On December 7, 2025, Buffalo defeated Cincinnati 39-34 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bengals vs buffalo bills match player stats show a game transformed by two late Cincinnati interceptions.
Buffalo entered at 8-4 and needed another victory to pursue New England in the AFC East. Cincinnati entered at 4-8, still chasing Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the AFC North.
Both teams missed important defensive starters, while Dalton Kincaid returned for Buffalo. Buffalo’s rushing advantage and fourth-quarter takeaways ultimately decided the game.
Match Overview
The matchup paired Cincinnati’s returning starting quarterback with Buffalo’s league-leading rushing attack. Buffalo recovered from a ten-point fourth-quarter deficit and improved its record to 9-4.
| Detail | Cincinnati Bengals | Buffalo Bills |
| Date | December 7, 2025 | December 7, 2025 |
| Venue | Highmark Stadium | Orchard Park, New York |
| Competition | NFL Week 14 | 2025 regular season |
| Entering record | 4-8 | 8-4 |
| Final score | 34 | 39 |
| Record after game | 4-9 | 9-4 |
The game started at 1:02 p.m. EST in snowy conditions. The recorded temperature was 31 degrees, with a 22-degree wind chill.
Pre-Match Context
Joe Burrow had returned one week earlier after missing nine games with a toe injury. Cincinnati had beaten Baltimore 32-14 on Thanksgiving and remained two games behind both AFC North leaders.
Buffalo had beaten Pittsburgh 26-7 and entered with the NFL’s top rushing average. The Bills also ranked second in total offense and fifth in scoring.
Trey Hendrickson’s absence reduced Cincinnati’s available edge pressure. Buffalo played without Joey Bosa, Terrel Bernard, and starting right tackle Spencer Brown.
Dalton Kincaid returned after missing three games. His availability gave Josh Allen another receiving option across the middle.
Quarter-by-Quarter Score
Both teams scored twice before halftime, but Buffalo still trailed by ten points. Cincinnati restored that margin early in the fourth quarter.
Buffalo then scored 21 consecutive points. Cincinnati added the game’s final touchdown but could not regain possession.
| Quarter | Bengals | Bills | Quarter Edge | Running Score |
| First | 7 | 3 | Cincinnati | Bengals 7-3 |
| Second | 14 | 8 | Cincinnati | Bengals 21-11 |
| Third | 0 | 7 | Buffalo | Bengals 21-18 |
| Fourth | 13 | 21 | Buffalo | Bills 39-34 |
The fourth quarter contained five touchdowns and both Cincinnati turnovers. Buffalo scored three consecutive touchdowns during a 4:30 stretch.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
First Quarter
Cincinnati opened with a 14-play, 67-yard touchdown drive that consumed 8:16. Chase Brown finished the possession with a five-yard rushing touchdown.
Buffalo answered with a 69-yard drive. Cincinnati stopped the Bills inside the ten, forcing Matt Prater’s 26-yard field goal.
Second Quarter
Burrow found Tee Higgins for a 21-yard touchdown after Cincinnati moved 55 yards. Allen answered with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir.
Allen’s two-point completion to Dawson Knox reduced Cincinnati’s lead to 14-11. Burrow then completed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chase Brown.
Cincinnati carried a 21-11 lead into halftime.
Third Quarter
Buffalo drove 75 yards after halftime and scored through Kincaid’s five-yard reception. The Bills later threatened again near Cincinnati’s goal line.
James Cook fumbled near the end zone. Oren Burks recovered the ball for a touchback, preserving Cincinnati’s 21-18 lead.
Fourth Quarter
Mike Gesicki caught a 12-yard touchdown pass, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 28-18. Allen answered with a 40-yard touchdown run.
Christian Benford then returned Burrow’s interception 63 yards for a touchdown. A.J. Epenesa intercepted Burrow on Cincinnati’s next offensive play.
Allen converted that turnover with a three-yard touchdown pass to Jackson Hawes. Higgins caught a 25-yard touchdown with 2:13 remaining.
Cincinnati’s two-point attempt failed. Buffalo maintained possession and ended the game.
Team Stats Comparison
Buffalo gained 416 yards, exceeding Cincinnati’s total by 78. The Bills created that advantage through 183 rushing yards and 6.3 yards per attempt.
Cincinnati remained highly efficient on third down. The Bengals also scored touchdowns on all three red-zone appearances.
Buffalo finished plus-one in turnover margin. Both Cincinnati interceptions produced Buffalo touchdowns during the fourth quarter.
| Statistic | Bengals | Bills | Edge |
| First downs | 25 | 22 | Bengals |
| Total yards | 338 | 416 | Bills |
| Yards per play | 6.0 | 6.9 | Bills |
| Rushing yards | 62 | 183 | Bills |
| Net passing yards | 276 | 233 | Bengals |
| Third downs | 10/12 | 6/11 | Bengals |
| Third-down rate | 83.3% | 54.5% | Bengals |
| Red-zone scoring | 3/3 | 3/5 | Bengals |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 | Bills |
| Penalties | 4-30 | 6-68 | Bengals |
| Time of possession | 28:12 | 31:48 | Bills |
Cincinnati ran four fewer offensive plays but earned three more first downs. Buffalo controlled possession through its rushing production and late defensive takeaways.
Key Numbers That Decided the Game
The statistics show how Buffalo overcame Cincinnati’s passing efficiency and early lead. Rushing production and fourth-quarter turnovers created the decisive separation.
- Buffalo rushed for 183 yards, compared with Cincinnati’s 62 yards.
- The Bills scored 21 consecutive fourth-quarter points within 4:30 of game time.
- Burrow’s two interceptions produced 14 Buffalo points during consecutive Cincinnati possessions.
- Cincinnati converted 10 of 12 third downs, producing an 83.3 percent conversion rate.
- Buffalo’s tight ends combined for 11 receptions, 137 yards, and two touchdowns.
Full Box Score: Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow produced four passing touchdowns and directed five Cincinnati touchdown drives. His two fourth-quarter interceptions erased the offense’s ten-point lead.
Higgins led Cincinnati’s receivers with two touchdowns. Brown scored once rushing and once receiving.
Cincinnati recorded 62 rushing yards across 19 attempts. Eight players registered at least one reception.
Bengals Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Joe Burrow | 25/36 | 284 | 4 | 2 |
Bengals Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| Samaje Perine | 6 | 31 | 5.2 | 0 |
| Chase Brown | 12 | 23 | 1.9 | 1 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 1 | 8 | 8.0 | 0 |
Bengals Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Tee Higgins | 6 | 92 | 15.3 | 2 |
| Mike Gesicki | 6 | 86 | 14.3 | 1 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 5 | 44 | 8.8 | 0 |
| Andrei Iosivas | 2 | 17 | 8.5 | 0 |
| Noah Fant | 1 | 15 | 15.0 | 0 |
| Chase Brown | 3 | 12 | 4.0 | 1 |
| Tanner Hudson | 1 | 11 | 11.0 | 0 |
| Samaje Perine | 1 | 7 | 7.0 | 0 |
Bengals Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total Points |
| Evan McPherson | 0/0 | 4/4 | 4 |
Bengals Returns
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Charlie Jones, kickoffs | 5 | 138 | 27.6 |
| Samaje Perine, kickoffs | 2 | 49 | 24.5 |
Bengals Defensive Leaders
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key Play |
| Geno Stone | 9 | 1 | None |
| Jordan Battle | 8 | 0 | 1 pass defended |
| Barrett Carter | 7 | 0 | None |
| Joseph Ossai | 5 | 0 | 1 forced fumble |
| Demetrius Knight Jr. | 5 | 0 | None |
| T.J. Slaton Jr. | 5 | 1 | None |
| Dax Hill | 5 | 0 | 1 pass defended |
| DJ Turner II | 4 | 0 | 1 forced fumble |
Oren Burks recorded only two tackles but recovered Cook’s goal-line fumble. That recovery created a third-quarter touchback.
Full Box Score: Buffalo Bills
Allen completed 22 of 28 passes without a turnover and accounted for four touchdowns. He passed for three scores and added Buffalo’s longest rushing play.
Cook led Buffalo’s running backs despite losing a goal-line fumble. Knox led all Buffalo receivers with 93 yards.
Three Buffalo tight ends recorded touchdown receptions or major receiving production. Buffalo did not punt during the game.
Bills Passing
| Player | Comp/Att | Yards | TD | INT |
| Josh Allen | 22/28 | 251 | 3 | 0 |
Bills Rushing
| Player | Carries | Yards | Average | TD |
| James Cook | 18 | 80 | 4.4 | 0 |
| Josh Allen | 9 | 78 | 8.7 | 1 |
| Ty Johnson | 2 | 25 | 12.5 | 0 |
Bills Receiving
| Player | Receptions | Yards | Average | TD |
| Dawson Knox | 6 | 93 | 15.5 | 0 |
| Dalton Kincaid | 4 | 41 | 10.3 | 1 |
| James Cook | 2 | 31 | 15.5 | 0 |
| Gabe Davis | 2 | 21 | 10.5 | 0 |
| Keon Coleman | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 0 |
| Khalil Shakir | 2 | 16 | 8.0 | 1 |
| Tyrell Shavers | 1 | 16 | 16.0 | 0 |
| Ty Johnson | 2 | 14 | 7.0 | 0 |
| Jackson Hawes | 1 | 3 | 3.0 | 1 |
Bills Kicking
| Player | FG | XP | Total Points |
| Matt Prater | 1/1 | 4/4 | 7 |
Bills Returns
| Player | Returns | Yards | Average |
| Ray Davis, kickoffs | 4 | 84 | 21.0 |
| Ty Johnson, kickoffs | 2 | 46 | 23.0 |
| Khalil Shakir, punts | 1 | 9 | 9.0 |
Bills Defensive Leaders
| Player | Tackles | Sacks | Key Play |
| Jordan Poyer | 7 | 0 | None |
| Shaq Thompson | 6 | 0 | None |
| Cole Bishop | 6 | 0 | None |
| Taron Johnson | 5 | 0 | 1 pass defended |
| Matt Milano | 5 | 0 | None |
| Deone Walker | 4 | 0 | None |
| Maxwell Hairston | 3 | 0 | 2 passes defended |
| A.J. Epenesa | 3 | 0 | 1 interception |
Christian Benford finished outside the top eight in tackles. However, he recorded one sack and returned an interception 63 yards.
Game Leaders and Top Performers
Josh Allen completed 78.6 percent of his passes and produced three passing touchdowns. His 40-yard rushing touchdown began Buffalo’s fourth-quarter comeback.
Joe Burrow threw four touchdown passes while completing 25 of 36 attempts. His two late interceptions led directly to Buffalo touchdowns.
Tee Higgins caught six passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns. His second touchdown reduced Buffalo’s lead during the final minutes.
Dawson Knox caught six passes for a game-high 93 Buffalo receiving yards. He also caught Allen’s successful two-point conversion.
Christian Benford produced Buffalo’s only defensive touchdown. His 63-yard interception return gave Buffalo its first lead.
| Player | Team | Category | Core Statistics | Game Impact |
| Josh Allen | Bills | Passing and rushing | 329 total yards, 4 TD | Led comeback |
| Joe Burrow | Bengals | Passing | 284 yards, 4 TD, 2 INT | Directed five TD drives |
| Tee Higgins | Bengals | Receiving | 6 catches, 92 yards, 2 TD | Scored twice |
| Dawson Knox | Bills | Receiving | 6 catches, 93 yards | Bills receiving leader |
| Christian Benford | Bills | Defense | 63-yard interception TD | Created first Bills lead |
Starting Lineups
Cincinnati opened with three wide receivers and Noah Fant at tight end. Buffalo also started three wide receivers alongside Dawson Knox.
Ryan Van Demark replaced the injured Spencer Brown at Buffalo’s right tackle position. Both defenses opened with two primary linebackers.
The lineups below follow the official starting formations.
Offensive Starting Lineups
| Position | Cincinnati Bengals | Buffalo Bills |
| WR1 | Andrei Iosivas | Gabe Davis |
| WR2 | Ja’Marr Chase | Khalil Shakir |
| WR3 | Tee Higgins | Tyrell Shavers |
| LT | Orlando Brown Jr. | Dion Dawkins |
| LG | Dylan Fairchild | David Edwards |
| C | Ted Karras | Connor McGovern |
| RG | Dalton Risner | O’Cyrus Torrence |
| RT | Amarius Mims | Ryan Van Demark |
| TE | Noah Fant | Dawson Knox |
| QB | Joe Burrow | Josh Allen |
| RB | Chase Brown | James Cook |
Defensive Starting Lineups
| Position | Cincinnati Bengals | Buffalo Bills |
| DE1 | Myles Murphy | Greg Rousseau |
| DT1 | B.J. Hill | DaQuan Jones |
| DT2 | T.J. Slaton Jr. | Deone Walker |
| DE2 | Joseph Ossai | A.J. Epenesa |
| LB1 | Barrett Carter | Matt Milano |
| LB2 | Demetrius Knight Jr. | Shaq Thompson |
| Nickel | Jalen Davis | Taron Johnson |
| CB1 | Dax Hill | Tre’Davious White |
| CB2 | DJ Turner II | Christian Benford |
| S1 | Jordan Battle | Jordan Poyer |
| S2 | Geno Stone | Cole Bishop |
Injury Report
Eight players carried final game designations, and seven did not play. Buffalo listed Kincaid as questionable, but he returned and scored a touchdown.
The report also forced changes along Buffalo’s defensive front and offensive line. Cincinnati entered without Hendrickson, its established edge defender.
| Player | Injury | Status |
| Jermaine Burton, Bengals | Ankle / non-injury-related | Out |
| Trey Hendrickson, Bengals | Hip and pelvis | Out |
| Shaka Heyward, Bengals | Fibula | Out |
| Terrel Bernard, Bills | Elbow | Out |
| Joey Bosa, Bills | Hamstring and wrist | Out |
| Spencer Brown, Bills | Shoulder | Questionable, inactive |
| Dalton Kincaid, Bills | Hamstring and knee | Questionable, active |
| Joshua Palmer, Bills | Knee and ankle | Doubtful, inactive |
Hendrickson’s absence removed a primary pass rusher from Cincinnati’s defensive front. Buffalo replaced Bosa and Bernard within its defensive rotation.
Van Demark started at right tackle for Brown. Kincaid’s return produced four catches, 41 yards, and one touchdown.
Season Series and Head-to-Head History
Buffalo’s victory broke a 17-17 overall tie and created an 18-17 series lead. Cincinnati still owns a 3-0 postseason record against Buffalo.
The table includes every scheduled matchup, including the canceled 2022 game. Scores display Cincinnati’s total before Buffalo’s total.
Series Summary
| Category | Bengals Wins | Bills Wins | Canceled | Leader |
| All completed games | 17 | 18 | 1 | Buffalo |
| Regular season | 14 | 18 | 1 | Buffalo |
| Postseason | 3 | 0 | 0 | Cincinnati |
All Bengals-Bills Meetings
| Season | Date | Site | Cincinnati Result | Score |
| 1968 | September 22, 1968 | Cincinnati | Win | 34-23 |
| 1969 | November 30, 1969 | Buffalo | Loss | 13-16 |
| 1970 | November 8, 1970 | Buffalo | Win | 43-14 |
| 1973 | November 11, 1973 | Buffalo | Win | 16-13 |
| 1975 | November 17, 1975 | Cincinnati | Win | 33-24 |
| 1978 | October 22, 1978 | Buffalo | Loss | 0-5 |
| 1979 | September 9, 1979 | Buffalo | Loss | 24-51 |
| 1980 | November 16, 1980 | Cincinnati | Loss | 0-14 |
| 1981 | September 27, 1981 | Cincinnati | Win, overtime | 27-24 |
| 1981 | January 3, 1982 | Cincinnati | Playoff win | 28-21 |
| 1983 | September 11, 1983 | Cincinnati | Loss | 6-10 |
| 1984 | December 16, 1984 | Cincinnati | Win | 52-21 |
| 1985 | November 3, 1985 | Buffalo | Win | 23-17 |
| 1986 | September 14, 1986 | Cincinnati | Win, overtime | 36-33 |
| 1988 | November 27, 1988 | Cincinnati | Win | 35-21 |
| 1988 | January 8, 1989 | Cincinnati | AFC Championship win | 21-10 |
| 1989 | November 26, 1989 | Buffalo | Loss | 7-24 |
| 1991 | October 21, 1991 | Buffalo | Loss | 16-35 |
| 1996 | November 17, 1996 | Buffalo | Loss | 17-31 |
| 1998 | December 6, 1998 | Cincinnati | Loss | 20-33 |
| 2002 | December 29, 2002 | Buffalo | Loss | 9-27 |
| 2003 | October 5, 2003 | Buffalo | Loss, overtime | 16-22 |
| 2004 | December 19, 2004 | Cincinnati | Loss | 17-33 |
| 2005 | December 24, 2005 | Cincinnati | Loss | 27-37 |
| 2007 | November 4, 2007 | Buffalo | Loss | 21-33 |
| 2010 | November 21, 2010 | Cincinnati | Loss | 31-49 |
| 2011 | October 2, 2011 | Cincinnati | Win | 23-20 |
| 2013 | October 13, 2013 | Buffalo | Win, overtime | 27-24 |
| 2015 | October 18, 2015 | Buffalo | Win | 34-21 |
| 2016 | November 20, 2016 | Cincinnati | Loss | 12-16 |
| 2017 | October 8, 2017 | Cincinnati | Win | 20-16 |
| 2019 | September 22, 2019 | Buffalo | Loss | 17-21 |
| 2022 | January 2, 2023 | Cincinnati | Canceled | No score |
| 2022 | January 22, 2023 | Buffalo | Divisional playoff win | 27-10 |
| 2023 | November 5, 2023 | Cincinnati | Win | 24-18 |
| 2025 | December 7, 2025 | Buffalo | Loss | 34-39 |
The 2025 victory marked Buffalo’s first win against a Burrow-led Bengals team. Cincinnati had won the previous two completed meetings.
Conference and Division Standings
Buffalo remained second in the AFC East, two games behind New England. Cincinnati remained third in the AFC North, three games behind Pittsburgh.
These standings reflect completed Week 14 games.
| Team | Record | Division | Division Rank | Division Leader |
| Buffalo Bills | 9-4 | AFC East | Second | New England, 11-2 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 4-9 | AFC North | Third | Pittsburgh, 7-6 |
Buffalo remained within the AFC postseason field. Cincinnati needed help and additional divisional wins to remain involved in the AFC North race.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
FOX carried the game within its assigned regional television markets. Joe Davis handled play-by-play alongside Greg Olsen and Pam Oliver.
Streaming availability depended on location, device, and subscription. Both teams also offered local radio coverage through their official networks.
| Type | Provider | Availability | Details |
| Television | FOX | Regional markets | Joe Davis, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver |
| Streaming | FOX One | Participating in-market viewers | Compatible devices required |
| Streaming | NFL+ | Local mobile and tablet viewing | Subscription required |
| Streaming | NFL Sunday Ticket | Out-of-market United States | Subscription required |
| International | NFL Game Pass | Outside United States | China excluded |
| Bengals radio | WCKY, WEBN, WLW | Cincinnati network | Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham |
| Bills radio | WGR 550 | Buffalo network | Chris Brown and Eric Wood |
Conclusion
The result strengthened Buffalo’s postseason position and narrowed Cincinnati’s remaining path. Buffalo’s ground game and two late takeaways created the decisive fourth-quarter swing.
The Bills next visited New England, while Cincinnati next hosted Baltimore. Both teams returned to divisional play with little margin remaining.
For more match updates, read: LA Clippers vs Utah Jazz Match Player Stats
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final Bengals versus Bills score?
Buffalo defeated Cincinnati 39-34 on December 7, 2025, at Highmark Stadium. The Bills scored 21 consecutive fourth-quarter points during their comeback.
What were Josh Allen’s statistics against Cincinnati?
Allen completed 22 of 28 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed nine times for 78 yards and one touchdown.
What were Joe Burrow’s statistics against Buffalo?
Burrow completed 25 of 36 passes for 284 yards and four touchdowns. Buffalo intercepted him twice during consecutive fourth-quarter possessions.
Who led the game in receiving yards?
Dawson Knox led Buffalo with 93 receiving yards. Tee Higgins led Cincinnati with 92 yards and scored two of Burrow’s four touchdowns.
What was the main turning point?
Christian Benford returned an interception 63 yards for Buffalo’s first lead. A.J. Epenesa intercepted Burrow on Cincinnati’s next offensive play.
Which team leads the all-time series?
Buffalo leads the completed all-time series 18-17 after its 2025 victory. Cincinnati remains undefeated across three postseason meetings against Buffalo.
Which important players missed the game?
Cincinnati played without Trey Hendrickson. Buffalo missed Joey Bosa, Terrel Bernard, Spencer Brown, and Joshua Palmer, while Dalton Kincaid returned.
