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NFL · Week 17 · December 28, 2025 · 12 min read

Arizona Cardinals vs. Cincinnati Bengals: 2025 Week 17 Recap

Bengals defeat Cardinals 37–14 in Week 17

Joe Burrow led Fantasy Impact as Bengals prevailed in a 14–37 Week 17 finish.

Arizona Cardinals 14 3–13
Final 14–37
Cincinnati Bengals 37 6–10 Winner
Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
14–37
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 7–23 Cincinnati Bengals
Top passer
Jacoby Brissett
FantasyHQ MVP
Joe Burrow
Game date
December 28, 2025

Top fantasy performers · Cardinals

  • Marco Wilson
    Marco Wilson 5 REC · 89 YDS · 1 TD +4.4 Fantasy Impact
  • Trey McBride
    Trey McBride 10 REC · 76 YDS · 1 TD +3.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Xavier Weaver
    Xavier Weaver 2 REC · 24 YDS +2.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Bengals

  • Joe Burrow
    Joe Burrow 24/37 · 287 YDS · 2 TD +20.0 Fantasy Impact
  • Tee Higgins
    Tee Higgins 4 REC · 59 YDS +5.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Ja'Marr Chase
    Ja'Marr Chase 7 REC · 60 YDS · 2 TD +4.9 Fantasy Impact
View Cardinals vs Bengals box score View all 2025 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Cincinnati Bengals
Final score
Cincinnati Bengals 37–14 Arizona Cardinals
Halftime
Arizona Cardinals 7–23 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Joe Burrow
Top passer
Jacoby Brissett
Biggest EPA play
(1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Game date
2025-12-28

Game summary

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Arizona Cardinals 37–14 on 2025-12-28. Joe Burrow posted a game-high +20.04 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 23 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Arizona Cardinals0707014
Cincinnati Bengals716140037

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

ARIArizona Cardinals
CINCincinnati Bengals

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

14 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 9:25TD
    Ja'Marr Chase

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 13
    Score
    0-6

    (9:25) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q1 9:17XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    0-7

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.

  3. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 15:00TD
    Samaje Perine

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 1
    Score
    0-13

    (15:00) 61-C.Ford and 62-L.Patrick reported in as eligible. 34-S.Perine right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  4. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 11:54TD
    Marco Wilson

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 38
    Score
    6-13

    (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 14-M.Wilson for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q2 11:44XP
    Chad Ryland

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 15
    Score
    7-13

    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

  6. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 3:25FG
    Evan McPherson

    Points+3

    Yard line
    ARI 38
    Score
    7-16

    (3:25) 2-E.McPherson 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.

  7. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 1:17TD
    Ja'Marr Chase

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 8
    Score
    7-22

    (1:17) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 1-J.Chase for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  8. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q2 1:15XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    7-23

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.

  9. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 7:38TD
    Charles Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 6
    Score
    7-29

    (7:38) (Shotgun) 30-C.Brown left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  10. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 7:33XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    7-30

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.

  11. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 1:41TD
    Charles Brown

    Points+6

    Yard line
    ARI 1
    Score
    7-36

    (1:41) 30-C.Brown right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. CINCincinnati Bengals
    Q3 1:38XP
    Evan McPherson

    Points+1

    Yard line
    ARI 15
    Score
    7-37

    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.

  13. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 1:56TD
    Trey McBride

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CIN 18
    Score
    13-37

    (1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  14. ARIArizona Cardinals
    Q4 1:50XP
    Chad Ryland

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CIN 15
    Score
    14-37

    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Joe BurrowJoe Burrow · Cincinnati Bengals · Passing · +20.04 total EPA · 37 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
  2. 2Tee HigginsTee Higgins · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +5.17 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.03 EPA/play
  3. 3Ja'Marr ChaseJa'Marr Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.89 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
  4. 4Tanner HudsonTanner Hudson · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.74 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.37 EPA/play
  5. 5Marco WilsonMarco Wilson · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +4.37 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play
  6. 6Mike GesickiMike Gesicki · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +4.09 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.04 EPA/play
  7. 7Trey McBrideTrey McBride · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +3.02 total EPA · 13 snaps · +0.23 EPA/play
  8. 8Xavier WeaverXavier Weaver · Arizona Cardinals · Receiving · +2.93 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.98 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Joe Burrow

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Joe Burrow — CIN · Passing

Joe Burrow posted the highest total EPA (+20.04) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 37 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.

Joe Burrow's top snap (+3.89 EPA): (12:43) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 5-T.Higgins to ARI 42 for 39 yards (29-D.Burke).

Biggest single play (+4.37 EPA): Jacoby Brissett — (1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Jacoby Brissett led all passers in efficiency for Arizona Cardinals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Jacoby BrissettJacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals) · 44 dropbacks · 47.7% completion · -5.7% CPOE · +0.01 EPA/play · +0.39 total EPA
  • Joe BurrowJoe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 37 dropbacks · 64.9% completion · +13.5% CPOE · +0.54 EPA/play · +20.04 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatArizona CardinalsCincinnati Bengals
Offensive EPA/play+0.014+0.296
Offensive success rate44.6%51.1%
Pass EPA/play+0.009+0.488
Rush EPA/play-0.130+0.104
Defensive EPA/play-0.296-0.014
Defensive success rate48.9%55.4%

Drive & efficiency notes

Cincinnati Bengals held the efficiency edge in offensive EPA per play (+0.30 vs +0.01), even if the scoreboard told a different story.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Arizona Cardinals: +0.01 EPA/play (49th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: +0.30 EPA/play (97th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
  • Arizona Cardinals: 9 drives, +1.03 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +26.68 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Ja'Marr ChaseCincinnati Bengals — Ja'Marr Chase (Joe Burrow pass) (Q1 9:25)
  • Samaje PerineCincinnati Bengals — Samaje Perine (Q2 15:00)
  • Marco WilsonArizona Cardinals — Marco Wilson (Jacoby Brissett pass) (Q2 11:54)
  • Ja'Marr ChaseCincinnati Bengals — Ja'Marr Chase (Joe Burrow pass) (Q2 1:17)
  • Charles BrownCincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Q3 7:38)
  • Charles BrownCincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Q3 1:41)
  • Trey McBrideArizona Cardinals — Trey McBride (Jacoby Brissett pass) (Q4 1:56)

Field goals

  • Evan McPhersonCincinnati Bengals — Evan McPherson (Q2 3:25)
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 ARI 13 (Q1 9:25) — (9:25) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q1 9:17) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow..

The second quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 16–7. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q2 15:00) — (15:00) 61-C.Ford and 62-L.Patrick reported in as eligible. 34-S.Perine right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the CIN 38 (Q2 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 14-M.Wilson for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q2 11:44) — 38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the ARI 38 (Q2 3:25) — (3:25) 2-E.McPherson 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ARI 8 (Q2 1:17) — (1:17) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 1-J.Chase for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q2 1:15) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow..

The third quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ARI 6 (Q3 7:38) — (7:38) (Shotgun) 30-C.Brown left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 7:33) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the ARI 1 (Q3 1:41) — (1:41) 30-C.Brown right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals added 1 points from the ARI 15 (Q3 1:38) — 2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow..

The fourth quarter: Arizona Cardinals won the period 7–0. Arizona Cardinals found the end zone from the CIN 18 (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Arizona Cardinals added 1 points from the CIN 15 (Q4 1:50) — 38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 14-M.Wilson for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.1% · EPA +3.81]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 12:04) — (12:04) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep middle to 1-J.Chase to ARI 24 for 22 yards (0-W.Johnson). [WPA +12.1% · EPA +2.87]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 14:11) — (14:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 87-T.Hudson to CIN 43 for 13 yards (30-D.Hall). [WPA +7.5% · EPA +2.24]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 10:59) — (10:59) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow sacked at CIN 30 for -8 yards (93-C.Campbell). [WPA -6.4% · EPA -1.97]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 3:25) — (3:25) 2-E.McPherson 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow. [WPA +5.9% · EPA +2.46]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 1:56) — (1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -0.0% · EPA +4.37]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q4 14:29) — (14:29) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short right to 89-X.Weaver to CIN 32 for 23 yards (22-G.Stone). [WPA -0.0% · EPA +4.27]
  • Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 12:43) — (12:43) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 5-T.Higgins to ARI 42 for 39 yards (29-D.Burke). [WPA +2.4% · EPA +3.89]
  • Arizona Cardinals (Q2 11:54) — (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 14-M.Wilson for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +12.1% · EPA +3.81]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 9:25 · ARI 13 · Score 0-6
    (9:25) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q1 9:17 · ARI 15 · Score 0-7
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
  3. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 15:00 · ARI 1 · Score 0-13
    (15:00) 61-C.Ford and 62-L.Patrick reported in as eligible. 34-S.Perine right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  4. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q2 11:54 · CIN 38 · Score 6-13
    (11:54) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass short left to 14-M.Wilson for 38 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q2 11:44 · CIN 15 · Score 7-13
    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.
  6. Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 3:25 · ARI 38 · Score 7-16
    (3:25) 2-E.McPherson 57 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
  7. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 1:17 · ARI 8 · Score 7-22
    (1:17) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 1-J.Chase for 8 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  8. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q2 1:15 · ARI 15 · Score 7-23
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
  9. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 7:38 · ARI 6 · Score 7-29
    (7:38) (Shotgun) 30-C.Brown left guard for 6 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  10. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 7:33 · ARI 15 · Score 7-30
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
  11. Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 1:41 · ARI 1 · Score 7-36
    (1:41) 30-C.Brown right tackle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Cincinnati Bengals XP (+1) — Q3 1:38 · ARI 15 · Score 7-37
    2-E.McPherson extra point is GOOD, Center-46-W.Wagner, Holder-8-R.Rehkow.
  13. Arizona Cardinals TD (+6) — Q4 1:56 · CIN 18 · Score 13-37
    (1:56) (Shotgun) 7-J.Brissett pass deep middle to 85-T.McBride for 18 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  14. Arizona Cardinals XP (+1) — Q4 1:50 · CIN 15 · Score 14-37
    38-C.Ryland extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-39-M.Haack.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Jacoby Brissett (ARI) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
  • Joe Burrow (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).

Frequently asked questions

Who won Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2025-12-28?

The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Arizona Cardinals 37-14 in Week 17, 2025.

What was the score by quarter in Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Q1: Arizona Cardinals 0, Cincinnati Bengals 7; Q2: Arizona Cardinals 7, Cincinnati Bengals 16; Q3: Arizona Cardinals 0, Cincinnati Bengals 14; Q4: Arizona Cardinals 7, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Final: Arizona Cardinals 14, Cincinnati Bengals 37.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass) (Q1 9:25) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — S. Perine (Q2 15:00) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — M. Wilson (J. Brissett pass) (Q2 11:54) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 1:17) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (Q3 7:38) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (Q3 1:41) Arizona Cardinals touchdown — T. McBride (J. Brissett pass) (Q4 1:56) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — E. McPherson (Q2 3:25, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Jacoby Brissett (Arizona Cardinals), 47.7% completion, -5.7% CPOE, +0.01 EPA per dropback, +0.39 total passing EPA. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 64.9% completion, +13.5% CPOE, +0.54 EPA per dropback, +20.04 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Arizona Cardinals vs Cincinnati Bengals?

Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +20.04 total EPA on Passing plays. across 37 snaps. Their top snap (+3.89 EPA): (12:43) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass deep left to 5-T.Higgins to ARI 42 for 39 yards (29-D.Burke)..

Season records after this game

Arizona Cardinals

Entered 3-12 Now 3-13 L

Cincinnati Bengals

Entered 5-10 Now 6-10 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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