The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats from their Week 15 clash reveal one of the most electrifying games of the 2023 NFL season. Under the lights at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, two playoff-hopeful teams battled through four quarters and overtime, leaving fans breathless until the very last play.
The Cincinnati Bengals, entering the matchup at 8–6, faced the Minnesota Vikings at 7–7 — both desperate for a win to keep postseason dreams alive. The Bengals ultimately emerged victorious, winning 27–24 in overtime after staging a furious comeback from a 17–3 deficit late in the third quarter.
This game wasn’t just another regular-season meeting; it was a showcase of grit, big plays, and standout performances across both rosters. The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats paint a vivid picture of a contest defined by momentum swings, clutch throws, and defensive determination.
Quarterback & Passing Performances
Jake Browning – Cincinnati Bengals
Among the most impressive elements of the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats was the play of Bengals quarterback Jake Browning. In one of his best starts, Browning completed 29 of 42 passes for 324 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
After a sluggish first half, Browning displayed poise and precision down the stretch, orchestrating two fourth-quarter touchdown drives and leading the Bengals into field-goal range in overtime. His leadership under pressure stood out as he distributed the ball effectively to Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Ja’Marr Chase.
Browning’s ability to stay composed against a blitz-heavy Vikings defense made the difference. His 97.7 passer rating reflected both efficiency and calm execution in high-leverage moments.
Nick Mullens – Minnesota Vikings
For Minnesota, Nick Mullens delivered a mixed but productive outing. His numbers in the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats line read 26 completions on 33 attempts for 303 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. Mullens started hot, connecting with Jordan Addison and Justin Jefferson for several explosive plays that fueled Minnesota’s 17–3 lead.
However, his two interceptions proved costly — both halting promising drives. While Mullens’ 99.9 passer rating highlights his efficiency, those turnovers ultimately swung the momentum back to Cincinnati.
Passing Game Takeaway:
Both quarterbacks eclipsed 300 yards, demonstrating their teams’ reliance on the aerial attack. Yet, as the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats confirm, Browning’s single interception and late-game composure were the decisive edge over Mullens’ turnovers.
Rushing & Ground Attack
Ty Chandler – Minnesota Vikings
In the ground game, the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats show that Ty Chandler was the standout rusher of the day. He logged 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown, averaging a robust 5.7 yards per carry. Chandler’s burst and vision were instrumental in Minnesota’s early success, particularly during the first three quarters when the Bengals struggled to contain the run.
Despite his dominance, Chandler’s touches diminished late in the game, allowing Cincinnati’s defense to adjust and reclaim control of the pace.
Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ lead running back, Joe Mixon, carried the ball 10 times for 47 yards and a crucial touchdown. Although Cincinnati’s total rushing output was modest compared to Minnesota’s 143 yards, Mixon’s short-yardage power and goal-line success kept drives alive.
While the stats favored Minnesota’s run game, the Bengals’ situational efficiency — especially Mixon’s red-zone performance — played a critical role in the comeback.
Receiving Breakdown
Vikings Receiving Leaders
The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats highlight Minnesota’s passing dominance in yardage. Jordan Addison led all receivers with 6 receptions for 111 yards and 2 touchdowns, cementing his role as the Vikings’ breakout playmaker. His route precision and speed consistently challenged Cincinnati’s secondary.
Meanwhile, Justin Jefferson contributed 7 receptions for 84 yards, providing reliable chain-moving plays throughout the night. Jefferson’s presence demanded double coverage, opening opportunities for Addison’s big gains.
Bengals Receiving Leaders
For the Bengals, the receiving trio of Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tyler Boyd was once again lethal.
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Tee Higgins: 4 catches, 61 yards, and 2 touchdowns, including the late game-tying score with just 39 seconds remaining.
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Ja’Marr Chase: 4 receptions, 64 yards, steady but impactful in key downs.
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Tyler Boyd: 2 receptions for 53 yards, including a 44-yard overtime catch that set up the winning field goal.
These numbers define the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats, showing how Cincinnati relied on clutch catches and explosive plays in the final quarter to seize victory.
Defense, Turnovers & Big Plays
In the defensive section of the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats, both teams displayed flashes of excellence but also costly breakdowns.
Bengals Defense:
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Forced 2 interceptions, including key takeaways by Mike Hilton and B.J. Hill.
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Recorded multiple sacks, with Trey Hendrickson (1.5), Cam Sample (1.0), and Myles Murphy (1.0) applying steady pressure.
Vikings Defense:
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Registered several sacks through Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum, but struggled to contain Browning during Cincinnati’s comeback.
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Produced 1 interception but failed to convert turnovers into points.
Turnovers defined this matchup — Minnesota’s two interceptions versus Cincinnati’s one were pivotal in determining the final outcome.
Game Flow & Key Moments
The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats tell only part of the story. Game flow reveals how momentum shifted dramatically over 60 minutes and overtime.
The Vikings dominated early, building a 17–3 lead through efficient drives and strong rushing production. The Bengals, meanwhile, were sluggish on offense until the fourth quarter, when Browning and Higgins connected for back-to-back touchdown drives.
With under a minute left in regulation, Higgins’ acrobatic touchdown catch tied the game at 24–24, sending the contest to overtime. In the extra frame, Browning hit Boyd for a 44-yard strike, setting up Evan McPherson’s 29-yard field goal that sealed the 27–24 win for Cincinnati.
The final stat line mirrored the emotional rollercoaster: the Vikings gained more total yards (424 to Cincinnati’s 378), but the Bengals won the turnover and clutch-play battles.
What the Bengals vs Minnesota Vikings Match Player Stats Reveal
Cincinnati Bengals Insights
The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats underline the Bengals’ defining traits — resilience, precision passing, and mental toughness. Browning’s performance proved he can lead under pressure, while receivers Higgins and Boyd stepped up when it mattered most.
Despite a limited ground attack, Cincinnati found balance through timely play-calling and execution. Defensively, the Bengals capitalized on turnovers and controlled the tempo late, a trademark of playoff-ready teams.
Minnesota Vikings Insights
For Minnesota, the statistics reflect promise and frustration in equal measure. Mullens, Chandler, and Addison all posted standout numbers, yet turnovers and defensive lapses undermined their efforts. The Vikings’ inability to protect their lead or convert key third downs ultimately cost them.
Their 424 total yards were impressive, but as the bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats show, efficiency and composure in critical moments matter more than raw yardage.
Key Player Storylines
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Jake Browning proved his NFL readiness with 324 yards and two touchdowns in a comeback victory.
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Jordan Addison dazzled with 111 yards and two scores, continuing his stellar rookie campaign.
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Tee Higgins reasserted himself as a red-zone threat, while Tyler Boyd delivered the game-winning spark in overtime.
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Ty Chandler provided Minnesota’s offensive heartbeat with 132 rushing yards.
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Defensive Clutch Plays from Cincinnati’s front line and secondary secured the win when it mattered most.
Final Thoughts
The bengals vs minnesota vikings match player stats encapsulate why football remains the ultimate drama in sports. The Bengals’ 27–24 overtime triumph was a masterclass in resilience, clutch execution, and teamwork. For the Vikings, it was a painful lesson in how turnovers and missed opportunities can overshadow dominant statistical performances.
As the regular season pushed toward its conclusion, both teams left the field knowing they’d given everything — but only one capitalized on its moments.
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