Sunday’s slate had plenty of drama. In Madrid, the Bengals beat the Falcons 34-17. Joe Burrow had a sharp first half, and Ja’Marr Chase caught 10 passes for 155 yards and a touchdown, with 142 of those yards before halftime, a career high. It was Cincinnati’s fourth straight game with 30-plus points, a franchise first. The 6-2 Bengals are now tied with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North, and the two meet next week on Sunday Night Football.
Denver edged Carolina 26-21 to move to 7-2. Bo Nix threw for 237 yards and two scores, and Nik Bonitto’s late strip-sack ended the Panthers’ last drive. It was the Broncos’ fifth win this season after trailing in the fourth quarter, which ties the most through nine games since 2000. The catch is that the two other teams to do it, the 2016 Lions and 2022 Vikings, both lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Then there was Dallas, which nearly blew a 10-point lead before beating Indianapolis 27-23. Javonte Williams scored the go-ahead touchdown late, and rookie Caleb Downs sealed it with his first NFL interception against his brother Josh Downs. The Cowboys were outgained 508 to 271 and committed 14 penalties.
Chicago also beat Tampa Bay 27-24 on Sunday night.
