The Cincinnati Bengals’ playoff dreams took a brutal hit on Sunday, November 24, 2025, when they dropped a 26-20 decision to the New England Patriots at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. It wasn’t just another loss—it was their third straight at home, a haunting trend for a team that reached Super Bowl LVI just four seasons ago. The Patriots, meanwhile, punched their ticket to a 10-win season for the first time since 2019, a remarkable rebound after years of rebuilding post-Tom Brady. What made this game sting even more? A postgame breakdown by CincyJungle.com named six Bengals players as winners—and seven as losers—highlighting just how fractured the team’s performance was.
Winners Emerge Amid the Chaos
Even in defeat, some Bengals players shined. Geno Stone, the 25-year-old safety who joined Cincinnati after stints with the Ravens, was everywhere. He recorded 11 tackles, broke up two passes, and forced a fumble in the red zone that preserved a 20-17 lead late in the third quarter. His energy was contagious. Then there was Evan McPherson, the 24-year-old kicker who nailed all four of his field goals, including a 52-yarder that tied the game at 17. His leg has been a constant, even when the offense sputters. Chase Brown, the 24-year-old Canadian running back, carried the ball 22 times for 98 yards and a touchdown, his most consistent outing since Week 5. He didn’t just run—he blocked, caught passes out of the backfield, and held onto the ball through contact. And Mitchell Tinsley, the 25-year-old receiver who transferred from Western Kentucky to Penn State, made three critical catches on third down, including a 22-yard grab that set up McPherson’s game-tying kick. The goal-line defense, too, held firm on three straight attempts inside the 5-yard line, a rare bright spot in a season full of breakdowns.Where the Bengals Broke Down
But for every winner, there were seven who underperformed. The most glaring? Quarterback Joe Burrow. He finished 21-of-34 for 212 yards, with one interception and zero touchdowns. Two of his worst throws came in the fourth quarter—once under pressure, once on a misread coverage—that killed potential scoring drives. His footwork was off, his timing with receivers erratic. The offensive line, which had been solid for weeks, surrendered five sacks and allowed constant pressure, forcing Burrow into rushed decisions. The secondary, outside of Stone, looked lost. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie was targeted five times and gave up three first downs. Safety Jessie Bates III, usually the anchor, was flagged for pass interference on a 37-yard completion that set up New England’s game-winning field goal. And the coaching staff? They called a conservative play-calling sequence in the final six minutes, opting for two runs and a short pass instead of going for it on fourth-and-2 at their own 42-yard line. The Patriots took over and drove 58 yards in 4:12.
A Franchise at a Crossroads
The Bengals’ 6-6 record now puts them in a precarious spot. They’re tied for third in the AFC North, two games behind the Ravens. With six games left—including road trips to Kansas City and Buffalo—they need to win at least five to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. But their home record is now 2-4. That’s not just bad—it’s unacceptable for a team that’s spent the last three seasons building around a Super Bowl-caliber roster. Meanwhile, the Patriots (10-2) are surging. Quarterback Mac Jones threw for 281 yards and two touchdowns, showing poise under pressure. Their defense, once a liability, now ranks seventh in the league in points allowed. Head coach Jerod Mayo has turned a team many wrote off after the Brady era into a legitimate contender. This win wasn’t a fluke—it was a statement.What’s Next?
The Bengals host the Cleveland Browns in Week 13, a must-win game. But the real test comes two weeks later, when they travel to face the undefeated Buffalo Bills. If they lose both, their season could be over before Christmas. The Patriots, on the other hand, have a favorable schedule: three of their final six games are against teams with losing records. A first-round bye is now within reach.
The Bigger Picture
This game wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about identity. The Bengals used to be the team that never quit, that clawed back from deficits, that made plays when it mattered. Now, they’re the team that folds under pressure. The Patriots? They’re the ones who’ve learned to win ugly. And that’s the scariest thing of all.Frequently Asked Questions
How does this loss affect the Bengals’ playoff chances?
The Bengals’ 6-6 record now puts them in a three-way tie for third in the AFC North. To make the playoffs, they need to win at least five of their final six games, including road matchups against Buffalo and Kansas City. Their 2-4 home record is a major red flag—no team with fewer than four home wins has made the playoffs since 2017. The margin for error is gone.
Why is the Patriots’ 10-win season significant?
It’s their first double-digit win season since 2019, the last year Tom Brady played. After four years of rebuilding, the Patriots have turned their defense into a top-10 unit and found consistency at quarterback with Mac Jones. This isn’t a fluke—it’s the result of disciplined drafting and coaching under Jerod Mayo, signaling a return to contender status.
Who are the key players on the Bengals’ roster right now?
Beyond Joe Burrow, Geno Stone and Evan McPherson are the most reliable. Chase Brown has emerged as the offensive engine, and Mitchell Tinsley has become a clutch third-down target. But the offensive line and secondary remain inconsistent. Without major improvements there, even Burrow’s brilliance won’t be enough.
What’s the history between the Bengals and Patriots in recent years?
The Bengals have won four of the last five meetings, including a 34-31 overtime win in 2023. But this loss breaks a three-game winning streak against New England. Historically, the Patriots dominated the series in the 2000s and early 2010s, but Cincinnati’s rise under Zac Taylor shifted the balance. Still, Sunday’s result shows the Patriots are catching up fast.
Did officiating impact the outcome?
Referee Clay Martin’s crew flagged the Bengals for eight penalties totaling 75 yards, including two on third-and-long that extended Patriots drives. One questionable holding call on the Bengals’ final drive wiped out a 15-yard run that would’ve put them in field goal range. While not decisive, the penalties added up—and the Patriots capitalized on every gift.
What does this mean for head coach Zac Taylor’s future?
Taylor’s job is safe for now—he’s led the team to two AFC Championship games. But if the Bengals miss the playoffs this year, pressure will mount. The front office invested heavily in defense this offseason, and the results haven’t matched. A 6-10 or 7-10 season could trigger major changes, especially if Burrow’s health remains a concern.
