Bengals Look to Finish Strong Behind Burrow’s Return, While Cardinals Struggle to Stay Competitive
The Cincinnati Bengals came into this season with playoff dreams and one of the most dangerous offensive arsenals in football. But those hopes unraveled quickly when Joe Burrow went down early with a torn ligament in his toe - a small injury with massive consequences.
Without their franchise quarterback, the Bengals (5-10) slipped out of the playoff picture before midseason. Now, they’re just trying to close out the year with some pride and momentum heading into 2026.
On the other side, the Arizona Cardinals (3-12) have been fighting an uphill battle all year long in a brutal NFC West that features three playoff-bound teams. With Kyler Murray sidelined, veteran Jacoby Brissett has taken over under center. He’s done what he can - showing poise and a strong grasp of the offense - but the talent around him hasn’t been enough to keep Arizona in games for four full quarters.
Burrow is back in the lineup now, and while there’s been some chatter about his long-term future in Cincinnati, what’s clear is this: when he's on the field, the Bengals are a different team. Yes, the postseason is out of reach, but Burrow still has something to prove - and a vulnerable Cardinals defense gives him a prime opportunity to remind everyone just how dangerous he can be.
Arizona ranks near the bottom of the league in both points and yards allowed, giving up 27.6 points and 350.5 yards per game. That’s 29th in scoring defense - not exactly the kind of numbers you want to bring into a matchup with a quarterback like Burrow.
In six games this year, Burrow has completed 120 of 189 passes for 1,268 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. Even in a shortened season, his ability to read defenses, find matchups, and throw with precision and velocity remains elite. When he gets hot early, it’s lights out for most defenses - and Arizona has struggled to stop much of anything all year.
Of course, Burrow’s connection with Ja’Marr Chase is still one of the most electric quarterback-receiver duos in the league. Their chemistry is next-level - a quick glance pre-snap is often all it takes for both players to know exactly where the ball is going.
Chase has been a steady force even as the Bengals cycled through quarterbacks this season, hauling in 110 catches for 1,256 yards and five touchdowns. Sixty-two of those receptions have moved the chains.
What’s even more impressive? Chase has done most of that damage without Burrow.
Between Jake Browning and a late-season cameo from Joe Flacco, Chase has still managed to produce at a high level. A full season with a healthy Burrow could easily put him in the 2,000-yard conversation.
Tee Higgins continues to be one of the most reliable No. 2 options in the league. His 49 catches for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns show just how dangerous he can be, especially when defenses focus too much attention on Chase. When the game’s on the line and Higgins is in single coverage, Burrow doesn’t hesitate to look his way.
The Bengals have also gotten flashes from young wideout Andrei Iosivas and tight end Noah Fant, while Mike Gesicki - now on injured reserve with a pectoral injury - had shown signs of being a contributor before going down.
As for the Cardinals, Brissett has been steady, if not spectacular. He started the year backing up Murray but has since taken over the reins.
He’s completed 272 of 417 passes for 2,911 yards, with 19 touchdowns and seven picks - solid numbers for a quarterback working without a strong supporting cast. He’s averaging 7.0 yards per attempt, and with better weapons around him, that number could easily climb.
Brissett’s top targets have been tight end Trey McBride and wide receiver Michael Wilson. McBride has quietly had a breakout season, posting 109 receptions for 1,098 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He’s become a go-to option for Brissett, with 58 of his catches resulting in first downs. Wilson, meanwhile, has shown big-play potential, catching 68 passes for 818 yards and five scores - including 10 receptions of 20-plus yards.
The Cardinals were hoping Marvin Harrison Jr. would be their version of Ja’Marr Chase - a game-changing wideout who could tilt the field. But injuries have slowed him down in his second season.
He’s missed four games with a heel issue and hasn’t quite hit that next level yet. There’s still time, but for now, Arizona’s offense lacks the firepower to keep pace with top-tier teams.
That’s been the story of the Cardinals’ season: competitive early, but unable to sustain it for 60 minutes. They’ve shown flashes, particularly in the first half of games, but too often fall apart down the stretch. That’s a tough formula to win with - especially on the road.
Expect a similar script in this one. Arizona might hang around for a half, but mistakes and fatigue have been their undoing all season. Burrow and the Bengals should take control in the second half, using their superior talent - especially at quarterback and receiver - to pull away late.
It won’t erase the disappointment of a lost season, but a win here would give Cincinnati its sixth of the year and a little momentum heading into the offseason. And for fans, it’s one more reminder of what this team can look like when Burrow is under center - and why 2026 could be a very different story.