The New England Patriots pulled off a gritty 26-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio — a win that not only snapped a four-game home losing streak for the Patriots but also vaulted them into sole possession of first place in the AFC East. With the clock ticking down to 1:17 in the fourth quarter, Jabrill Peppers stepped in front of a desperate Joe Flacco throw, sealing the game with his fifth interception of the season. It was the kind of play that defines winning teams — calm, precise, and utterly decisive.
Mayo’s Patriots Show Poise Under Pressure
Head coach Jerod Mayo, in his debut season after taking over for the legendary Bill Belichick, didn’t just survive this game — he thrived. At 38, Mayo became the youngest Patriots head coach to reach 10 wins in a season since 1973. His team converted 7 of 12 third downs (58.3%), controlled the clock for 34 minutes and 12 seconds, and held Cincinnati to just 3.2 yards per carry. The offense, led by rookie quarterback Drake Maye, didn’t need fireworks. Just efficiency. Maye, 22, completed 19 of 28 passes for 218 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions — a passer rating of 108.3. He didn’t force anything. He trusted his receivers, his line, and his defense. And when it mattered most, he moved the chains.
Bengals’ Red Zone Woes Sink Another Chance
The Bengals, meanwhile, looked like a team running out of time — and options. Despite Tee Higgins hauling in seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown — his eighth straight game over 60 yards — Cincinnati’s offense sputtered in the red zone. They entered the Patriots’ 20-yard line five times. Came away with only two touchdowns. One of those drives ended with a fumble. Another with a missed field goal after a holding penalty on third down. The 10-yard infraction with 2:15 left forced Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson into a 52-yard attempt. It sailed wide right. The crowd fell silent. The moment was gone.
Quarterback Joe Flacco, 39, played with grit. He threw for 247 yards and a score, but his two interceptions — one in the third quarter, another in the final minute — were costly. He’s not the same player he was in 2012, but he’s still trying to carry a team that’s lost its identity. Head coach Zac Taylor, in his sixth year, looked increasingly cornered. The Bengals are now 5-7. Their playoff math is simple: they need to win all four remaining games and hope for a miracle. It’s not impossible. But it’s unlikely.
Special Teams and Defense Carry the Day
Let’s not forget Joey Slye. The Patriots’ placekicker was perfect on the day: three field goals — 52, 44, and 38 yards — and three extra points. That’s 12 points on a day when the offense stalled in the second half. Slye didn’t just kick. He kept the scoreboard alive. And when the Bengals finally got close, the defense stood tall. New England Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores dialed up a mix of zone blitzes and disguised coverages that confused Flacco all afternoon. Chase Brown, Cincinnati’s best running back, managed just 47 yards on 15 carries. The Bengals committed eight penalties for 73 yards — a recipe for disaster against a disciplined team.
What This Means for the Race
With the win, the Patriots improved to 10-2. They’re now one game ahead of the Buffalo Bills (9-3) in the AFC East. The win also extended their winning streak against AFC opponents to five games — and their all-time record against the Bengals to 23-18. For the Bengals, it’s a crushing blow. They’ve now lost four straight at Paycor Stadium. Their playoff probability, according to ESPN’s model, dropped to 12%. That’s not just slim. It’s fading.
And the numbers tell a story: 65,388 fans showed up — nearly 99% capacity — but most left early. The game lasted 3 hours and 28 minutes. The TV audience hit 24.7 million. But the real story wasn’t in the numbers. It was in the silence after Peppers’ interception. In the way Maye calmly took the snap, spiked the ball, and walked off the field like he’d done it a hundred times before. He’s only 22. He’s not supposed to be this cool under pressure. But here he is.
What’s Next?
The Patriots head to Miami next Sunday to face the Dolphins (7-5), who are surging after a four-game win streak. A win there would put them at 11-2 — a serious contender for home-field advantage in the playoffs. The Bengals? They host the Kansas City Chiefs on December 1. A loss there, and their season is effectively over. No team in NFL history has made the playoffs after starting 5-7. The clock is ticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Drake Maye perform compared to Joe Flacco in this game?
Drake Maye completed 19 of 28 passes for 218 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, posting a 108.3 passer rating. Joe Flacco, despite throwing for 247 yards, completed only 23 of 38 attempts with two interceptions and one touchdown. Maye’s efficiency and decision-making were key — he never forced throws, while Flacco’s two turnovers directly led to Patriots points. Maye’s poise under pressure outshone Flacco’s veteran experience.
Why did the Bengals lose despite Tee Higgins’ strong performance?
Tee Higgins had seven catches for 112 yards and a touchdown — his eighth straight game over 60 yards — but the Bengals’ offense failed in the red zone, converting only 2 of 5 trips into touchdowns. They also committed eight penalties for 73 yards, including a critical holding call that killed a scoring drive. Without consistent running game support (Chase Brown managed just 47 yards) and poor third-down conversion rates (33.3%), Higgins’ efforts were isolated and ultimately insufficient.
What impact did Jabrill Peppers’ interception have on the game’s outcome?
Peppers’ interception with 1:17 left was the game-sealing play. It ended Cincinnati’s final drive and effectively eliminated any chance of a comeback. It was his fifth interception of the season — tied for the NFL lead among defensive backs — and came on a well-timed route read. The Patriots had already built a six-point lead, but without that play, the Bengals had time to tie or win. Peppers turned a close game into a definitive win.
How does this win affect the Patriots’ playoff chances?
At 10-2, the Patriots are now in first place in the AFC East and one of the top five teams in the AFC. They’ve won five straight against AFC opponents and are on pace for a 12-5 or better record. A home-field advantage in the divisional round is now realistic. With a manageable schedule ahead — including games against Miami, Jacksonville, and New York — they’re trending toward a bye week and a strong seed in January.
Is the Bengals’ season over after this loss?
Technically, no — but realistically, yes. At 5-7, the Bengals need to win all four remaining games and get help from multiple teams to make the playoffs. ESPN’s model gives them a 12% chance. No team since 2008 has made the playoffs after starting 5-7. With a tough schedule including Kansas City, Buffalo, and Baltimore, and key injuries on defense, their window has slammed shut.
How does this game compare to past Patriots-Bengals matchups?
The Patriots now lead the all-time series 23-18, including a 12-8 record in games played in Cincinnati. This was the fourth straight win for New England against Cincinnati, and the third by a margin of six points or less. Unlike past games dominated by Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, this one was defined by youth — Maye’s poise, Peppers’ instincts, and Mayo’s leadership — signaling a new era for the franchise.
