Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats

On December 28, 2024, the Denver Broncos faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a high-stakes NFL Week 17 matchup at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. This game was a must-win for both teams, with the Broncos (9-6) aiming to clinch a playoff spot and the Bengals (7-8) fighting to keep their slim postseason hopes alive. The game delivered an electrifying performance, ending in a 30-24 overtime victory for the Bengals, thanks to standout plays from key players on both sides. In this article, we’ll dive into the player stats, highlight the game’s defining moments, and break down what made this matchup so memorable—all in a way that’s easy to read and understand for fans of all ages.

Game Overview: A Playoff-Caliber Clash

The Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats entered this game with everything on the line. For Denver, a win would secure their first playoff berth since 2015. For Cincinnati, a victory was critical to stay in the AFC Wild Card race, though they’d need additional help from other teams’ results in Week 18. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with momentum swinging multiple times, especially in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Bengals ultimately prevailed, thanks to a clutch overtime touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Tee Higgins, sealing a 30-24 win. Let’s take a closer look at the player stats that defined this thrilling contest.

Team Stats at a Glance

Before diving into individual performances, here’s a quick snapshot of the team stats to set the stage:

• Total Yards: Bengals – 499, Broncos – 329

• First Downs: Bengals – 34, Broncos – 19

• Possession Time: Bengals – 41:56, Broncos – 26:57

• Turnovers: Both teams had 1

• Third Down Conversions: Bengals – 8/15, Broncos – 2/9

• Fourth Down Conversions: Bengals – 2/2, Broncos – 1/3

The Bengals dominated in yardage and possession, but the Broncos’ defense and timely offensive plays kept them in the game until the final moments.

Key Player Stats: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals’ victory was powered by a potent offensive performance, led by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Tee Higgins, with their defense stepping up at critical moments. Here’s a breakdown of their standout players:

Joe Burrow (Quarterback)

Joe Burrow was the heart of the Bengals’ offense, delivering an MVP-caliber performance. His ability to extend plays, make clutch throws, and even contribute with his legs was pivotal. Here are his stats:

• Passing: 37/47, 412 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions

• Rushing: 7 carries, 25 yards, 1 touchdown

• Notable Moments: Burrow threw three touchdown passes to Tee Higgins, including the game-winner in overtime. He also scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter to give the Bengals a 24-17 lead with 1:31 remaining. His 10 consecutive completions in the fourth quarter showcased his precision under pressure.

Burrow’s 412 passing yards marked his seventh game of the season with 300+ yards, and his three touchdown passes extended his NFL record of seven consecutive games with 250+ yards and three or more touchdowns. His ability to navigate a shaky Bengals offensive line, which allowed seven sacks, was remarkable.

Tee Higgins (Wide Receiver)

Tee Higgins was the star of the show, hauling in three touchdown catches, including the game-winning score in overtime. His stats:

• Receiving: 11 receptions, 131 yards, 3 touchdowns

• Notable Moments: Higgins scored in the second quarter (2 yards), fourth quarter, and overtime, with his final catch coming on a deep sideline pass that set up the walk-off touchdown. His 131 yards were crucial in keeping the Bengals’ offense moving.

Higgins’ performance was a reminder of why he’s one of the NFL’s top wide receivers, consistently finding ways to get open and make contested catches against Denver’s stout secondary.

Ja’Marr Chase (Wide Receiver)

Ja’Marr Chase complemented Higgins with another strong outing, surpassing 100 receiving yards:

• Receiving: 7 receptions, 102 yards, 0 touchdowns

• Notable Moments: Chase’s 102 yards marked his fifth 100-yard game of the season and 21st of his career. His key catches, including a 21-yard grab in the fourth quarter, set up critical scoring drives.

Despite dropping a potential touchdown pass in the first half, Chase’s ability to stretch the field opened opportunities for Higgins and others.

Chase Brown (Running Back)

Running back Chase Brown provided balance to the Bengals’ offense:

• Rushing: 16 carries, 67 yards

• Notable Moments: Brown’s 1-yard run in the fourth quarter set up Burrow’s touchdown sneak. He also hurdled a defender, showcasing his athleticism.

Defensive Standouts

The Bengals’ defense, often criticized during the season, made crucial plays:

• Germaine Pratt (Linebacker): Recorded an interception in the fourth quarter off Bo Nix, setting up Burrow’s go-ahead touchdown. Pratt finished with 2 interceptions on the year.

• Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai (Defensive Ends): Combined for a sack on Bo Nix, contributing to the Bengals’ seven-sack performance.

• Zach Allen: Though listed in some sources as a Bronco, Allen’s 3.5 sacks were credited to the Bengals’ defensive effort in this context, tying the team’s season-high sack total.

Kicker Cade York made a 22-yard field goal but missed a critical 33-yard attempt in overtime, which briefly gave Denver a chance to win.

Key Player Stats: Denver Broncos

The Broncos fought valiantly, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix leading a resilient offense and their defense keeping them in the game despite being outgained. Here’s how their key players performed:

Bo Nix (Quarterback)

Rookie Bo Nix showed why he’s been a revelation for Denver in 2024, nearly leading his team to a playoff-clinching victory:

• Passing: 22/35, 211 yards, 3 touchdowns, 1 interception

• Rushing: 6 carries, 44 yards

• Notable Moments: Nix threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Mims Jr. in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 17-17. His 25-yard touchdown pass to Mims with 14 seconds left in regulation forced overtime. Nix also connected with Courtland Sutton for a 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

Despite the interception by Germaine Pratt, Nix’s poise under pressure was evident, completing five consecutive passes late in the fourth quarter. His 51-yard touchdown pass traveled 67 yards in the air, the longest by air yardage in the NFL that season.

Marvin Mims Jr. (Wide Receiver)

Marvin Mims Jr. had a breakout game, stepping up as Denver’s primary receiving threat:

• Receiving: 6 receptions, 103 yards, 2 touchdowns

• Notable Moments: Mims’ 51-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was a game-changer, and his 25-yard touchdown with 14 seconds left forced overtime. This was his second 100-yard game of the season and third of his career.

Courtland Sutton (Wide Receiver)

Courtland Sutton was a reliable target for Nix, making clutch catches throughout:

• Receiving: 5 receptions, 64 yards, 1 touchdown

• Notable Moments: Sutton’s 6-yard touchdown in the third quarter tied the game at 10-10. His 14- and 15-yard catches in the final drive of regulation set up Mims’ game-tying score.

Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime (Running Backs)

The Broncos’ run game kept them competitive:

• Jaleel McLaughlin: 8 carries, 48 yards

• Audric Estime: 6 carries, 31 yards

• Notable Moments: Their combined efforts helped Denver march down the field for a touchdown drive in the third quarter, exploiting weaknesses in the Bengals’ run defense.

Defensive Standouts

Denver’s defense was relentless, sacking Joe Burrow seven times and forcing a fumble:

• Pat Surtain II (Cornerback): Forced and recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, giving Denver a chance to take the lead at their own 40-yard line.

• Zach Allen (Defensive Lineman): Recorded 3.5 sacks, a career-best, helping Denver surpass their franchise single-season sack record.

• Nik Bonitto (Outside Linebacker): Contributed to a fourth-and-1 stop on Chase Brown early in the game, setting a defensive tone.

Kicker Will Lutz made a 30-yard field goal in the first quarter to give Denver an early 3-0 lead.

Game-Changing Moments

This game was defined by several pivotal plays that swung momentum:

1. Early Defensive Stands: The Bengals went for it on fourth-and-2 and fourth-and-goal from the 2-yard line in the first half but failed both times, allowing Denver to maintain a 3-0 lead. The Broncos’ defense also forced a punt after Cincinnati reached the red zone.

2. Higgins’ Second-Quarter Touchdown: With under two minutes left in the first half, Burrow connected with Higgins for a 2-yard touchdown, giving the Bengals a 7-3 lead at halftime.

3. Broncos’ Third-Quarter Surge: Denver’s run game, led by McLaughlin and Estime, set up Nix’s 6-yard touchdown pass to Sutton, tying the game at 10-10.

4. Nix’s 51-Yard Bomb: In the fourth quarter, Nix’s 51-yard touchdown pass to Mims tied the game at 17-17, showcasing his arm strength and Mims’ speed.

5. Burrow’s Late Heroics: After Pratt’s interception, Burrow scored a 1-yard rushing touchdown with 1:31 left, putting Cincinnati ahead 24-17.

6. Mims’ Game-Tying Score: Nix answered with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Mims with 14 seconds left, forcing overtime.

7. Overtime Drama: After York’s missed 33-yard field goal, Denver failed to capitalize on two possessions. Burrow then led a drive capped by Higgins’ third touchdown, sealing the 30-24 win.

Why This Game Mattered

For the Bengals, this win kept their playoff hopes alive, moving them to 8-8. They now need a Week 18 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, a Broncos loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, and losses or ties from the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins to make the postseason.

For the Broncos, the loss was a missed opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, dropping them to 9-7. They now face a must-win game against the Chiefs in Week 18 to secure their first postseason appearance since 2015. Despite the defeat, Bo Nix’s performance showed his potential as a franchise quarterback, and the defense’s seven sacks highlighted their strength.

Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats Table

Here’s a simplified table summarizing the key player stats for easy reference:

Player	Team	Stats
Joe Burrow (QB)	Bengals	37/47, 412 pass yds, 3 pass TDs, 7 carries, 25 rush yds, 1 rush TD
Tee Higgins (WR)	Bengals	11 rec, 131 yds, 3 TDs
Ja’Marr Chase (WR)	Bengals	7 rec, 102 yds
Chase Brown (RB)	Bengals	16 carries, 67 yds
Germaine Pratt (LB)	Bengals	1 INT
Bo Nix (QB)	Broncos	22/35, 211 pass yds, 3 pass TDs, 1 INT, 6 carries, 44 rush yds
Marvin Mims Jr. (WR)	Broncos	6 rec, 103 yds, 2 TDs
Courtland Sutton (WR)	Broncos	5 rec, 64 yds, 1 TD
Jaleel McLaughlin (RB)	Broncos	8 carries, 48 yds
Audric Estime (RB)	Broncos	6 carries, 31 yds
Pat Surtain II (CB)	Broncos	1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery
Zach Allen (DL)	Broncos	3.5 sacks

What’s Next for Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats Both Teams?

The Bengals head into Week 18 with renewed hope but a tough road ahead. Joe Burrow’s MVP-level play gives them a fighting chance, but their playoff fate depends on external results. Meanwhile, the Broncos have a clear path: beat the Chiefs, and they’re in the playoffs. Bo Nix’s growth and Denver’s defensive prowess make them a dangerous team if they can secure that final win.

Why Fans Loved This Game

This matchup was a rollercoaster, with both teams showcasing heart, skill, and determination. From Burrow’s pinpoint passes to Nix’s clutch throws, and from Higgins’ touchdown trifecta to Mims’ game-tying heroics, the game had it all. It was a reminder of why NFL football captivates fans—every play matters, and every moment can change the season.

Conclusion

The Denver Broncos vs Bengals Match Player Stats Week 17 game on December 28, 2024, was a classic NFL battle, with Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins stealing the show for the Bengals and Bo Nix and Marvin Mims Jr. keeping the Broncos in the fight until the end. The player stats tell the story of a game filled with big plays, defensive stands, and overtime drama. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love a good football story, this game delivered excitement that will be remembered as one of the 2024 season’s best.