Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats

August 14, 2025

The Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats off in an electrifying NFL Week 17 matchup on December 28, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The game, which ended in a dramatic 30-24 overtime victory for the Bengals, kept fans on the edge of their seats. Both teams showcased incredible talent, with standout performances from key players driving the action. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and break down the performances that shaped this critical contest. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just love a good sports story, this easy-to-read guide will walk you through the numbers and narratives behind the game.

Game Overview: A Playoff-Charged Battle

The stakes were high in this Week 17 clash. The Bengals, fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, needed a win to stay in contention for the AFC’s final playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Broncos were looking to secure their first postseason berth since 2015. The game went into overtime, with Cincinnati emerging victorious thanks to a clutch performance from their star quarterback-wide receiver duo. Let’s break down the key stats and performances that defined this thrilling encounter.

Team Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats Snapshot

Before diving into individual player performances, here’s a quick look at the team stats from the game, as reported by ESPN and other sources:

Total Yards: Bengals 499, Broncos 329
Passing Yards: Bengals 384, Broncos 206
Rushing Yards: Bengals 115, Broncos 123
First Downs: Bengals 34, Broncos 19
Third-Down Efficiency: Bengals 7/13, Broncos 4/12
Possession Time: Bengals 41:56, Broncos 26:57
Penalties: Bengals 3 for 15 yards, Broncos 7 for 35 yards
Turnovers: Bengals 1, Broncos 1

The Bengals dominated in total yards and possession time, showcasing their offensive firepower, while the Broncos relied on a balanced attack but struggled to keep pace. Now, let’s zoom in on the players who made this game unforgettable.

Bengals’ Key Performers: Burrow and Higgins Shine

Joe Burrow: A Record-Breaking Performance

Cincinnati’s quarterback Joe Burrow was the heartbeat of the Bengals’ offense. He delivered a masterful performance, throwing for 412 yards on 39 completions out of 49 attempts, with 3 touchdown passes and a 122.1 passer rating. Burrow’s ability to stay composed under pressure was evident, especially in overtime, where he orchestrated a game-winning drive.

Notable Stats:
- Completions/Attempts: 39/49
- Passing Yards: 412
- Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 0
- Rushing: 4 carries for 25 yards, 1 touchdown

Burrow’s performance wasn’t just about numbers; it was historic. He extended his NFL-record streak of eight consecutive games with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, joining legends like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. His 412 yards also broke his own Bengals single-season passing yardage record, pushing him to 4,641 yards for the 2024 season. A standout moment came in overtime when he connected with Tee Higgins for a 31-yard pass to set up the game-winning touchdown.

Tee Higgins: The Game-Winning Hero

Wide receiver Tee Higgins was Burrow’s go-to target, hauling in 11 receptions for 131 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the decisive score in overtime. His performance was a career highlight, marking his first three-touchdown game and setting a season-high with 10 receiving touchdowns.

Notable Stats:
- Receptions: 11
- Receiving Yards: 131
- Touchdowns: 3 (including a 3-yard game-winner)
- Targets: 12

Higgins’ clutch plays were pivotal. His 12-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter gave Cincinnati a 17-10 lead, and his 3-yard catch in overtime sealed the victory. Despite a fumble late in regulation, Higgins redeemed himself with a 31-yard reception in overtime, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

Ja’Marr Chase: Setting Records

Ja’Marr Chase, another Bengals star, continued his stellar season with 9 receptions for 102 yards. His 113th catch of the season early in the fourth quarter broke T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s Bengals single-season record of 112 receptions, finishing the game with 117 catches for the year.

Notable Stats:
- Receptions: 9
- Receiving Yards: 102
- Targets: 15

Chase’s ability to find open space and make tough catches kept the Bengals’ offense moving, even if he didn’t find the end zone in this game. His chemistry with Burrow was evident, especially on a 38-yard reception that set up a key scoring drive.

Other Bengals Standouts

Mike Gesicki (TE): Tied his career high with 10 receptions for 86 yards, providing a reliable target in the passing game.
Chase Brown (RB): Led the rushing attack with 20 carries for 67 yards, though he suffered a minor injury late in the game.
Andrei Iosivas (WR): Had a career-high 59 receiving yards on 3 catches, including a 26-yard reception.
Germaine Pratt (LB): Made a game-changing interception of Broncos QB Bo Nix late in the fourth quarter, setting up a Bengals touchdown.
Cedric Johnson (DE): Recorded his first career sack, disrupting Denver’s offense in the second quarter.

The Bengals’ balanced attack, led by Burrow’s precision passing and Higgins’ heroics, kept them in control for much of the game. Their defense also stepped up at critical moments, with Pratt’s interception proving to be a turning point.

Broncos’ Key Performers: Nix and Mims Fight Back

Bo Nix: A Rookie’s Resilience

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix showed why he’s a rising star for the Broncos, completing 24 of 31 passes for 219 yards, with 3 touchdowns and 1 interception. His 114.9 passer rating reflected his efficiency, despite facing heavy pressure from Cincinnati’s defense.

Notable Stats:
- Completions/Attempts: 24/31
- Passing Yards: 219
- Touchdowns: 3
- Interceptions: 1
- Rushing: 7 carries for 31 yards

Nix’s highlight was a 51-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. in the fourth quarter, the longest pass by air yardage in the NFL that season. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Mims on fourth down with just eight seconds left in regulation forced overtime, showcasing his clutch gene. However, his interception to Germaine Pratt late in the fourth quarter gave Cincinnati a chance to take the lead.

Marvin Mims Jr.: A Breakout Game

Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. was Denver’s offensive spark, catching 8 passes for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns. His performance was a breakout moment in his young career, as he consistently found ways to get open against Cincinnati’s secondary.

Notable Stats:
- Receptions: 8
- Receiving Yards: 103
- Touchdowns: 2 (51 yards and 25 yards)
- Targets: 8

Mims’ 51-yard touchdown tied the game at 17-17, and his 25-yard score in the final seconds of regulation sent the game to overtime. His speed and route-running were critical to keeping Denver competitive.

Jaleel McLaughlin: Leading the Ground Game

Running back Jaleel McLaughlin was the Broncos’ top rusher, carrying the ball 10 times for 69 yards, averaging an impressive 6.9 yards per carry. His longest run of 13 yards helped set up an early field goal drive.

Notable Stats:
- Rushing Attempts: 10
- Rushing Yards: 69
- Receptions: 2 for 7 yards

McLaughlin’s explosiveness provided balance to Denver’s offense, though their rushing attack couldn’t fully capitalize against Cincinnati’s defense.

Other Broncos Standouts

Courtland Sutton (WR): Caught 5 passes for 55 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown that tied the game at 10-10 in the third quarter.
Zach Allen (DE): Led the defense with 3.5 sacks and 7 tackles, constantly disrupting Burrow’s rhythm.
Riley Moss (CB): Recorded a game-high 14 tackles, though he was flagged for a pass interference penalty that set up a Bengals scoring opportunity.
Wil Lutz (K): Made a 30-yard field goal and all three extra-point attempts, contributing 6 points.

The Broncos showed fight, with Nix and Mims leading a late comeback, but their defense struggled to contain Cincinnati’s high-powered passing attack.

Defensive Highlights: Key Stops and Turnovers

Bengals’ Defense

The Bengals’ defense played a crucial role in securing the win. Linebacker Germaine Pratt’s interception of Bo Nix with just over two minutes left in regulation set up Burrow’s 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving Cincinnati a 24-17 lead. Defensive end Cedric Johnson added a sack, and the unit as a whole recorded 7 sacks on Nix, limiting Denver’s passing game to 206 yards. Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt led with 8 tackles, while Joseph Ossai and Trey Hendrickson each contributed half a sack.

Broncos’ Defense

Denver’s defense was aggressive, recording 3.5 sacks on Burrow, led by Zach Allen’s dominant performance. Safety Brandon Jones had 13 tackles, and cornerback Riley Moss was all over the field with 14 tackles. However, the unit struggled to stop Cincinnati’s passing game, allowing 34 first downs and 384 passing yards. A critical moment came when they forced a turnover on downs at the goal line in the second quarter, stopping the Bengals on four straight plays from the 1-yard line.

Special Teams: Mixed Results

Bengals: Kicker Cade York, filling in for the injured Evan McPherson, made a 22-yard field goal but missed a potential game-winner in overtime from 33 yards, hitting the upright. Punter Ryan Rehkow had a solid 47-yard punt that pinned Denver deep in overtime.
Broncos: Kicker Wil Lutz was perfect, making a 30-yard field goal and all three extra points. Punter Riley Dixon averaged 41.5 yards on 4 punts, but none landed inside the 20-yard line. Marvin Mims Jr. added a 27-yard kickoff return.

Game-Changing Moments

Higgins’ First Touchdown (Q2): Burrow’s 2-yard touchdown pass to Higgins gave Cincinnati a 7-3 lead late in the second quarter, shifting momentum.
Broncos’ Goal-Line Stand (Q2): Denver’s defense stuffed Cincinnati on four straight plays from the 1-yard line, preventing a score and keeping the game close.
Nix’s 51-Yard Bomb (Q4): Bo Nix’s deep pass to Marvin Mims Jr. tied the game at 17-17, showcasing Denver’s big-play potential.
Pratt’s Interception (Q4): Germaine Pratt’s pick set up Burrow’s 1-yard rushing touchdown, giving Cincinnati a 24-17 lead with 1:29 left.
Mims’ Game-Tying Catch (Q4): Nix’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Mims with eight seconds left forced overtime.
Overtime Heroics: Burrow’s 31-yard pass to Higgins set up the 3-yard game-winning touchdown, sealing Cincinnati’s 30-24 victory.

Why This Game Mattered

For the Bengals, the win kept their playoff hopes alive, improving their record to 8-8 and giving them the head-to-head tiebreaker over Denver. They now need to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 and hope for losses from Denver, Indianapolis, and Miami to clinch a postseason spot. For the Broncos, the loss dropped them to 9-7, meaning they must defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 18 to secure a playoff berth. The game showcased the resilience of both teams, with individual brilliance from Burrow, Higgins, Nix, and Mims defining the outcome.