In a dramatic showdown on December 7, 2025, the Buffalo Bills came back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 39-34 at Orchard Park, New York. Quarterback Josh Allen was the star of the game, throwing for three touchdowns and rushing for another, while cornerback Christian Benford made a pivotal play with a 63-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Allen”s impressive performance included a 40-yard rushing touchdown, breaking the previous record of 36 yards for the longest run by a Bills quarterback. The snowy conditions and frigid temperatures didn”t deter the Bills, who executed crucial defensive plays that shifted the momentum of the game.
In rapid succession, Benford and defensive end A.J. Epenesa intercepted Joe Burrow on consecutive plays, allowing the Bills to capitalize and score three touchdowns within a span of just over four minutes in the fourth quarter. Benford”s interception, where he leaped to snag Burrow”s pass aimed at Ja”Marr Chase, gave Buffalo its first lead with just over five minutes left in the game.
Following Epenesa”s interception, which was set up by a tip from defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, Allen connected with tight end Jackson Hawes for a touchdown on fourth-and-goal from the three-yard line, increasing the score to 39-28.
The Bills have now won two consecutive games for the first time in a month, maintaining their position in a competitive AFC playoff race. In contrast, the Bengals” playoff hopes dimmed significantly, now three games behind Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
Burrow”s earlier success in leading the Bengals to a victory against Baltimore seemed short-lived, as he recorded his first interceptions in four starts this season. Despite completing 25 of 36 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns, Burrow could not secure the win, marking a rare defeat in what had been a robust stretch.
With the game winding down, Burrow managed to connect with Tee Higgins for a 25-yard touchdown pass, bringing the score to 39-34 and giving the Bengals a glimmer of hope. However, a crucial third-and-15 play saw Allen scramble up the middle for a 17-yard gain, effectively allowing the Bills to run out the clock and seal their victory.
Allen finished the game with 22 completions on 28 attempts for 251 yards. His first touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir marked his 20th of the season, making him the first player in NFL history with three seasons of at least 20 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns.
The game was played under challenging conditions, with snow covering the field and temperatures that felt significantly colder due to the wind. The Bills faced some offensive errors, including a turnover by James Cook at the Cincinnati one-yard line and a missed scoring opportunity when Ty Johnson fell short of the end zone on a promising opening drive.
Additionally, the Bengals were without wide receiver Jermaine Burton, who was suspended for one game for undisclosed reasons and had not yet played this season.
