Is Joe Burrow back to MVP form just in time to showcase his skills in a lost season? The Cincinnati Bengals answered with a resounding yes, cruising to a 37-14 victory over the struggling Arizona Cardinals on December 28, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. This NFL Week 17 interconference matchup highlighted Cincinnati’s explosive offense and stifling defense, while exposing Arizona’s ongoing woes in a blowout that underscored the disparity between the teams in the National Football League.
Score Summary
The Bengals controlled the game from the opening drive, building a commanding halftime lead and pulling away in the third quarter. Cincinnati outgained Arizona significantly, with efficient passing and a balanced run game. Final score: Cincinnati Bengals 37, Arizona Cardinals 14.
Quarter
Bengals
Cardinals
Key Scoring Plays
1st
7
0
Ja’Marr Chase 13-yard TD reception from Joe Burrow
2nd
16
7
Samaje Perine 1-yard rushing TD (missed XP); Evan McPherson 56-yard FG; Ja’Marr Chase second TD reception; Michael Wilson 38-yard TD reception from Jacoby Brissett
3rd
14
0
Chase Brown two rushing TDs (6 yards and 1 yard)
4th
0
7
Late Cardinals TD (garbage time)
The Bengals scored on multiple long drives, converting key third downs, while the Cardinals managed only sporadic big plays amid constant pressure.
Turning Points
Several decisive moments turned this NFL Week 17 contest into a Bengals clinic:
Opening Statement — Cincinnati marched down the field on their first possession for a Ja’Marr Chase touchdown, setting an aggressive tone.
Halftime Momentum — Evan McPherson’s 56-yard field goal just before the break extended the lead to 23-7, capping a response to Arizona’s brief score.
Third-Quarter Explosion — Chase Brown’s back-to-back rushing touchdowns ballooned the advantage to 37-7, allowing Burrow to rest early.
Defensive Dominance — The Bengals forced multiple three-and-outs and limited the Cardinals’ offense to minimal yardage until late garbage time.
These plays emphasized Cincinnati’s superior execution and depth, overwhelming an injury-plagued Arizona squad.
Standout Performances
Individual brilliance defined this one-sided NFL Week 17 affair:
Joe Burrow (Bengals QB): Efficient and sharp, completing passes for 305 yards and two TDs to nine different receivers, including a 21-yard birthday catch by OL Cody Ford.
Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals WR): Two touchdown catches, marking his first multi-TD game in months and etching his name in NFL history as the only receiver with 80+ catches, 1,000+ yards, and 7+ TDs in each of his first five seasons.
Chase Brown (Bengals RB): Rushed for 101 yards and two TDs, seizing the RB1 role with explosive runs.
Trey McBride (Cardinals TE): Set an NFL single-season record for receptions by a tight end (119), including a late grab to break the mark previously held by Zach Ertz.
Michael Wilson (Cardinals WR): 38-yard TD reception, providing Arizona’s lone highlight in the second quarter.
Jacoby Brissett (Cardinals QB): Struggled under pressure in relief duty.
The Bengals’ offense distributed the ball effectively, while Arizona’s defense couldn’t contain Cincinnati’s stars.
What the Result Means for Playoff Chances
As the 2025 NFL regular season concludes, neither team harbors postseason aspirations, but the outcome affects draft positioning:
For the Bengals (now 6-10), the dominant win provides a strong finish to a disappointing year marred by injuries, including Burrow’s earlier toe issue. They improved to 3-2 since his return and close against Cleveland, evaluating talent for 2026 amid questions in the AFC North.
The Cardinals (now 3-13) extended an eight-game losing streak, dropping to the bottom of the NFC West and solidifying a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft order. Eliminated long ago, Arizona hosts the Rams in Week 18, shifting focus to rebuild and offseason changes.
In the broader AFC playoff picture and NFC standings, this result has minimal impact on contenders but highlights Cincinnati’s “what if” potential and Arizona’s need for roster overhaul. NFL fans eyeing mock drafts, free agency, and future projections will monitor how these teams pivot heading into next season.
