Denver controls its own destiny.

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