Bengals vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

The bengals vs denver broncos match player stats from the 2024 NFL meeting tell the story of a game that turned into an overtime shootout at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Denver 30-24 in overtime, with Joe Burrow throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns while Tee Higgins delivered 11 receptions for 131 yards and three scores, including the overtime winner. The game was played on December 28, 2024, although some data listings may display December 29 because of reporting and time-zone differences. (ESPN)

For readers researching the bengals vs denver broncos match player stats, the headline numbers only tell part of the story. The box score reveals a major passing-volume advantage for Cincinnati, Denver’s ability to generate pressure, Marvin Mims Jr.’s explosive receiving performance, and a fourth quarter in which both teams repeatedly answered each other.

This was also a game where individual performances directly shaped the outcome. Burrow controlled the passing game for most of the night, Higgins became the decisive red-zone target, and Denver’s defense created enough pressure to keep Cincinnati from running away with the contest. On the other side, Bo Nix produced three touchdown passes and Mims delivered two touchdowns, including a 25-yard touchdown with only eight seconds remaining in regulation. (NFL)

Bengals vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats

The final score was Cincinnati Bengals 30, Denver Broncos 24 in overtime. Denver entered the contest at 9-7, while Cincinnati was 8-8. The Bengals were playing at home, with Cincinnati listed at 3-5 at home and Denver at 4-5 on the road in the supplied game data. (ESPN)

Game Overview

Category	Denver Broncos	Cincinnati Bengals
Final Score	24	30
Result	Lost in OT	Won in OT
Record entering game	9-7	8-8
Passing	Bo Nix	Joe Burrow
Passing Yards	219 in supplied data	412
Passing TDs	3	3
Interceptions	0 in supplied data	0
Team Rushing	27-123	28-115
Receiving Yards	219	412
Team Receptions	24	39
Defensive Sacks	7	2
Interceptions	0	1
Field Goals	1/1	1/2

The official NFL game recap confirms the 30-24 overtime result and identifies Higgins’ overtime touchdown as the decisive play. The NFL’s official recap lists Bo Nix at 24 completions on 31 attempts for 215 passing yards, while the supplied ESPN-style data in this prompt lists him at 219 yards. For this article, Cincinnati’s statistical figures follow the supplied data, while the small Nix yardage discrepancy is noted rather than silently treated as identical. (NFL)

Joe Burrow’s 412-Yard Passing Performance

Joe Burrow was the statistical centerpiece of the game.

He completed 39 of 49 attempts for 412 yards, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. He threw three touchdown passes and no interceptions, producing a 122.1 passer rating in the supplied statistics.

The completion volume is particularly important. Burrow completed almost 80 percent of his attempts, while Cincinnati attempted 49 passes. That combination produced 412 yards through the air and allowed the Bengals to repeatedly attack Denver’s secondary.

Burrow’s performance was not simply the result of short completions. His 8.4 yards per attempt indicates that Cincinnati generated meaningful yardage through the passing game while maintaining a very high completion rate.

He also contributed 25 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown according to the supplied statistics. That rushing touchdown came late in the fourth quarter and temporarily put Cincinnati ahead 24-17. Denver responded with Mims’ second touchdown of the night with eight seconds remaining, forcing overtime. (ESPN)

Burrow’s overtime sequence also demonstrates why total passing numbers do not completely describe his performance. Cincinnati had to overcome multiple defensive pressures during the extra period. Denver recorded two overtime sacks of Burrow on the same possession before Cincinnati eventually regained possession and finished the game.

The final drive included a 16-yard completion to Andrei Iosivas, a 13-yard run by Khalil Herbert, and a 31-yard completion to Higgins. One play later, Burrow found Higgins for the three-yard touchdown that ended the game. (ESPN)

Tee Higgins Was the Decisive Receiver

Among all the bengals vs denver broncos match player stats, Tee Higgins’ receiving line stands out.

Higgins finished with:

• 11 receptions
• 131 receiving yards
• 3 receiving touchdowns
• 31-yard longest reception
• 3 total touchdown receptions, including the overtime winner

His three touchdowns accounted for all of Cincinnati’s passing touchdowns.

The distribution is important. Cincinnati did not rely exclusively on Ja’Marr Chase. Chase caught nine passes for 102 yards, while Mike Gesicki added 10 receptions for 86 yards. Higgins, Chase, and Gesicki therefore combined for 30 receptions and 319 receiving yards.

Higgins’ contribution became even more important in high-leverage situations.

His first touchdown came on a two-yard reception in the second quarter. His second was a 12-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter. After Denver tied the game with eight seconds left, Higgins finished the contest in overtime with a three-yard touchdown. (ESPN)

The NFL highlighted the Burrow-Higgins connection as one of the defining elements of the game, particularly because Higgins accounted for all three of Burrow’s touchdown passes. (NFL)

Ja’Marr Chase Still Produced a 100-Yard Game

Ja’Marr Chase was not Cincinnati’s leading receiver in this matchup, but his 102 receiving yards were still significant.

Chase recorded nine receptions. His presence helped prevent Denver from focusing exclusively on Higgins, while his ability to create explosive gains remained an important part of Cincinnati’s passing structure.

One of Burrow’s notable fourth-quarter plays came when he escaped pressure and connected with Chase for a 38-yard gain, according to the NFL’s game analysis. That play helped Cincinnati sustain an important late-game possession. (NFL)

This is an important distinction when reading receiving statistics. Higgins had the larger touchdown impact, but Chase’s 102 yards gave Cincinnati another player capable of changing field position quickly.

Mike Gesicki Added 86 Receiving Yards

Mike Gesicki quietly had one of the more useful receiving performances for Cincinnati.

He caught 10 passes for 86 yards, giving Burrow a reliable intermediate target. His 10 receptions were only one fewer than Higgins’ 11.

Gesicki also made an important contribution during overtime. He caught a 10-yard pass early in Cincinnati’s first overtime possession and later added a 12-yard reception during the decisive drive. (ESPN)

His production illustrates the depth of Cincinnati’s passing attack. Denver could not limit the Bengals simply by concentrating coverage on the outside receivers.

Marvin Mims Jr. Leads Denver’s Receiving Attack

Denver’s most productive receiver was Marvin Mims Jr.

Mims finished with:

• 8 receptions
• 103 yards
• 2 touchdowns
• 51-yard longest reception

His two touchdowns both arrived in the fourth quarter.

The first was a 51-yard touchdown reception that tied the game at 17-17. Later, with only eight seconds remaining, Nix found Mims for a 25-yard touchdown that tied the game at 24-24 and forced overtime. (ESPN)

That sequence made Mims one of the most important players in the game’s final minutes.

His production was also notable because Denver’s passing attack produced only 219 receiving yards in the supplied statistics. Mims therefore accounted for a large portion of Denver’s total passing production.

The official NFL recap also confirms that Mims recorded eight catches for more than 100 yards and two touchdowns. (NFL)

Courtland Sutton’s Touchdown Added Balance

Courtland Sutton finished with five receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown.

His touchdown came in the third quarter on a six-yard pass from Nix. That score helped Denver answer Cincinnati’s field goal and kept the game level at 10-10.

Sutton’s numbers were not as explosive as Mims’ production, but his touchdown provided Denver with an important red-zone contribution.

The combination of Sutton and Mims gave Nix two different types of receiving options. Sutton supplied possession and red-zone value, while Mims provided explosive-play ability.

Bo Nix’s Three-Touchdown Performance

Bo Nix completed 24 of 31 passes and threw three touchdowns and one interception according to the supplied statistics. His listed passer rating was 114.9.

The official NFL game recap lists Nix at 24 completions on 31 attempts for 215 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. The supplied data lists 219 passing yards, creating a four-yard discrepancy between the two records. (NFL)

Regardless of that small yardage difference, the larger statistical picture is consistent: Nix protected the football reasonably well for most of the game, produced three passing touchdowns, and helped Denver erase multiple deficits.

His touchdown passes went to Sutton and Mims. Two of those touchdowns came during the fourth quarter, including the late score that forced overtime.

Nix also rushed seven times for 31 yards in the supplied rushing statistics. His ability to add yards with his legs gave Denver another dimension and prevented Cincinnati from treating him as a purely stationary pocket passer.

Denver’s Rushing Game

Denver finished with 27 rushing attempts for 123 yards, an average of 4.6 yards per carry in the supplied data.

Jaleel McLaughlin led the Broncos with:

• 10 carries
• 69 yards
• 6.9 yards per carry

McLaughlin’s 69 yards made him Denver’s leading rusher.

Bo Nix added 31 yards on seven carries. Audric Estime recorded nine carries for 24 yards, while Marvin Mims Jr. had one rushing attempt for minus-one yard.

The rushing numbers show that Denver was reasonably efficient on the ground. The Broncos averaged more yards per rushing attempt than Cincinnati, although Cincinnati ultimately relied much more heavily on its passing attack.

McLaughlin’s 69 yards were particularly notable because he generated more than half of Denver’s team rushing yardage.

Cincinnati’s Rushing Game

Cincinnati recorded 28 rushing attempts for 115 yards, averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Chase Brown led the Bengals with 20 carries for 67 yards.

Burrow added 25 yards and one touchdown on four rushing attempts. Khalil Herbert contributed 23 yards on four carries.

The raw rushing totals were close between the teams, but Cincinnati’s offensive identity was clearly built around Burrow’s passing performance.

The Bengals gained 297 more passing yards than rushing yards, making their aerial production the primary source of offensive success.

Herbert’s overtime contribution deserves attention. He carried the ball several times during the extra period, including an eight-yard run and a 13-yard run during the eventual game-winning possession. (ESPN)

Denver’s Defense Generated Seven Sacks

One of the most interesting aspects of the bengals vs denver broncos match player stats is the defensive contrast.

Denver recorded seven sacks compared with Cincinnati’s two.

Zach Allen led Denver with 3.5 sacks. Jonathon Cooper recorded one, Justin Strnad added one, while Jonah Elliss and Dondrea Tillman each recorded half a sack.

Denver also recorded 15 quarterback hits and six tackles for loss.

Those numbers demonstrate that Denver’s defense was capable of creating substantial pressure even though Cincinnati ultimately produced 30 points.

The pressure became especially visible in overtime. Allen and the Denver defense recorded two sacks during Cincinnati’s first overtime possession, forcing a punt. (ESPN)

This is an important lesson from the game: sack totals alone do not determine offensive success. Cincinnati absorbed significant pressure but continued producing explosive completions when opportunities appeared.

Cincinnati’s Defense Created the Only Interception

Cincinnati recorded two sacks and one interception.

Germaine Pratt recorded the interception, returning it two yards.

Trey Hendrickson and B.J. Hill each recorded one sack.

The Bengals’ defense also registered 65 total tackles, 38 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, two passes defended, and four quarterback hits in the supplied statistics.

Compared with Denver’s seven sacks and 15 quarterback hits, Cincinnati generated less pressure. However, the interception gave the Bengals an important takeaway advantage.

Denver did not record an interception.

Turnovers and Ball Security

The turnover statistics were relatively limited.

Denver had two fumbles but did not lose either one. Pat Surtain II recorded one fumble recovery.

Cincinnati had one fumble, and Higgins lost it.

Cincinnati also recorded the game’s only interception through Pratt.

That produced a narrow takeaway advantage for the Bengals.

The broader lesson is that the game was not decided by a large turnover differential. Instead, explosive passing plays, red-zone execution, and overtime possessions played a larger role.

Special Teams Comparison

Special teams did not dominate the game, but several numbers are worth noting.

Wil Lutz made his only field-goal attempt for Denver, a 30-yard kick, and converted all three extra points for six total points.

Cade York made one of two field-goal attempts for Cincinnati, with a long of 22 yards. He also converted all three extra points.

York’s missed field goal became especially relevant because Cincinnati had an opportunity to win earlier in overtime. His 33-yard overtime attempt hit the left upright, according to the ESPN play-by-play. Cincinnati eventually received another opportunity and won through Higgins’ touchdown. (ESPN)

Marvin Mims also returned one kickoff for 27 yards.

Cincinnati’s Jermaine Burton returned three kickoffs for 98 yards, averaging 32.7 yards per return with a long of 38.

How the Game Changed Quarter by Quarter

The scoring pattern provides useful context for the player statistics.

First Quarter

Denver opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal from Wil Lutz.

Cincinnati did not score in the opening period.

Denver therefore entered the second quarter with a 3-0 advantage.

Second Quarter

Cincinnati responded with a two-yard touchdown reception by Higgins from Burrow.

The Bengals entered halftime ahead 7-3.

The score was low compared with what followed, but Cincinnati had already begun establishing its passing rhythm.

Third Quarter

Cincinnati extended the lead with York’s 22-yard field goal.

Denver answered with Sutton’s six-yard touchdown reception from Nix.

The score was tied 10-10 entering the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter

The fourth quarter transformed the game.

Higgins caught a 12-yard touchdown pass to give Cincinnati a 17-10 advantage.

Mims then caught a 51-yard touchdown from Nix, tying the game at 17-17.

Burrow responded with a one-yard rushing touchdown, giving Cincinnati a 24-17 lead.

Denver then produced one of the game’s most dramatic plays. With eight seconds remaining, Nix connected with Mims for a 25-yard touchdown. Lutz’s extra point tied the game at 24-24. (ESPN)

Overtime

Cincinnati eventually got another possession after both teams had chances.

Burrow moved the Bengals downfield with a mixture of short completions, intermediate throws, and a crucial 31-yard connection with Higgins.

At 1:07 remaining in overtime, Burrow threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Higgins.

That completed Higgins’ three-touchdown night and gave Cincinnati the 30-24 victory. (ESPN)

What the Passing Numbers Really Show

A simple comparison of passing yards makes the offensive difference obvious.

Cincinnati:

• 39 completions
• 49 attempts
• 412 yards
• 8.4 yards per attempt
• 3 touchdowns
• 0 interceptions
• 122.1 passer rating

Denver:

• 24 completions
• 31 attempts
• 219 yards in the supplied data
• 7.1 yards per attempt
• 3 touchdowns
• 1 interception
• 114.9 passer rating

The most important difference was volume.

Burrow attempted 18 more passes than Nix and completed 15 more passes. Cincinnati also generated 193 more passing yards in the supplied statistics.

Yet Denver’s passing game remained efficient enough to produce three touchdowns.

That explains why the game stayed competitive despite Cincinnati’s huge passing-yard advantage.

What the Receiving Numbers Reveal

The receiving statistics show two very different offensive structures.

Cincinnati recorded 39 receptions for 412 yards.

Denver recorded 24 receptions for 219 yards.

Cincinnati distributed the ball across several players:

• Tee Higgins: 11 receptions, 131 yards, 3 TD
• Ja’Marr Chase: 9 receptions, 102 yards
• Mike Gesicki: 10 receptions, 86 yards
• Andrei Iosivas: 3 receptions, 59 yards
• Chase Brown: 4 receptions, 24 yards

Denver had a more concentrated distribution:

• Marvin Mims Jr.: 8 receptions, 103 yards, 2 TD
• Courtland Sutton: 5 receptions, 55 yards, 1 TD
• Devaughn Vele: 2 receptions, 27 yards
• Audric Estime: 1 reception, 13 yards
• Other receivers combined for the remaining production

This distinction matters when evaluating the box score. Cincinnati generated more consistent volume across its receiving group, while Denver received a much larger share of its explosive production from Mims.

What the Defensive Numbers Reveal

Denver’s seven sacks were the clearest defensive statistic.

The Broncos were able to disrupt Burrow’s pocket and force Cincinnati into difficult passing situations. However, Cincinnati still completed 39 passes and generated 412 passing yards.

That creates an interesting contrast between pressure and production.

Denver’s defensive front won several individual snaps, but Cincinnati’s offense repeatedly created successful plays despite that pressure.

Cincinnati, meanwhile, recorded fewer sacks but produced the only interception.

The Bengals therefore created less consistent quarterback pressure but made a critical takeaway.

Why the Final Score Was So Close

The final 30-24 score can look surprising when the passing totals are compared.

Cincinnati gained far more through the air, but Denver stayed close because of several factors.

First, Denver’s defense generated seven sacks.

Second, the Broncos averaged 4.6 yards per rushing attempt compared with Cincinnati’s 4.1.

Third, Nix produced three touchdown passes.

Fourth, Mims delivered two explosive touchdown plays in the fourth quarter.

Finally, Denver scored the game-tying touchdown with only eight seconds remaining.

This combination allowed Denver to offset Cincinnati’s much larger passing volume.

Key Player Takeaways

Joe Burrow

Burrow’s 412 passing yards were the largest individual passing total in the game. His three touchdown passes and zero interceptions provided Cincinnati with a highly productive passing performance.

Tee Higgins

Higgins was the decisive scoring player. His 11 receptions, 131 yards, and three touchdowns included the overtime game-winner.

Ja’Marr Chase

Chase surpassed 100 receiving yards and gave Cincinnati another explosive receiving threat.

Mike Gesicki

Gesicki’s 10 receptions for 86 yards provided significant support underneath and in the intermediate passing game.

Bo Nix

Nix threw three touchdowns and one interception while also adding 31 rushing yards in the supplied statistics.

Marvin Mims Jr.

Mims produced 103 yards and two touchdowns, including two fourth-quarter scores that helped force overtime.

Jaleel McLaughlin

McLaughlin led Denver’s rushing attack with 69 yards on 10 carries.

Zach Allen

Allen led all Denver defenders with 3.5 sacks and was central to the Broncos’ seven-sack performance.

Where the Game Was Won

The bengals vs denver broncos match player stats ultimately point toward three decisive areas.

1. Cincinnati’s Passing Volume

The Bengals completed 39 passes for 412 yards. That sustained passing production repeatedly moved the offense into scoring range.

2. Higgins in High-Leverage Situations

Higgins did more than accumulate receptions. He caught three touchdowns and delivered the final score.

3. Cincinnati’s Overtime Execution

The Bengals survived an overtime sequence in which Denver’s defense recorded two sacks and eventually found the winning drive.

The official NFL game recap provides additional context on the Burrow-Higgins connection and Cincinnati’s overtime victory. (NFL)

Statistical Lessons From the Matchup

This game provides several useful lessons for anyone analyzing NFL box scores.

Passing efficiency can matter more than raw attempts

Burrow’s 39 completions on 49 attempts created a huge passing total. The Bengals were able to turn volume into production because the completions also generated meaningful yardage.

Sacks do not automatically equal defensive control

Denver recorded seven sacks, but Cincinnati still scored 30 points and produced 412 passing yards.

Touchdown distribution matters

Higgins accounted for all three of Cincinnati’s passing touchdowns. Mims accounted for two of Denver’s three passing touchdowns.

Explosive plays can change a game quickly

Mims’ 51-yard touchdown and 25-yard touchdown completely changed the fourth quarter.

Overtime exposes depth

Cincinnati used Burrow, Higgins, Gesicki, Iosivas, and Herbert during the final overtime sequence. Multiple players contributed to the drive that eventually ended the game.

Historical Context of the Game

The matchup had significant late-season implications.

Denver entered at 9-7 and needed the victory to secure a playoff berth. Cincinnati entered at 8-8 and needed to continue winning to keep its postseason hopes alive.

The Bengals’ victory moved them to 8-8 at the time, while Denver fell to 9-7. The Broncos ultimately finished the regular season 10-7 after defeating Kansas City in Week 18 and subsequently reached the playoffs. Cincinnati finished 9-8 after defeating Pittsburgh in Week 18. (NFL)

That context makes the overtime finish more significant than a standard late-season game. Both teams had clear postseason implications attached to the result.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of Bengals vs Broncos?

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Denver Broncos 30-24 in overtime on December 28, 2024. (ESPN)

Who was the leading passer in Bengals vs Broncos?

Joe Burrow was the leading passer. He completed 39 of 49 attempts for 412 yards and three touchdowns in the supplied statistics.

Who was the leading receiver in Bengals vs Broncos?

Tee Higgins led Cincinnati with 11 receptions for 131 yards and three touchdowns. Marvin Mims Jr. led Denver with eight receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns.

How many touchdowns did Tee Higgins score?

Higgins scored three receiving touchdowns. His third touchdown came in overtime and gave Cincinnati the 30-24 victory.

How many sacks did the Broncos record?

Denver recorded seven sacks. Zach Allen led the Broncos with 3.5 sacks.

Did Bengals vs Broncos go to overtime?

Yes. Denver tied the game 24-24 with eight seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati then scored a touchdown in overtime to win 30-24. (ESPN)

Conclusion

The bengals vs denver broncos match player stats from this matchup show two offenses that produced in very different ways.

Cincinnati relied heavily on Joe Burrow’s passing volume and accuracy. His 412 passing yards, three touchdown passes, and zero interceptions powered an offense that completed 39 passes. Tee Higgins became the central scoring weapon with 11 receptions, 131 yards, and three touchdowns.

Denver countered with a balanced attack and a disruptive defense. Jaleel McLaughlin led the rushing game with 69 yards, Bo Nix produced three touchdown passes, and Marvin Mims Jr. delivered 103 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Denver’s defense also recorded seven sacks, including 3.5 from Zach Allen.

The final minutes were where the statistical story became a game story. Cincinnati took a 24-17 lead, Denver tied the contest with eight seconds remaining, and the Bengals eventually won in overtime when Burrow connected with Higgins for the decisive three-yard touchdown.

For anyone studying bengals vs denver broncos match player stats, the most useful takeaway is that the final score cannot be understood through one statistic alone. Cincinnati’s passing volume, Denver’s pass rush, Mims’ explosive plays, Higgins’ red-zone production, and the overtime execution all contributed to the 30-24 result.