Date: Wednesday November 4, 2026
Writer: Anthony Iles
The Tennessee Titans came into the Jungle with only one win on the season, but they were still a team you had to be careful with. Teams in that position often play with extra desperation, making them dangerous opponents and potential trap games for teams like the Bengals, who have been playing much better football lately.
On paper, this looked like a game where Cincinnati could build an early lead and cruise to victory. That was not the case.
The Titans came out firing and jumped to a 13-0 lead before the Bengals offense found its rhythm. For the second straight week, Cincinnati found itself down by two scores and needing to battle back into the game.
Joe Burrow had a day that was both spectacular and frustrating. He finished 38-of-48 for 462 passing yards, 5 passing touchdowns, and added a rushing touchdown in overtime. However, he also threw 3 interceptions. Those are throws he’d love to have back. One came on a miscommunication with Ja’Marr Chase, another occurred when he was hit while throwing, and the third was simply a poorly timed throw.
Burrow’s top weapons had huge performances.
Tee Higgins hauled in 10 receptions for 155 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase added 11 catches for 141 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Mike Gesicki continued his incredible scoring streak, catching 4 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. The score marked his fifth consecutive game with a touchdown reception, setting a new Bengals franchise record.
Defensively, Cincinnati had its moments throughout the game. While the Titans found success moving the ball, the Bengals defense delivered when it mattered most.
Late in the fourth quarter with the game tied, D.J. Reader came up with a massive sack that pushed Tennessee out of field-goal range and preserved the tie. In overtime, the Bengals won the coin toss and wasted little time. Burrow led the offense down the field before finishing the drive himself with the game-winning rushing touchdown.
The defense then slammed the door shut. Facing a must-convert fourth down to keep the game alive, the Titans’ quarterback fired an incomplete pass, ending the game and sealing the Bengals victory.
The Titans fall to 1-7, while Cincinnati improves to 5-2 and heads to Madrid to face the Atlanta Falcons (3-5).
Burrow becomes the 3rd fastest QB in NFL History to reach 175 passing touchdowns. He has done it in 84 games. For this season Burrow now ranks 1st in passing TDs, passing yards per game, pass completion %, passing grade, and Offensive Grade for QB.
The Falcons made headlines this week by signing former Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton after he was released by the Eagles.
The AFC North continues to be one of the toughest divisions in football:
- Steelers: 6-2
- Bengals: 5-2
- Browns: 5-3
- Ravens: 4-4
Meanwhile, Baltimore faces a major quarterback crisis. Lamar Jackson returned from an ankle injury against Buffalo but suffered a right thumb injury on the game’s first play and was placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery. He must miss at least four games and could potentially be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley also suffered an injury later in the game and was ruled out for the season with turf toe. That leaves undrafted rookie Joe Fagnano as the current starter. Fagnano was also injured against Buffalo but finished the game and is expected to start Thursday night against Jacksonville while wearing an ankle brace.
The Ravens have since added Austin Reed, who attended training camp with Baltimore earlier this year, and signed Kedon Slovis from the Packers’ practice squad. Both quarterbacks are now on the active roster.
Week 8 is shaping up to be a huge one across the division. The Steelers travel to Philadelphia, the Browns head to New Orleans, and the Bengals look to continue their momentum in Madrid.
A win over Atlanta would move Cincinnati to 6-2 and extend their winning streak to three games.
Let’s get it done!
Who Dey!!
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