Patriots vs. Bengals - November 23, 2025: New England Extends AFC Lead With Gritty 26

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Patriots vs. Bengals - November 23, 2025: New England Extends AFC Lead With Gritty 26–20 Comeback Win

The New England Patriots showed once again why they sit atop the AFC, overcoming injuries, early mistakes, and a determined Cincinnati team to secure a 26–20 victory on the road. The win not only pushed New England to 10–2, but also extended their impressive winning streak to nine games — making them the first team in the league this season to reach double-digit wins.

This matchup, filled with momentum swings and standout individual plays, highlighted both the Patriots’ resilience and the Bengals’ ongoing struggle to finish tightly contested games.

A Rough Start and a Rapid Response

New England’s day opened with adversity. The left side of the offensive line — left guard Jared Wilson and rookie tackle Will Campbell — was lost to injuries, forcing head coach Mike Vrabel to improvise on the fly.

Quarterback Drake Maye also stumbled early, throwing a floating pass that Cincinnati’s Geno Stone snatched for a 33-yard pick-six, giving the Bengals a 10–0 lead just seconds into the second quarter.

But Maye and the Patriots responded immediately. Maye settled in, finishing with 294 passing yards, including a perfectly placed 28-yard touchdown to a wide-open Hunter Henry, who delivered one of the best outings of his career with 115 receiving yards on seven catches.

According to Maye, the key was simple: “That's what the league is about — battling adversity.”

Defense and Special Teams Shift the Momentum

The Patriots defense proved once again why it remains one of the most efficient units in the league. Cornerback Marcus Jones created the turning point of the game, reading veteran quarterback Joe Flacco’s eyes, jumping a pass in the flat, and returning it 33 yards for a score. It was his third interception of the season — and his second career pick-six, both coming against Cincinnati.

Special teams also played a major role. Kicker Andy Borregales delivered four field goals, including a critical 52-yarder in the final two minutes to stretch the lead to 26–20.

Historically, the Patriots’ winning streak is notable: they joined the 1961 Houston Oilers as the only teams to win nine straight games while scoring at least 23 points and allowing no more than 23 in each contest.

Cincinnati’s Struggles Continue, but Bright Spots Emerge

For the Bengals, this loss marks eight defeats in their last nine games. The long absence of Joe Burrow, out with turf toe since Week 2, has shaped much of their season. While Burrow practiced this week and is expected to return soon, head coach Zac Taylor has not yet named him the Thanksgiving Day starter.

Veteran Joe Flacco threw for 183 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Cincinnati played the final drive without both Ja’Marr Chase (suspended) and Tee Higgins (concussion), forcing depth players into key roles.

Despite the challenges, several Bengals stepped up.

Mitchell Tinsley — starting in place of Chase — caught a 17-yard touchdown late in the fourth.
Andrei Iosivas recorded 61 yards on four catches.
Running back Chase Brown delivered his best performance of the season with 107 rushing yards.

Special teams contributed a historic moment: kicker Evan McPherson drilled a 63-yard field goal, the longest in Bengals history, splitting the uprights from midfield.

But in the end, Cincinnati’s final drive stalled at the Patriots’ 26-yard line, a recurring frustration for a team that has repeatedly fallen just short in close games.

As Zac Taylor put it, “We haven’t found a way at the end of the game, and that’s been frustrating.”

Looking Ahead

The Patriots will host the New York Giants on December 1, riding the momentum of their undefeated road record and growing AFC lead.
Cincinnati faces a quick turnaround with a divisional showdown at Baltimore on Thursday night — and possibly the long-awaited return of Joe Burrow.

Conclusion

This matchup showcased the stark contrast between two teams moving in different directions. The Patriots, even while battered by injuries and early errors, continue showing championship-caliber adaptability, finding ways to win regardless of circumstance. Their blend of emerging talent, veteran presence, and tough-minded coaching has positioned them as one of the AFC’s most complete teams.

The Bengals, meanwhile, find themselves battling more than just opponents — injuries, suspensions, and late-game execution have defined their season. Yet even in defeat, sparks of potential were visible. With Joe Burrow nearing a return and young contributors stepping up, Cincinnati still holds the raw pieces needed to finish the season with renewed competitiveness.

This game was more than a midseason clash — it was a reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in the NFL, and how resilience often defines a team more than talent alone.

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