Bengals Roll Past Cardinals 37-14 in Week 17 Showdown

The Cincinnati Bengals (5-10) hosted the struggling Arizona Cardinals (3-12) on Sunday in a Week 17 matchup between two teams looking to finish their disappointing seasons on positive notes. The Bengals entered riding high after their explosive 45-point performance against Miami, while the Cardinals came in searching for answers after dropping to just three wins on the season.

First Quarter: Bengals Strike First

Cincinnati wasted no time establishing their dominance. Joe Burrow methodically marched his team down the field on the opening drive, connecting with his favorite target Ja'Marr Chase for key gains. The drive culminated with a beautiful 13-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to Chase in the corner of the end zone. The extra point gave the Bengals a 7-0 lead.

Arizona's offense struggled to find any rhythm against Cincinnati's defense. Jacoby Brissett and the Cardinals managed just one first down before punting the ball back to the surging Bengals. Cincinnati controlled the first quarter completely, outgaining Arizona and setting the tone for what would become a dominant performance.

Second Quarter: Trading Scores

The Bengals extended their lead early in the second quarter when Samaje Perine punched in a one-yard touchdown run, though kicker McPherson missed the extra point to make it 13-0.

Arizona finally answered back with their best drive of the game. Brissett found reliable tight end Trey McBride for 15 yards, then connected with Michael Wilson for a spectacular 38-yard touchdown strike. The Cardinals' touchdown pass showed flashes of the offensive potential that has been missing most of the season.

Cincinnati responded quickly, as Burrow continued his outstanding play by finding Chase for his second touchdown of the game, an 8-yard scoring pass. The Bengals took a 20-7 lead into halftime, with Burrow throwing for over 200 yards in the first half alone.

Third Quarter: Bengals Pull Away

The second half belonged entirely to Cincinnati's ground game. Chase Brown, who has emerged as the Bengals' featured back this season, dominated Arizona's defense with powerful running. Brown capped off a long drive with a 6-yard touchdown run, extending the lead to 27-7.

Brown wasn't finished. Later in the quarter, he bulldozed into the end zone from one yard out for his second rushing touchdown of the game. The sophomore running back's breakout performance continued his strong 2025 campaign, as he totaled 101 rushing yards on 22 carries while adding 40 receiving yards.

Fourth Quarter: Sealing the Victory

With the game well in hand, Cincinnati began resting their starters. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco entered the game to manage the final minutes for the Bengals.

Arizona managed one final touchdown when Brissett connected with McBride for an 18-yard scoring pass. The reliable tight end finished with solid numbers despite the team's struggles, continuing his breakout third season.

Burrow finished with an efficient 305 passing yards and two touchdowns on 24-of-31 passing. Chase hauled in seven catches for 60 yards and two scores, while Tee Higgins added four catches for 59 yards.

Looking Ahead

This victory gives Cincinnati (6-10) their second straight win and some momentum heading into the offseason. The Bengals showed glimpses of the explosive offense that made them playoff contenders in previous seasons, with Burrow's health and the emergence of Chase Brown providing hope for 2026.

Arizona (3-13) extended their losing streak to eight games, confirming this season as a complete rebuild year. Despite the struggles, Wilson's big-play ability and McBride's consistent production offer bright spots for the future.

Both teams will finish their seasons next week, with each looking to build positive momentum heading into what promises to be eventful offseasons filled with changes and new opportunities.