The playoffs might be a far-fetched dream for the Cincinnati Bengals, but at least their losing streak is over after a 27-20 win over the Dallas Cowboys, whose special teams mistake late in the fourth quarter sealed it.
The Cowboys deflected a punt but then touched the ball, which was recovered by the Bengals at their own 43 with 1:53 left. Three plays later, Joe Burrow hit Ja'Marr Chase for a game-winning 40-yard TD.
Cincinnati's win against the Cowboys snapped a three-game skid for a squad that mathematically remains in playoff contention, even if the likelihood of reaching the postseason is very slim.
It should have never been this difficult against a Cowboys team that didn't have starting QB Dak Prescott, who is on injured reserve. But through 13 games, Cincinnati has proved it can't take anything for granted.
The defense has been shaky too often this season and struggled against the run on Monday night. Dallas pressured Burrow all night as the hits piled up and forced him to put a compression sleeve on his left leg.
Given the circumstances amid a disappointing season, a win is nice. But the performance was a reminder that Cincinnati needs a lot of work in order to play meaningful games in December and January again.