NFL Futures: Bengals Edge Cowboys in Week 14

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Bengals Edge Cowboys in Week 14’s Monday Night Football

The Cincinnati Bengals snapped a three-game losing streak with a close 27-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Ja’Marr Chase stole the spotlight, delivering a dominant performance with 14 receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score. 

The Bengals capitalized on late-game special teams mistakes by the Cowboys to secure their fifth win of the season, leaving both teams with matching 5-8 records.

For those analyzing NFL Futures, this game showcased the Bengals’ potential to disrupt late-season matchups and the Cowboys’ continued struggles in critical moments.

Bengals’ Late-Game Heroics

The Bengals turned what could have been another heartbreaking loss into a statement win. With under two minutes left and the game tied 20-20, the Cowboys mishandled a blocked punt, allowing Cincinnati’s Maema Njongmeta to recover the ball. This critical misstep set up Chase’s second touchdown of the night, sealing the Bengals’ victory.

Joe Burrow leaned heavily on Chase, targeting him 18 times, the second most in his career. While not every attempt connected—Burrow overthrew Chase twice, including one that led to an interception—the duo’s persistence paid off. Chase crossed the 5,000-yard career receiving mark and reminded the league why he’s one of its premier playmakers. Burrow’s 27 completions for 320 yards showcased his ability to deliver in clutch moments, even in a lackluster season for the Bengals.

Chase Brown Provides Offensive Spark

Running back Chase Brown continued to shine as a versatile offensive weapon for the fifth time this season; her own racked up over 100 total Jason and contributed a 19-yard touchdown reception that highlighted his explosiveness.

The Bengals’ decision to move on from Joe Mixon has paid dividends, as Brown’s ability to make plays in both the run and passing game provides a dynamic edge. His contributions are becoming increasingly vital for a team fighting to regain its footing late in the season.

Cowboys’ Special Teams Collapse

Dallas’ special teams unit was the difference in this game—but for all the wrong reasons. Despite a strong defensive showing, the Cowboys couldn’t overcome Amani Oruwariye’s mishandling of a blocked punt. Giving Burrow another possession in a tie game proved disastrous, as the Bengals capitalized immediately.

The Cowboys’ defense performed admirably, holding Cincinnati to just 20 points until the final two minutes and even compensating for losing linebacker DeMarvion Overshown to a knee injury in the fourth quarter. However, the special teams blunder negated their efforts and underscored Dallas’ inability to execute in high-pressure situations.

Offensive Mismanagement Costs Dallas

Dallas’ offense struggled to find its rhythm in key moments. Despite an effective ground game led by Rico Dowdle, who averaged 7.3 yards per carry, the Cowboys inexplicably shifted to a pass-heavy approach late in the game. 

Cooper Rush, filling in at quarterback, managed a decent outing but threw a costly red zone interception in the first half. The decision to abandon Dowdle on a crucial fourth-quarter drive raised questions about play-calling and missed opportunities.

Implications for NFL Futures

For NFL Lines bettors, this game highlighted key trends and potential shifts for both teams.

Bengals: With their offensive stars delivering in crunch time, Cincinnati remains a dangerous spoiler in the playoff race despite their record. Chase’s resurgence could bode well for individual accolades, while Burrow’s chemistry with his weapons shows that the Bengals can still make noise late in the season.

Cowboys: Dallas’ inability to close out games raises concerns about their postseason viability. While their defense remains a strong point, offensive inconsistency, and special teams errors could derail any playoff aspirations.

Looking Ahead

The Bengals head to Tennessee next to face the Titans, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Cowboys travel to North Carolina for a matchup with the Carolina Panthers. Both teams remain outside the playoff picture but could influence the playoff fates of their opponents in the coming weeks.