Saturday night was a wild roller-coaster ride for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a 30-24 victory over the Denver Broncos.
After Bo Nix threw an interception with 2:30 to go in regulation, the Bengals scored a touchdown roughly a minute later. But the decision not to run off some time came back to bite the Bengals.
The Broncos had 1:29 on the clock after the score, and it was just what 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 whether Mims had possession through the catch, but the ruling on the field of a touchdown stood. With the PAT, the game went into overtime, capping a 28-point fourth quarter.
The teams exchanged punts, and Burrow and the Bengals got into field goal range on their next drive. But Cade York's 33-yarder bounced off an upright.
Cincy, though, forced a second punt, giving the Bengals life, and they took advantage. Burrow dropped a 31-yard dot in a bucket for Higgins to put the Bengals at the Denver 3-yard line. On the next play, Higgins completed the job with a touchdown, his third of the evening, to end the game.
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 his 49 pass attempts. All three of his touchdown passes went to Higgins. Burrow also ran in for a score late in the fourth. Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards to go with his hat trick.
A win or tie would have put the Broncos in the playoffs, and they'll have to wait until the season's final week to determine their playoff fate. Nix was 24-for-31 passing for 219 yards and three touchdowns.
Cincy will make the playoffs if they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers next and the Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. Denver controls its own destiny.
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The Chargers' playoff-clinching 40-7 win over the Patriots on Saturday was perhaps the biggest example of just how much the team has changed in a year under coach Jim Harbaugh.
De'Aaron Fox and the struggling Kings have new leadership in place with interim coach Doug Christie, and before his debut Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers, his Sacramento players spoke about the renewed energy the club has despite a 13-18 record.
The Georgia quarterback took to social media Saturday to announce his decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft, just five days after Beck underwent season-ending elbow surgery.
"The past five years at the University of Georgia have been nothing short of a dream come true and I will forever cherish the memories that have been made," Beck said in a post on Instagram.
"Thank you Dawg Nation for the time I've been here and to those who’ve supported and believed in me, thank you. It’s been an incredible journey and all these moments have ultimately led me to take the next step in my football career. With that being said, I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. Go Dawgs!"
Beck was injured in the first half of the Bulldogs' overtime victory over Texas in the SEC championship game earlier this month.
He underwent surgery Monday to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm and is expected to begin throwing in the spring.
Despite having another year of eligibility, Beck declared for the draft after back-to-back seasons as Georgia’s starter with a 24-3 record.
"I want to thank God, for blessing me with the opportunity to play the game I love. Through the ups and downs, the highs and lows, everything that this game produces and provides I'm eternally grateful for. Football has taught me lessons that will last a lifetime and has grown me into the person I am today," his statement said.
"I’m so grateful for my family and those close to me for the support they’ve provided me during this Journey. They’ve always had my back no matter what the circumstance, and I can’t thank them enough for that."
Gunner Stockton took over in Beck’s absence with hopes of leading Georgia to another national championship. The Bulldogs face Notre Dame in the CFP quarterfinals in the Sugar Bowl Wednesday.
