The New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 26-20 in a hard-fought game at Paycor Stadium on November 23, 2025. Despite a late comeback attempt led by quarterback Joe Flacco, the Bengals fell short after key injuries and turnovers. The victory improves the Patriots' standing in the AFC.
Game Overview
The matchup featured the Patriots overcoming an early deficit to secure the win, with field goals and a pick-six proving decisive. Cincinnati started strong with a 54-yard field goal by Evan McPherson for a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, but New England's offense responded aggressively in the second.
Key Plays and Turnovers
Drake Maye threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Hunter Henry, narrowing the gap to 10-7. However, Maye's overthrow was intercepted by Geno Stone, who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown, extending Cincinnati's lead to 10-0. Later, Flacco's telegraphed pass was picked off by Marcus Jones, who ran it back 33 yards for a Patriots touchdown, flipping the score to 14-10.
McPherson's record 63-yard field goal at halftime made it 17-13 in favor of New England. The third quarter saw defensive stands, including the Bengals stopping the Patriots at the goal line twice, but Andy Borregales' 45-yard field goal pushed the lead to 20-13.
Late Drama and Injuries
In the fourth, Flacco connected with Mitchell Tinsley for a 17-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 23-20 with 4:40 left. Tee Higgins suffered a concussion after a hard hit and was carted off, joining the sidelined Ja'Marr Chase. Borregales added a 52-yard field goal for 26-20. Flacco's final drive ended in failure on fourth down, sealing the Bengals' loss.
Injuries impacted both sides, with Bengals' Tahj Brooks and Marco Wilson also exiting. The game highlighted Flacco's resilience but exposed Cincinnati's penalty issues, including a ninth delay-of-game call.