Cincinnati Edges Tennessee 43-36 in Overtime
Joe Burrow's 9-yard overtime run lifted Cincinnati past Tennessee in a high-scoring game.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Football
Cincinnati defeated Tennessee 43-36 in overtime on November 1, 2026, in a game that went to a first overtime period after Tennessee tied it at 36-36 in regulation. Cincinnati's winning score came on a 9-yard Burrow run in the first overtime period.
Why it matters
The result gives Cincinnati a win in a contest decided by a single overtime possession after a late regulation tie. The game featured heavy passing production from both quarterbacks and 66,209 fans in attendance.
Burrow completed 38 of 48 passes for 462 yards, while Chase caught 11 passes for 141 yards and Higgins caught 10 for 155 yards. Tennessee's Pollard rushed 21 times for 117 yards, and Tennessee linebacker A. Hooker recorded three interceptions.
The players
Joe Burrow
Cincinnati's quarterback, who threw for 462 yards and scored the winning overtime touchdown on a 9-yard run.
Ja'Marr Chase
Cincinnati wide receiver who caught 11 passes for 141 yards in the win.
Tee Higgins
Cincinnati wide receiver who caught 10 passes for 155 yards and scored on an 18-yard Burrow pass.
The details
Tennessee tied the game at 36-36 with a 17-yard pass from Ward to Higgins with 1:17 remaining in regulation, after Cincinnati had scored on an 18-yard Burrow pass to Higgins. Cincinnati committed 10 penalties for 73 yards, while Tennessee committed 8 for 67 yards.
Timeline
November 1, 2026: Cincinnati defeats Tennessee 43-36 in overtime.
Season Trajectory
The win extends the Burrow-Chase passing partnership that carried the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI in the 2021 season. Cincinnati's high-volume passing output in this game mirrors the offensive approach that defined that playoff run.
The result shifts Cincinnati's position in the division standings, and the 462-yard passing performance from Burrow is a notable reference point for fantasy managers tracking his output. The overtime finish also means the game's full stat lines will matter for Week-over-week fantasy comparisons.
The takeaway
Two quarterbacks combining for more than 760 passing yards in one game underscores how offensive production can decide a close finish. Fans tracking the matchup should note that both teams committed significant penalty yardage, which affected the late drives.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Cincinnati Football coverage.
