Posted on by Abhishek Jha
Bengals Playoff Chances: How Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins’ Heroics Keep Hope Alive in Week 17
In a season filled with ups and downs, the Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff chances have been hanging by a thread, but the Week 17 victory against the Denver Broncos showed that they are not ready to let go. With every game carrying immense weight, Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins delivered when it mattered most, keeping the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive in dramatic fashion.
Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins: The Dynamic Duo
When it comes to the Bengals, there’s no denying the importance of the connection between Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins. Throughout this season, Burrow has made it clear that keeping Higgins on the roster should be a top priority for the organization. Their performance on December 28, 2024, against the Denver Broncos was proof of why this duo is one of the most dangerous in the NFL.
Burrow was phenomenal, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns, with Higgins catching 11 passes for 131 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yard touchdown in overtime. The connection between Burrow and Higgins is nothing short of electrifying, and it was the key to securing a crucial win that kept the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive.
Tee Higgins: A Warrior Under Pressure
Despite battling ankle and knee injuries that limited his practice time leading up to the game, Higgins played through the pain, showcasing his resilience and warrior spirit. Bengals’ head coach Zac Taylor was quick to praise the veteran receiver, calling him a “warrior” for his gutsy performance. His relentless drive to win one-on-one matchups against Broncos cornerback Riley Moss resulted in seven receptions, 101 yards, and two touchdowns, leaving no doubt about his impact on the field.
Burrow echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how Higgins elevates the team’s play, particularly when he’s performing at such a high level. The Bengals are lucky to have such a determined and talented player who consistently steps up in clutch moments.
Cincinnati Bengals’ Playoff Hopes: A Crucial Win Against the Broncos
The 30-24 victory over the Denver Broncos was not just a regular win; it was a lifeline for the Bengals. The team’s playoff chances were on the line, and every play mattered. Despite multiple moments when it seemed the Bengals had the game in hand, their victory didn’t come without challenges. A missed field goal, poor injury luck, and questionable clock management were all factors that nearly derailed their chances.
Nevertheless, Burrow and Higgins kept their composure and delivered the necessary plays in the game’s dying moments. The win ensures that the Bengals still have a shot at the postseason, with everything to play for in Week 18. The Bengals playoff scenarios are clear: a win next week, coupled with losses from the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Indianapolis Colts, would secure a playoff spot for Cincinnati.
The Broncos: A Tough Opponent Despite Playoff Elimination
Even though the Denver Broncos were already eliminated from playoff contention, they fought hard throughout the game. Head coach Sean Payton has brought a new energy to the Broncos, and they have shown significant improvement this season. The Broncos’ playoff chances may have been dashed, but they are still a formidable opponent for any team.
Quarterback Russell Wilson and his offense put up a strong fight, but they couldn’t keep up with the explosive Bengals offense. The Broncos’ defense struggled to contain Burrow, and Higgins torched them all game long, ultimately sealing the victory with his game-winning touchdown.
Bengals’ Playoff Scenarios: What’s Next for Cincinnati?
With their Week 17 victory, the Cincinnati Bengals are still in the hunt for the playoffs. To keep their playoff chances alive, the Bengals need to win their Week 18 matchup and hope for help from other teams. The following is the current scenario for the Bengals:
- Win in Week 18: Cincinnati must win their final game of the regular season to stay alive in the playoff race.
- Broncos Loss: A Denver Broncos loss would eliminate them from contention, which helps the Bengals.
- Losses from the Dolphins and Colts: The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts must both lose for the Bengals to have a chance.
If the Bengals can pull off the win in Week 18, they will not only secure a playoff berth but also give themselves the opportunity to make a deep run in the postseason, thanks in large part to the heroics of Burrow and Higgins.
Bengals vs. Broncos: Key Player Stats and Performance
The Bengals’ victory over the Broncos wasn’t just a win for the record books; it was a showcase of individual talent and team resilience. Here’s a breakdown of the key players’ performances:
Joe Burrow
- 412 Passing Yards
- 3 Touchdowns
- Overtime Performance: Burrow led his team to an overtime win, throwing the game-winning touchdown to Higgins.
Tee Higgins
- 11 Receptions
- 131 Receiving Yards
- 3 Touchdowns
- Game-Winner: Higgins’ clutch 3-yard touchdown in overtime sealed the win.
Ja’Marr Chase
- Although not the focus of the game, Ja’Marr Chase continued to be a key contributor, catching several passes and helping the offense maintain a balanced attack.
Broncos’ Key Players
- Russell Wilson: Despite the Broncos’ loss, Wilson threw for over 300 yards and kept his team competitive throughout the game.
- Riley Moss: As the Broncos’ cornerback, Moss struggled against the Bengals’ wide receivers, especially Higgins, who exploited his coverage all game long.
Bengals’ Playoff Hopes Rest on the Final Week
As Week 18 approaches, the Cincinnati Bengals will face their most important game of the season. If they want to make the playoffs, they need a victory, coupled with help from other teams. The Bengals playoff chances remain slim, but with players like Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, anything is possible.
The Bengals have shown throughout the season that they are a resilient and talented team, and their playoff run is far from over. As fans eagerly watch the team’s fate unfold, one thing is certain: with Burrow under center and Higgins making plays, the Bengals are never out of the game.
Conclusion: The Bengals’ Playoff Push
In one of the wildest NFL seasons, the Cincinnati Bengals continue to fight for their playoff lives. Their Week 17 win over the Denver Broncos was a testament to their resilience, determination, and star power. Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins played pivotal roles, keeping the Bengals’ playoff hopes alive with their outstanding performance.
As we head into the final week of the regular season, the Bengals’ playoff chances are hanging by a thread. A win in Week 18, coupled with a few losses from other teams, could see the Bengals secure their spot in the postseason. With Burrow and Higgins leading the charge, Bengals fans have reason to believe that the team’s playoff dreams are still very much alive.
