‘As it has before this season, however, the defense made some key halftime adjustments. Really, though, what it came down to were a pair of game-changing plays in the fourth quarter.’
BillsBeat - December 8, 2025
Lance Lysowski: Josh Allen's latest heroics show the Bills should not be counted out
‘Regardless of the injuries on defense, and no matter whom the Bills face moving forward, their quarterback gives them a chance. Allen completed 22 of 28 passes for 251 yards and three touchdown passes. He rushed for 81 yards, including the record 40-yard score, on seven carries.’
How Bills CB Christian Benford made a game-changing play again – this time vs. Bengals
‘“We needed to make a play,” coach Sean McDermott said. “Bobby (Babich, the Bills defensive coordinator) called a great call, and C.B. was doing what he was asked to do. He made a huge play. To be able to score on it was huge, as well. Just big-time moment in the game.”’
Three questions: What did we learn after the Buffalo Bills outlasted the Cincinnati Bengals?
‘The Buffalo Bills’ defense continues to show second-half improvements. After allowing touchdowns to the Cincinnati Bengals on each of their first three drives and allowing the Bengals to start the game 7 of 7 on third down, the Bills’ defense looked to be in peril. But the team was able to get the stops it needed, and then some. Cornerback Christian Benford’s 63-yard pick-six was the start of Joe Burrow’s unraveling, as the Bills logged two interceptions on back-to-back throws by the Cincinnati quarterback. Benford’s touchdown gave the Bills their first lead of the game, then A.J. Epenesa’s interception helped to seal it for the Bills.’
Why Dawson Knox and the Bills' tight ends were key in their win vs. Bengals
‘Quarterback Josh Allen threw 11 of his 22 completions to the group of Dawson Knox, Dalton Kincaid and Jackson Hawes. The three combined for 137 yards, two touchdowns and a two-point conversion in the win.’
5 plays that shaped the Bills' comeback win vs. Bengals, including A.J. Epenesa's interception
‘Phillips tipped the ball on first-and-10 at Cincinnati’s 34-yard line, causing it to flutter several feet into the air, and it fell into the arms of Bills edge rusher A.J. Epenesa. That gave the Bills interceptions on consecutive passes − Christian Benford had already returned his 63 yards for a touchdown − to help them score 21 points in a span of just 4:30 of game time.’
Report Card: Josh Allen's heroics lead to high marks for Bills' offense in comeback victory
‘Allen became the first player in NFL history with three seasons of 20-plus passing touchdowns and 10- plus rushing touchdowns. He finished 22 of 28 for 251 yards and three touchdowns – a quarterback rating of 139.7 – in outplaying his Bengals counterpart, Joe Burrow, who was also excellent.’
4 things that stood out in Bills' epic Week 14 win against Bengals
‘This one, of course, feels much bigger than that win 3 ½ decades ago over Denver because that one happened in late September while now, with the calendar having flipped to December, the 9-4 Bills simultaneously kept their slim AFC East hopes alive as they head into a showdown against the first-place Patriots next week at Foxborough, and also strengthened their hold on a wild-card berth.’
Bills report card: Josh Allen exploits Bengals, defense makes season-altering play
‘The Bengals converted their first seven third downs in the first half and five of those came via the pass on plays where they needed five or more yards to go. It was a ridiculous performance by the pass defense. But obviously in the second half, the Bills came up with two plays against Joe Burrow that keyed the victory.’
Christian Benford pick-six helps Bills snatch comeback win vs. Bengals (observations)
‘Without star pass rusher Joey Bosa, the Bills struggled to generate pressure on Burrow. According to Pro Football Focus, Buffalo only had five quarterback pressures in the game. Buffalo found a way to make plays to generate turnovers in a game where their pass rush was largely ineffective.’
Christian Benford’s incredible pick-six completely changed the Bills’ fortunes against the Bengals
‘Joe Burrow had been carving off Buffalo’s defense all game and looked to loft a pass to Ja’Marr Chase. Benford, however, got in the throwing lane, jumped up and came away with the ball. Burrow’s tackle attempt failed and Benford took it to the house to give Buffalo the lead.’
How the Bills went from a 91.6% chance of losing to stunning the Bengals in just minutes
‘“Have some faith next time,” Allen said.’
The emotional reason McDermott wants Bills fans to cherish every second left at Highmark Stadium
‘”Certainly, I’m sure a lot of people are looking forward to the new stadium,” he said. “I understand that. But let’s not rush to get over there. I think it’s special to be here and enjoy these last few moments that we all have together in here.”’
Why Josh Allen couldn’t stop cursing on sideline during teammate’s incredible touchdown run
‘“Hopefully they weren’t showing me on the sideline, because I said a lot of bad (words),” Allen said. “It’s fun to see your brother, who works extremely hard, a guy that’s as humble as they come, a guy who just does his job, and he can make plays for your team in big moments of the game. It’s so awesome. He deserves every bit of it.”’
Amidst inconsistent season, Josh Allen out-dueled another elite quarterback in Bills win
‘“Sometimes you’ve got to play bigger for other people,” Allen said. “… Finding ways to get in the end zone. All we had to do was score one more point than them. It didn’t matter how we did it, didn’t matter how good or bad it looked, we just have to continue finding ways to win.”‘