Bengals vs. Bills score, takeaways: Joe Burrow-led Cincy dominates, earns AFC title game rematch vs. Chiefs

Cincinnati will again play for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl

For a second straight year, the Bengals and Chiefs will play for the right to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. The Bengals, in pursuit of a second consecutive Super Bowl berth, punched their ticket to Kansas City next Sunday after posting a 27-10 victory over the Bills in the AFC divisional round. 

Facing the Bills, a hostile crowd and constant snowfall, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was unflappable. He threw two touchdowns in the first half as the Bengals took a 17-7 halftime lead. Burrow had plenty of help from Joe Mixon, whose 1-yard touchdown stretched Cincinnati's lead to 24-10 heading into the fourth quarter. 

Cincinnati's defense contributed to the win by dominating Buffalo's offense for large stretches of the game. The Bengals flustered Josh Allen for most of the game while limiting Stefon Diggs to just 35 yards on four catches. Fittingly, Cincinnati iced the win when rookie defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt picked off Allen deep in Bengals territory with one minute left. 

Here's a closer look at transpired in Buffalo. 

Why the Bengals won

Cincinnati had the superior quarterback on this day in Burrow, who improved his playoff record to 5-1 and 3-0 and the road. Throughout the game, Burrow showcased his peerless accuracy and often overlooked mobility to make plays for the Bengals' offense. 

As he often does, Burrow spread the wealth, completing passes to eight teammates. His top target, Ja'Marr Chase, led the way with five catches for 61 yards that included his 28-yard touchdown catch that opened the scoring. Tight end Hayden Hurst also came up big with five grabs that included his 15-yard touchdown catch that stretched Cincinnati's lead to 14-0. 

The Bengals' passing game was complemented by Cincinnati's rushing attack. Led by Mixon's 105 yards, Cincinnati rumbled for 172 yards on 34 carries. A big reason for Mixon's success was the play of the Bengals' rebuilt offense line that included 2021 second-round pick Jackson Carman, who on Sunday made his first career start at left tackle as they dealt with several injuries.

As they have throughout the Bengals' 10-game winning streak, Cincinnati's defense played an integral role in Sunday's win. Cincinnati took away Buffalo's running game while limiting Diggs' impact in the passing game. The Bengals minimized the Bills' big plays while applying consistent pressure on Allen. 

Why the Bills lost 

Buffalo, who lost a home playoff game for only the second time since the 1970 merger, failed to play complementary football. Cincinnati's two early touchdowns, for example, were sandwiched between a Buffalo three-and-out when the Bills' defense would have benefitted by having more time off the field. 

The Bills' offense again came up short late in the first half after the defense forced the Bengals to settle for a touchdown after reaching the red zone. Buffalo's lack of a physical running game, especially given the wintery conditions, was exposed on Sunday. 

The offense let them down, but the Bills' defense isn't without fault. The Bills' defense, after all, allowed Burrow to complete each of his first nine attempts as Cincinnati took a big lead early. They were pushed around by a Bengals' offensive line that played without three starters. 

Turning point 

Cincinnati's hot start had somewhat started to cool off late in the first half after Chase's touchdown was overturned. Buffalo didn't necessarily take advantage of overturn, but they did put a dent into the Bengals' lead after kicking a field goal to start the second half, which cut their deficit to 17-10. 

The Bengals wouldn't allow Buffalo to get closer, as Burrow led a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with Mixon's short touchdown run. The drive's big play was Burrow's 13-yard completion to Hurst on third-and-10 on Buffalo's 40-yard-line. 

Play of the game 

It's nothing pretty, but Mixon's short touchdown run late in the third quarter embodied what type of game it was for both teams. The Bengals ran at will against Buffalo, while the Bills were unable to come up with a splash play on either side of the ball. 

Quotable

"You better send those refunds." — Burrow to CBS Sports on the 50,000-plus tickets Bills and Chiefs fans bought in the event the two teams faced in Atlanta in the AFC title game.

What's next 

Cincinnati will look to become the fifth team this century to play in consecutive Super Bowls. To do that, they'll have to defeat Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium for a second straight year. The Bengals have had the upper hand in their matchups with Kansas City, as Cincinnati has won three straight games in the matchup that includes the Bengals' Week 13 win at home. 

Once again, Buffalo will begin their offseason several weeks earlier than it had hoped. Receiver, a power running back, pass rusher (they will be getting Von Miller back) and secondary are among the areas the Bills will likely look to strengthen during the offseason. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 6:03 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

The AFC Championship rematch is set. 

Bengals at Chiefs next Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on CBS.

[Jan 22, 2023 at 6:02 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

First turnover of the game goes to Josh Allen, who throws an interception to ice the game for Cincinnati. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:59 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Looks like someone is ready for an AFC Championship rematch. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:54 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Some discontent between Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:52 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

If the Bengals hang on (as it appears they will), that eliminates the possibility of a neutral-site AFC Championship. Now, Cincinnati will travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:46 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Cincinnati's 28 first downs is a new postseason franchise record. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:41 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Mike Hilton is really making his presence felt in the final minutes of this fourth quarter with a handful of impact plays. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:39 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

And now officials have reversed the ruling of a fumble by Josh Allen and called it incomplete. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:38 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

According to multiple reports from Highmark Stadium, Josh Allen is in the blue medical tent following that hit from Hilton that forced the fumble (which is currently under review.)

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:35 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Among many things, the Bengals defense has done an extremely good job containing Stefon Diggs. He has just four catches on eight targets for 35 yards. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:33 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Along with Poyer, Tre'Davious White is heading to the locker room. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:27 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Jordan Poyer is walking to the locker room after that hit to the helmet. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:24 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Ugly collision by White and Poyer on the DPI to Higgins. Both players being attended to as the Bengals are going to have first and goal. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:22 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

This fourth quarter is going to be all about Joe Mixon. If he can continue to run at an efficient clip, Cincinnati will be well-positioned to close this out. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:21 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Going back to our pregame keys for the Bengals, establishing the run has emphatically been accomplished by Cincinnati. Mixon about to become the second Bengals RB with a 100-yard game in the playoffs. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:17 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

The third quarter ends with Mixon racking up another first down for the Bengals. Cincinnati is up 24-10 entering the final stanza. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:16 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Buffalo's defense doesn't get much rest after that 12-play touchdown drive by the Bengals. That three-and-out by the Bills offense lasted just 75 seconds. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:16 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Cam Taylor-Britt was a big breakup on a deep pass intended for Gabe Davis. He's been a big addition to the team as a rookie. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:13 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

The CBS broadcast points out that the Bengals may have not gotten the play off in time on that Mixon touchdown. The play clock hit zero and just after Cincinnati snapped the ball. It was close, but the Bengals appear to have gotten away with one there. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:10 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Refs have reversed the call, giving the Bengals a 23-10 lead. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:09 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Zac Taylor is challenging Mixon's non-touchdown call. Looks like he's over, but we'll see if the officials can clearly spot the ball crossing the goal line. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:07 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Penalties starting to pile up for Buffalo. They've been called for infractions on three of the last four plays. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:04 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Joe Mixon is having a sneaky huge game on the ground. He's up to 79 yards rushing on just 13 carries. 

[Jan 22, 2023 at 5:01 pm ET · Tyler Sullivan]

Hayden Hurts showing off his athleticism! The Bengals tight end leaped over a Bills defender to convert a critical third-and-10.