Quick answer
- Winner
- Denver Broncos
- Final score
- Denver Broncos 24–23 Cincinnati Bengals
- Halftime
- Cincinnati Bengals 17–14 Denver Broncos at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- T. Houshmandzadeh
- Top passer
- C. Palmer
- Biggest EPA play
- (14:55) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left intended for 88-T.Scheffler INTERCEPTED by 28-D.Jackson …
- Game date
- 2006-12-24
Game summary
The Denver Broncos beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24–23 on 2006-12-24, overcoming Cincinnati Bengals's 17–14 halftime lead. T. Houshmandzadeh posted a game-high +8.69 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 24 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cincinnati Bengals | 7 | 10 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 23 |
 Denver Broncos | 0 | 14 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 24 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
CINCincinnati Bengals
(3:50) 32-R.Johnson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(13:28) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 88-T.Scheffler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(12:16) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 84-J.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(6:53) 17-S.Graham 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(:51) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 15-C.Henry for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
(3:21) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(12:58) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
(:46) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
DENDenver BroncosFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 3:50TD Roschon JohnsonPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 6
- Score
- 6-0
(3:50) 32-R.Johnson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 3:44XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 7-0
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 13:28TD TST. SchefflerPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 1
- Score
- 7-6
(13:28) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 88-T.Scheffler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 13:24XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 7-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 12:16TD Johnny Walker Jr.Points+6
- Yard line
- CIN 39
- Score
- 7-13
(12:16) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 84-J.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q2 12:07XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 7-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 6:53FG SGS. GrahamPoints+3
- Yard line
- DEN 28
- Score
- 10-14
(6:53) 17-S.Graham 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:51TD CHC. HenryPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 11
- Score
- 16-14
(:51) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 15-C.Henry for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:43XP SGS. GrahamPoints+1
- Yard line
- DEN 2
- Score
- 17-14
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 3:21TD Markquese BellPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 17-20
(3:21) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q3 3:17XP JEJ. ElamPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 17-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- DENDenver Broncos
Q4 12:58FG JEJ. ElamPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 6
- Score
- 17-24
(12:58) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 0:46TD THT. HoushmandzadehPoints+6
- Yard line
- DEN 10
- Score
- 23-24
(:46) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1T. Houshmandzadeh · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +8.69 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.97 EPA/play
- 2Johnny Walker Jr. · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.42 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.81 EPA/play
- 3B. Marshall · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +5.18 total EPA · 4 snaps · +1.30 EPA/play
- 4C. Henry · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.77 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.59 EPA/play
- 5T. Scheffler · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.21 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.60 EPA/play
- 6K. Watson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.96 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.96 EPA/play
- 7K. Watson · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +1.77 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.88 EPA/play
- 8
Ryan Kelly · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.15 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.57 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
T. Houshmandzadeh — CIN · Receiving
T. Houshmandzadeh posted the highest total EPA (+8.69) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 9 counted snaps, they averaged +0.97 EPA per play.
T. Houshmandzadeh's top snap (-4.88 EPA): (13:56) 9-C.Palmer pass short left intended for 84-T.Houshmandzadeh INTERCEPTED by 27-Da.Williams at DEN -4. Touchback.
Biggest single play (-7.15 EPA): J. Cutler — (14:55) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left intended for 88-T.Scheffler INTERCEPTED by 28-D.Jackson at CIN 49. 28-D.Jackson pushed ob at DEN 5 for 46 yards (66-T.Nalen).
Quarterback report card
C. Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 44 dropbacks · 47.7% completion · -0.7% CPOE · -0.20 EPA/play · -8.91 total EPA
- J. Cutler (Denver Broncos) · 29 dropbacks · 41.4% completion · -3.6% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.45 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Cincinnati Bengals | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.086 | -0.088 |
| Offensive success rate | 45.7% | 36.9% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.202 | +0.015 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.019 | -0.181 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.088 | +0.086 |
| Defensive success rate | 63.1% | 54.3% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cincinnati Bengals -0.09, Denver Broncos -0.09) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cincinnati Bengals: -0.09 EPA/play (32nd percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Denver Broncos: -0.09 EPA/play (31st percentile vs. 2006 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 13 drives, -8.11 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Denver Broncos: 14 drives, -7.36 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — Roschon Johnson
- Denver Broncos — T. Scheffler (J. Cutler pass)
- Denver Broncos — Johnny Walker Jr. (J. Cutler pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Henry (C. Palmer pass)
- Denver Broncos — Markquese Bell
- Cincinnati Bengals — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass)
Field goals
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
- Denver Broncos — J. Elam
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 7–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DEN 6 (Q1 3:50) — (3:50) 32-R.Johnson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q1 3:44) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 14–10. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q2 13:28) — (13:28) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 88-T.Scheffler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 13:24) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CIN 39 (Q2 12:16) — (12:16) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 84-J.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q2 12:07) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the DEN 28 (Q2 6:53) — (6:53) 17-S.Graham 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DEN 11 (Q2 0:51) — (:51) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 15-C.Henry for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the DEN 2 (Q2 0:43) — 17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CIN 2 (Q3 3:21) — (3:21) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 3:17) — 1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 6–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CIN 6 (Q4 12:58) — (12:58) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the DEN 10 (Q4 0:46) — (:46) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:41) — 17-S.Graham extra point is Aborted, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 10:50) — (10:50) 32-R.Johnson right tackle to DEN 24 for no gain (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-92-E.Dumervil at DEN 23. 92-E.Dumervil to DEN 36 for 13 yards (9-C.Palmer).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:46) — (:46) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:55) — (1:55) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass deep right to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh to DEN 24 for 22 yards (41-K.Paymah).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 13:56) — (13:56) 9-C.Palmer pass short left intended for 84-T.Houshmandzadeh INTERCEPTED by 27-Da.Williams at DEN -4. Touchback.
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Denver Broncos (Q1 14:55) — (14:55) 6-J.Cutler pass deep left intended for 88-T.Scheffler INTERCEPTED by 28-D.Jackson at CIN 49. 28-D.Jackson pushed ob at DEN 5 for 46 yards (66-T.Nalen).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 10:50) — (10:50) 32-R.Johnson right tackle to DEN 24 for no gain (47-J.Lynch). FUMBLES (47-J.Lynch), RECOVERED by DEN-92-E.Dumervil at DEN 23. 92-E.Dumervil to DEN 36 for 13 yards (9-C.Palmer).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 13:56) — (13:56) 9-C.Palmer pass short left intended for 84-T.Houshmandzadeh INTERCEPTED by 27-Da.Williams at DEN -4. Touchback.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 12:26) — (12:26) 9-C.Palmer pass short left to 85-C.Johnson to CIN 49 for 13 yards (22-D.Foxworth). FUMBLES (22-D.Foxworth), RECOVERED by DEN-24-C.Bailey at CIN 43. 24-C.Bailey to CIN 39 for 4 yards.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 3:50 · DEN 6 · Score 6-0
(3:50) 32-R.Johnson left end for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 3:44 · DEN 2 · Score 7-0
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 13:28 · CIN 1 · Score 7-6
(13:28) 6-J.Cutler pass short right to 88-T.Scheffler for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 13:24 · CIN 2 · Score 7-7
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 12:16 · CIN 39 · Score 7-13
(12:16) 6-J.Cutler pass deep right to 84-J.Walker for 39 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 12:07 · CIN 2 · Score 7-14
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 6:53 · DEN 28 · Score 10-14
(6:53) 17-S.Graham 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 0:51 · DEN 11 · Score 16-14
(:51) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 15-C.Henry for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 0:43 · DEN 2 · Score 17-14
17-S.Graham extra point is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-19-K.Larson. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q3 3:21 · CIN 2 · Score 17-20
(3:21) 20-M.Bell up the middle for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q3 3:17 · CIN 2 · Score 17-21
1-J.Elam extra point is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 12:58 · CIN 6 · Score 17-24
(12:58) 1-J.Elam 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-83-M.Leach, Holder-16-J.Plummer. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 0:46 · DEN 10 · Score 23-24
(:46) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 84-T.Houshmandzadeh for 10 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- T. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- J. Cutler (DEN) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos on 2006-12-24?
The Denver Broncos beat the Cincinnati Bengals 24-23 in Week 16, 2006.
What was the score by quarter in Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Cincinnati Bengals 7, Denver Broncos 0; Q2: Cincinnati Bengals 10, Denver Broncos 14; Q3: Cincinnati Bengals 0, Denver Broncos 7; Q4: Cincinnati Bengals 6, Denver Broncos 3; Final: Cincinnati Bengals 23, Denver Broncos 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — R. Johnson (Q1 3:50) Denver Broncos touchdown — T. Scheffler (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 13:28) Denver Broncos touchdown — J. Walker (J. Cutler pass) (Q2 12:16) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Henry (C. Palmer pass) (Q2 0:51) Denver Broncos touchdown — M. Bell (Q3 3:21) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Houshmandzadeh (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 0:46) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 6:53, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — J. Elam (Q4 12:58, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos?
C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 47.7% completion, -0.7% CPOE, -0.20 EPA per dropback, -8.91 total passing EPA. J. Cutler (Denver Broncos), 41.4% completion, -3.6% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.45 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos?
T. Houshmandzadeh (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.69 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 9 snaps. Their top snap (-4.88 EPA): (13:56) 9-C.Palmer pass short left intended for 84-T.Houshmandzadeh INTERCEPTED by 27-Da.Williams at DEN -4. Touchback..
Was Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Denver Broncos won 24-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 8-6 Now 8-7 L
Denver Broncos
Entered 8-6 Now 9-6 W
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