The Cincinnati Bengals have taken another step towards the playoffs with a 27:24 (24:24, 3:0) overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings looked like the sure winners for a long time.

Touchdowns from Ty Chandler, rookie Jordan Addison and a field goal from Greg Joseph gave the Vikings a 17:3 lead after three quarters and the visitors almost looked certain to win. But the Bengals made an impressive comeback in the final quarter with touchdowns from Tee Higgins and Joe Mixon.

Higgins countered another Addison touchdown shortly before the end with a spectacular touchdown catch in the final minute to tie the game again.

In overtime, neither team was able to convert their first possession into points.

Then Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (1 touchdown, 1 interception, 324 passing yards) initiated the decision with a 44-yard big play to Tyler Boyd. Kicker Evan McPherson converted the field goal from 29 yards for the final score.

Nick Mullens with a disastrous start

Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens had a disastrous first half in his first outing as a starter this season: The 28-year-old threw two careless interceptions, which went unpunished thanks to the defense.

Things went better in the second half, in which he threw his touchdown passes to Addison. In overtime, he missed a quarterback sneak in a promising position. The Bengals capitalized on the ensuing possession to win the game. Mullens totaled 303 passing yards.

With their 8-6 record, the Bengals are now in third place in the AFC North and still have good playoff chances. The Vikings have a 7-7 record and are still in second place in the NFC North. They also remain in the playoff race

Injury concerns for the Cincinnati Bengals

Bitter for Cincinnati: In the first half, both defensive tackle D.J. Reader and cornerback D.J. Ivey had to leave the field with knee injuries. Exact diagnoses are still pending.

In the final quarter, the home side also lost offensive star Ja’Marr Chase with a shoulder injury. Exact diagnoses are still pending