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The Bengals vs. Cardinals matchup arrives with two teams heading in very different directions—and with very different stakes.
Arizona comes to Cincinnati riding a seven-game losing streak, searching for answers as the season winds down.
As the Bengals take on the Cardinals, anticipation for the Bengals vs. Cardinals matchup is building. The Bengals, meanwhile, are doing what they seem to do every year: finding rhythm late. After a convincing road win over Miami, Cincinnati enters Sunday believing it can finish strong, even if the broader season picture is already set.
This game may not reshape the standings, but it will reveal plenty about where the Bengals are headed next.
Joe Burrow Is Back in Full Control
Everything starts with Joe Burrow, who reminded everyone last week just how high the Bengals’ ceiling can be when he’s healthy and in rhythm.
Against Miami, Burrow threw for more than 300 yards, four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and posted a passer rating north of 145. Cincinnati scored 45 points and went a perfect 6-for-6 in the red zone. Since returning from injury, Burrow has led the Bengals to 32-plus points in three of his four starts.
When Burrow gets access to the middle of the field, defenses don’t survive for long. Arizona’s defense, which has allowed at least 26 points in six of its last seven games, is not built to take that space away consistently.
The Bengals’ Passing Weapons Are Still a Mismatch
Cincinnati’s receiving corps remains one of the league’s most difficult groups to defend.
Ja’Marr Chase continues to produce yardage at an elite level, but one quiet storyline is worth watching: he hasn’t scored a touchdown in over two months. That drought isn’t about decline—it’s about defensive attention. Teams have sold out to keep Chase out of the end zone.
That has opened the door for Tee Higgins, who already has 10 touchdowns for the second straight season and has scored in six of his last seven games. One more would give Higgins a new career high.
Against an Arizona secondary that has struggled with coverage discipline all year, Cincinnati should find favorable matchups regardless of how the Cardinals try to allocate help.
Chase Brown Adds Balance—and Problems—for Arizona
The Bengals’ offense is no longer just a passing show. Chase Brown has emerged as a true dual-threat option.
Last week, Brown totaled 66 rushing yards, added 43 receiving yards, and scored three touchdowns—one on the ground and two through the air. His versatility creates stress on linebackers and safeties, especially against a Cardinals front that recently allowed significant production to Atlanta’s running backs.
If Cincinnati commits to balance early, Brown could be the piece that turns drives into points instead of field goals.
Arizona’s Offense Is Still Searching for Identity
On the other side, Arizona’s struggles have become familiar. The Cardinals have failed to reach 21 points in four straight games and are relying heavily on volume passing without efficiency.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has thrown at least 30 passes in 11 consecutive games, but the production hasn’t followed. Against Atlanta, Arizona managed just 19 points, with Brissett throwing another interception—his fourth straight game with a pick.
Tight end Trey McBride remains the focal point of the offense, but Cincinnati has quietly improved against tight ends in recent weeks. If the Bengals limit McBride, Arizona has shown little ability to consistently beat teams elsewhere.
A Quiet Defensive Youth Movement for Cincinnati
One of the most important—and under-discussed—storylines for the Bengals is what’s happening on defense.
Defensive end Miles Murphy has been increasingly disruptive, showing the type of impact expected from a former first-round pick. In the secondary, DJ Turner and Dax Hill are playing their best football of the season, while Jordan Battle continues to create splash plays with interceptions and forced fumbles.
The Bengals’ defense isn’t dominant, but it’s trending toward competence—and that matters more than the final score in a season like this.
The Offensive Line Trend Is Encouraging
Another positive sign: the offensive line, particularly Amarius Mims. Over the past five weeks, Mims has posted steadily improving grades and has passed the eye test against quality competition.
For a franchise built around Burrow, any sign of long-term stability up front is more meaningful than draft position debates or late-season narratives.
What This Game Is Really About
The Bengals vs. Cardinals gam isn’t about the playoffs. It’s about next year.
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Is the Burrow-led offense fully back?
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Are the young defenders legitimate building blocks?
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Does this team look cohesive, not just explosive?
If the answer to those questions is yes, the Bengals leave Week 17 with something far more valuable than a single win.
Score Prediction for the Bengals vs. Cardinals
Arizona’s recent struggles, combined with Cincinnati’s offensive momentum, make this a difficult matchup for the Cardinals—especially on the road.
Expect the Bengals to hit their stride offensively, with Burrow spreading the ball and the defense doing just enough to keep Arizona chasing.
Prediction: Bengals 35, Cardinals 24
Cincinnati finishes strong, while Arizona’s search for answers continues.
