DENVER (AP) – The Denver Broncos were able to wrap up a playoff berth by outlasting Cincinnati in a matchup of AFC division leaders.
Brandon McManus hit a 37-yard field goal to cap the first possession of overtime before DeMarcus Ware recovered AJ McCarron’s fumble to complete the Broncos’ 20-17 victory over the Bengals in Denver. McManus came through in the extra session after he hooked a 45-yarder at the end of regulation.
The Broncos’ defense allowed just 294 total yards and held the Bengals to a field goal after Cincinnati built a 14-0 lead.
Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler was 27 of 39 for 299 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while playing with an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. C.J. Anderson had 73 yards on just nine carries, including a 39-yard scoring burst that put Denver ahead 17-14.
McCarron completed 22 of his 35 passes for 200 yards, one TD and no interceptions.
Both teams are 11-4. Denver can earn the top seed in the AFC with a win over San Diego and a loss by New England at Miami next weekend.
Cincinnati blew a chance to earn a bye in the playoffs.