Bengals Dominate Cardinals in Week 17: Key Takeaways and Future Implications

The scoreboard at Paycor Stadium told a definitive story on Sunday as the Cincinnati Bengals routed the Arizona Cardinals 37-14. However, in a Week 17 matchup between two teams already eliminated from playoff contention, the final score was less important than what the performance signaled for the future. For Cincinnati, the game served as a bittersweet reminder of the potential that was derailed by injuries earlier in the season. For Arizona, it was a harsh reality check regarding the depth of their rebuild, despite a historic individual performance from their star tight end.

Both franchises are now looking toward the offseason, but Sunday offered plenty of tape for the front offices to evaluate. From the Bengals’ offensive explosion to the Cardinals’ defensive lapses and record-breaking bright spots, here are the major takeaways from this lopsided affair and what they mean moving forward.

The Bengals Offense proves what could have been

The most prevailing emotion for Cincinnati fans leaving the stadium on Sunday likely wasn’t joy, but rather a frustrating sense of “what if.” The Bengals offense operated with surgical precision against Arizona, racking up 29 first downs compared to the Cardinals’ 14. Joe Burrow looked every bit the franchise cornerstone he is paid to be, completing 24 of 31 passes for 305 yards and two touchdowns.

This level of dominance highlights the tragedy of Cincinnati’s 6-10 season. When healthy, this unit is capable of keeping pace with any team in the AFC. The connection between Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase remains one of the league’s premier spectacles. Chase turned in a performance that looked like light work, securing two touchdowns in the first half alone.

The efficiency on third down was particularly telling. Cincinnati converted 9 of 12 third-down attempts before the fourth quarter, a statistic that usually correlates with deep playoff runs. Instead, the Bengals were simply toying with their food in a meaningless game. Going forward, the front office knows the core is intact. The priority for 2026 is simply keeping key pieces healthy, as the talent gap between a healthy Bengals offense and a struggling defense like Arizona’s is massive.

Chase Brown cements his role in the backfield

While Burrow and Chase are known commodities, the emergence of running back Chase Brown offers a new dynamic for the Bengals’ future. Brown had a career day, rushing 22 times for 101 yards and finding the end zone twice. He also contributed in the passing game, including a touchdown reception.

For a team that has often relied heavily on the passing attack, finding a consistent ground game is vital for prolonged success. Brown’s ability to shoulder the load and eclipse the 100-yard mark provides the coaching staff with a clear answer at the running back position heading into next year. His performance suggests that Cincinnati does not need to spend high draft capital on a running back, allowing them to focus resources elsewhere. Brown runs with a physicality and burst that complements the aerial attack perfectly, and his development this season is one of the few silver linings of a lost year.

Amarius Mims and the fragile Offensive Line

Despite the offensive fireworks, there was a concerning development in the trenches. Rookie offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who has quietly been a breakout player for Cincinnati this year, left the game with an injury. The impact was immediate and noticeable.

Once Mims exited, the offensive line showed cracks that weren’t there in the first half. This collapse serves as a stark warning for the Bengals’ front office. While the starters are solid, the depth behind them is questionable. Mims has cemented himself as a crucial piece of the line’s future, but his absence exposed how quickly protection can break down.

Protecting Joe Burrow remains the organization’s directive number one, two, and three. The drop-off in performance following the Mims injury suggests that the Bengals must continue to invest in offensive line depth during the offseason. They cannot afford to be one injury away from a collapsed pocket, especially given Burrow’s injury history.

Trey McBride shines amidst the rubble

It is difficult to find positives in a 23-point blowout loss, but the Arizona Cardinals have a legitimate superstar in Trey McBride. In a season defined by losing streaks and defensive struggles, McBride has been a consistent force. On Sunday, he etched his name into the NFL history books.

With his 18-yard touchdown reception late in the fourth quarter, McBride set a new NFL record for receptions by a tight end in a single season, reaching 119 catches. He finished the day with 10 catches for 76 yards.

For the Cardinals, McBride represents a foundational piece for their rebuild. Having a reliable safety valve is essential for developing a quarterback and sustaining drives. McBride is not just a statistical accumulator; he is the focal point of the offense. As Arizona heads into another offseason of roster overhaul, they can rest easy knowing the tight end position is locked down by an elite talent. The challenge now becomes finding other weapons to take the defensive attention off of him.

Arizona’s defense needs a total overhaul

The Cardinals’ defense had no answers for Cincinnati on Sunday. Allowing 37 points and failing to generate stops on third down is a recipe for disaster in the modern NFL. The disparity in first downs—29 for Cincinnati versus a meager output for Arizona—highlights a defense that couldn’t get off the field.

It was the Cardinals’ seventh straight loss and their 13th of the season, cementing a year to forget. The defense looked porous, struggling to tackle and failing to pressure Burrow. While injuries have certainly played a role—losing players like Garrett Williams and Walter Nolen hurts—the lack of depth and high-end talent is glaring.

For the Cardinals front office, the mandate for the draft is clear. They need playmakers at every level of the defense. They need pass rushers who can disrupt the quarterback and defensive backs who can cover elite receivers like Ja’Marr Chase. Sunday showed just how far away this unit is from being competitive.

Looking ahead to Week 18

As the dust settles on Week 17, both teams have one game remaining before the offseason officially begins. The Bengals will close out their season with an AFC North battle against the Cleveland Browns. While no playoffs are on the line, divisional pride and a chance to end the season on a high note will be motivation enough.

The Cardinals face a long offseason of questions. With a 3-13 record, their draft position will be favorable, and Sunday’s performance reinforced the need to use those picks wisely. They are a team in transition, and while players like McBride offer hope, the gap between them and a competitive team like Cincinnati is currently a canyon.