The new york jets vs bengals match player stats from October 26, 2025, tell the story of one of the most dramatic finishes of the NFL season. The New York Jets defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38 after overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Breece Hall delivered a standout performance on the ground, Justin Fields helped lead the late comeback, and Cincinnati struggled to protect a lead that appeared secure with less than 11 minutes remaining.

The game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati featured explosive rushing plays, productive quarterback performances, important special teams contributions, and a remarkable final sequence. The Jets scored 23 points in the fourth quarter, turning a 24-31 deficit into a one-point victory. The Bengals scored 38 points of their own but could not prevent New York from completing the comeback.

For readers who want more than the final score, this breakdown examines the quarterback numbers, rushing production, receiving performances, defensive contributions, scoring progression, and the statistical factors that decided the contest. The figures below are checked against the published ESPN box score, with passing totals distinguished from net passing yards where necessary.

Table of Contents

New York Jets vs Bengals Match Player Stats: Game Overview

The matchup took place on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati entered the contest with a 3-4 record before the game and was looking to improve its position at home. New York arrived without a win, making the result especially important for a team seeking momentum.

New York Jets

39

Winners

FINAL SCORE

39-38

October 26, 2025

Cincinnati Bengals

38

Home team

Venue

Paycor Stadium

Competition

NFL regular season

Jets record after game

1-7

Bengals record after game

3-5

Final score by quarter

Quarter	New York Jets	Cincinnati Bengals
First	0	10
Second	13	14
Third	3	7
Fourth	23	7
Final	39	38

The quarter-by-quarter breakdown explains why this game stands out. Cincinnati scored in every quarter and maintained control for much of the contest. New York, however, saved its most productive period for the final 15 minutes.

The Jets entered the fourth quarter trailing 24-31. Both teams scored touchdowns after that point, but New York’s ability to convert key opportunities and complete its final scoring drive proved decisive.

What the final score does not tell you

A one-point margin can make two teams look almost identical, but the underlying numbers reveal different strengths.

New York recorded 502 total net offensive yards.
Cincinnati recorded 398 total net offensive yards.
The Jets gained 254 rushing yards, compared with 181 for the Bengals.
Both teams completed two touchdown passes and threw no interceptions.
New York scored three field goals, while Cincinnati made one.
The Jets scored 23 fourth-quarter points, compared with seven for Cincinnati.

These figures suggest that the Jets created more total offensive production and benefited from a powerful ground game. Cincinnati remained dangerous, particularly on the ground and through its passing combinations, but its defense could not make the lead last.

Quarterback Stats: Justin Fields vs Joe Flacco

Quarterback performance was central to the outcome, but the two passers approached the game differently. Justin Fields helped New York combine passing efficiency with a productive rushing attack, while Joe Flacco delivered two passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown for Cincinnati.

Justin Fields’ passing performance

Statistic	Justin Fields
Completions	21
Attempts	32
Completion percentage	65.6%
Passing yards	244
Yards per attempt	7.6
Passing touchdowns	1
Interceptions	0
Sacks taken	0
Passer rating	99.0
ESPN QBR	63.8
Rushing attempts	11
Rushing yards	31

Fields completed 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, with one passing touchdown and no interceptions. His 65.6% completion rate provided a reliable foundation for the Jets’ offense.

The most important detail is that Fields protected the football. Against a Bengals offense capable of putting up points quickly, an interception could have made New York’s comeback significantly more difficult. Instead, Fields avoided turnovers and allowed the Jets to keep building scoring opportunities.

His 7.6 yards per passing attempt also indicates that the offense generated meaningful yardage without requiring an unusually high number of throws. New York did not rely exclusively on short passes or force Fields to carry the entire offense through the air.

His rushing contribution was less productive than his passing output. Fields recorded 31 yards on 11 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt. That figure suggests that his individual runs were not as effective as the team’s overall rushing attack.

Nevertheless, the broader offensive picture matters more than one rushing average. Fields contributed to an offense that gained 502 net yards and scored 39 points.

Joe Flacco’s passing performance

Statistic	Joe Flacco
Completions	21
Attempts	34
Completion percentage	61.8%
Passing yards	223
Yards per attempt	6.6
Passing touchdowns	2
Interceptions	0
Sacks taken	1
Sack yardage lost	6
Passer rating	100.5
ESPN QBR	44.4
Rushing attempts	2
Rushing yards	14
Rushing touchdowns	1

Flacco completed 21 of 34 passes for 223 yards. He threw two touchdown passes and did not record an interception. His passer rating of 100.5 was slightly higher than Fields’ 99.0, showing that traditional passer rating alone does not explain which quarterback contributed more to the overall result.

Flacco also made an important contribution as a runner, recording 14 yards on two attempts and a rushing touchdown. His one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter helped Cincinnati establish early control.

His passing numbers were respectable, and his touchdown production helped Cincinnati reach 38 points. The key limitation was not a high interception count or a series of obvious passing mistakes in the published statistics. Instead, the Bengals’ defensive performance during the closing stages allowed the Jets to produce a decisive comeback.

Which quarterback performed better?

The answer depends on the measure being considered.

Fields produced more passing yards, averaged more yards per attempt, and avoided being sacked. He also played for the winning team and helped direct an offense that generated more total yardage.

Flacco recorded more passing touchdowns, finished with a slightly higher passer rating, and contributed a rushing touchdown. His passing output was also sufficient to support a 38-point performance.

Comparison	Justin Fields	Joe Flacco
Passing yards	244	223
Passing TDs	1	2
Interceptions	0	0
Yards per attempt	7.6	6.6
Passer rating	99.0	100.5
Rushing yards	31	14
Rushing TDs	0	1

Fields had the stronger overall statistical case when passing yardage, efficiency, sacks avoided, and the final team result are considered together. Flacco was effective as a passer and scorer, but his individual performance did not translate into a victory.

It is also important not to treat ESPN QBR and passer rating as interchangeable measures. They use different calculations, so a quarterback can rank differently under each system.

Breece Hall’s Dominant Rushing Performance

Breece Hall was one of the defining players of the game. His rushing production gave New York a reliable way to advance the ball and helped the offense maintain pressure on Cincinnati throughout the contest.

Rushing statistic	Breece Hall
Carries	18
Rushing yards	133
Yards per carry	7.4
Rushing touchdowns	2
Longest rush	35 yards
Receptions	2
Receiving yards	14
Passing attempts	1
Passing yards	4
Passing touchdowns	1

Hall averaged 7.4 yards per carry, a remarkable figure over 18 attempts. He accumulated 133 rushing yards and scored twice on the ground.

His longest rush covered 35 yards, demonstrating that New York could generate significant gains without depending on a completed pass. The ability to create explosive plays on the ground placed additional pressure on Cincinnati’s defense and made it harder to focus exclusively on Fields.

Why Hall’s rushing efficiency mattered

Rushing effectiveness is about more than the total number of yards. It can influence defensive alignment, the types of plays an offense can call, and the number of situations in which a quarterback must throw.

Hall’s production offered the Jets several advantages:

Explosive gains: His 35-yard longest rush showed that New York could turn a running play into a major advance.
Scoring opportunities: His two rushing touchdowns directly contributed to the comeback.
Offensive balance: The Jets could threaten through the air and on the ground rather than relying on one method.
Late-game pressure: Cincinnati had to account for the running game even as New York pursued the lead.

Hall also attempted one pass, completing it for four yards and a touchdown. That unusual contribution added another dimension to the Jets’ offense. His touchdown pass to Mason Taylor with 1:54 remaining became the decisive scoring play.

The distinction between Hall’s rushing touchdowns and his passing touchdown is important. He scored twice as a runner and once as a passer, contributing directly to three touchdown plays.

Isaiah Davis adds another rushing threat

Hall was not the only Jets player to produce impressive rushing numbers. Isaiah Davis finished with 65 yards on seven carries, averaging 9.3 yards per attempt. His longest run covered 50 yards.

Davis did not score a rushing touchdown, but his efficiency was significant. A 50-yard run can rapidly change field position, shorten the distance to scoring range, and force a defense to respond to a threat beyond the primary running back.

New York’s rushing production was distributed across several players:

Jets rusher	Carries	Yards	Average	Longest run	Rushing TDs
Breece Hall	18	133	7.4	35	2
Isaiah Davis	7	65	9.3	50	0
Justin Fields	11	31	2.8	7	0
Isaiah Williams	1	25	25.0	25	0
Team total	37	254	6.9	50	2

The distribution shows that Hall supplied the largest share of the yardage, while Davis and Williams delivered highly efficient gains on fewer attempts.

The Jets finished with 254 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry. That production was one of the clearest statistical differences between the teams.

Cincinnati Bengals Rushing Stats and Offensive Contributions

Cincinnati also ran the ball effectively. The Bengals recorded 181 rushing yards on 23 attempts, averaging 7.9 yards per carry. Although their team average was higher than New York’s, the Jets accumulated 73 more rushing yards because they ran the ball more often.

Samaje Perine’s impact

Samaje Perine led the Bengals in rushing yardage with 94 yards on nine attempts. He averaged 10.4 yards per carry and scored one rushing touchdown.

His longest run was 32 yards, which became a key scoring play in the third quarter. Perine’s efficiency gave Cincinnati a dangerous ground option and demonstrated that the Bengals could create explosive gains without relying solely on their passing game.

Chase Brown’s rushing performance

Chase Brown recorded 73 rushing yards on 12 carries, averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. He added one rushing touchdown, with his longest run covering 22 yards.

Brown’s contribution was important because he helped Cincinnati sustain its offensive output. He also added three receptions for 32 yards and a receiving touchdown, giving him value as both a runner and a receiver.

Joe Flacco as a runner

Flacco’s two rushing attempts produced 14 yards and a touchdown. His one-yard scoring run in the opening quarter helped Cincinnati take an early 10-point lead.

His 13-yard scramble in the third quarter also helped set up Perine’s 32-yard touchdown run. This sequence demonstrated how a quarterback’s ability to extend a play with his legs can create opportunities for other offensive players.

Bengals rushing comparison

Bengals rusher	Carries	Yards	Average	Longest run	Rushing TDs
Samaje Perine	9	94	10.4	32	1
Chase Brown	12	73	6.1	22	1
Joe Flacco	2	14	7.0	13	1
Team total	23	181	7.9	32	3

Cincinnati scored three rushing touchdowns, compared with two for New York. The Bengals also averaged more yards per carry. However, the Jets ran the ball 14 more times and generated considerably more total rushing yardage.

This is a useful reminder that yards per carry and total rushing yards answer different questions. The average measures efficiency per attempt, while the total reflects both efficiency and workload.

Receiving Stats: Which Players Made the Difference?

The receiving numbers show two distinct offensive approaches. New York spread its passing production among several targets, while Cincinnati relied heavily on Ja’Marr Chase for catches and used other receivers to generate important scoring plays.

New York Jets receiving statistics

Player	Receptions	Targets	Receiving yards	Average	TDs
Tyler Johnson	3	5	64	21.3	1
Isaiah Davis	5	5	44	8.8	0
Mason Taylor	5	8	34	6.8	1
Isaiah Williams	3	4	31	10.3	0
Jeremy Ruckert	1	1	24	24.0	0
Arian Smith	1	1	23	23.0	0
Breece Hall	2	3	14	7.0	0
Andrew Beck	1	1	9	9.0	0
Allen Lazard	1	2	5	5.0	0
Team total	22	30	248	11.3	2

Tyler Johnson leads the Jets in receiving yards

Tyler Johnson recorded three receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown. His 21.3 yards per reception was the highest average among New York’s players with multiple catches.

Johnson’s longest reception was 34 yards, and he converted one of his five targets into a touchdown. His production offered New York an effective downfield option, helping the team avoid becoming predictable.

A receiver’s yardage total does not tell the entire story, but Johnson’s combination of average gain and scoring contribution made him one of the Jets’ most productive passing targets.

Mason Taylor’s decisive contribution

Mason Taylor caught five passes for 34 yards and a touchdown. His longest reception was 15 yards, and he received eight targets.

The most consequential play of his performance came late in the fourth quarter. With 1:54 remaining, Taylor caught a four-yard touchdown pass thrown by Hall. The successful extra point put New York ahead 39-38.

That play illustrates why receiving value cannot be judged by yardage alone. Johnson led the Jets in receiving yards, but Taylor caught the pass that produced the winning score.

Taylor’s five receptions also provided a dependable short-range option. While his 6.8 yards per reception was modest compared with Johnson’s average, the volume of his catches helped the Jets move the ball.

Isaiah Davis contributes beyond rushing

Davis recorded five receptions for 44 yards, giving him an additional role in the passing game. His receiving total complemented his 65 rushing yards.

This combination is useful when evaluating an offensive player’s full contribution. Davis was not simply a backup runner who benefited from a few carries. He also gave the Jets a reliable receiving option and helped distribute the workload.

Cincinnati Bengals receiving statistics

Player	Receptions	Targets	Receiving yards	Average	TDs
Ja’Marr Chase	12	19	91	7.6	0
Tee Higgins	1	2	44	44.0	1
Noah Fant	3	3	41	13.7	0
Chase Brown	3	3	32	10.7	1
Tanner Hudson	1	2	9	9.0	0
Samaje Perine	1	1	6	6.0	0
Andrei Iosivas	0	3	0	0.0	0
Team total	21	33	223	10.6	2

Ja’Marr Chase delivers a high-volume performance

Chase finished with 12 receptions for 91 yards on 19 targets. He averaged 7.6 yards per catch and recorded a longest reception of 17 yards.

His 12 catches demonstrate how frequently Cincinnati looked in his direction. He accounted for more than half of the Bengals’ 21 receptions, making him the clear focal point of their passing game.

However, Chase did not score a receiving touchdown. His ability to produce a high catch total helped the offense move forward, but the Bengals needed contributions from other players to convert opportunities into points.

Chase’s 19 targets also offer a useful analytical detail. High target volume can indicate trust and involvement, but it does not automatically mean a receiver dominated every part of the game. His 91 yards were valuable, though his average of 7.6 yards per reception shows that much of his production came through repeated completions rather than a single huge gain.

Tee Higgins provides Cincinnati’s biggest receiving play

Higgins caught one pass for 44 yards and a touchdown. His only reception was also his longest, producing a 44-yard average.

That play demonstrates the impact of explosive passing. A receiver does not need a large catch total to have a meaningful effect on the scoreboard. One successful deep connection can change field position and create a touchdown opportunity.

Noah Fant and Chase Brown add balance

Fant caught all three of his targets for 41 yards. His 100% catch rate made him a reliable option whenever the ball came his way.

Brown contributed 32 receiving yards on three catches and scored a receiving touchdown. Combined with his rushing touchdown, Brown accounted for two touchdowns through different offensive roles.

Cincinnati’s receiving production was not limited to Chase and Higgins. Fant provided dependable catches, and Brown created a dual-threat contribution that helped the Bengals build their lead.

Passing yardage versus receiving yardage

The box score lists Cincinnati with 223 gross passing yards for Flacco and 217 net passing yards for the team. Its receiving table lists 223 receiving yards.

These figures are not necessarily contradictory. Gross passing yards describe the yardage gained through completed passes, while net passing yards account for yards lost on sacks. Cincinnati lost six yards on its one sack, which explains the difference between 223 and 217.

This distinction is important when comparing team offense. A careful analysis should not treat receiving yards and net passing yards as identical measures.

Team Statistics: Jets vs Bengals

The team totals help explain how New York overcame Cincinnati despite trailing for most of the game.

Team statistic	New York Jets	Cincinnati Bengals
Total net yards	502	398
Passing completions	22	21
Passing attempts	33	34
Gross passing yards	248	223
Net passing yards	248	217
Passing touchdowns	2	2
Interceptions thrown	0	0
Rushing attempts	37	23
Rushing yards	254	181
Yards per rushing attempt	6.9	7.9
Rushing touchdowns	2	3
Total offensive plays	70	58
First downs	25	24
Third-down conversions	7 of 15	4 of 9
Fourth-down conversions	2 of 3	0 of 1
Turnovers lost	0	0
Sacks allowed	0	1

Total offensive yards favor New York

New York generated 502 net yards, 104 more than Cincinnati’s 398. This is a substantial difference in a game decided by a single point.

The Jets’ advantage came largely from their rushing production and the greater number of offensive plays they ran. They recorded 70 offensive plays, compared with Cincinnati’s 58.

More plays can create more opportunities to gain yards, sustain drives, and score. However, play volume by itself does not guarantee success. The Jets also gained enough yards per play to turn that volume into meaningful production.

First downs were almost even

The Jets recorded 25 first downs, while the Bengals had 24. This shows that both offenses found ways to sustain drives.

The one-first-down difference is small compared with the gap in total yardage. It suggests that the teams were relatively close in their ability to reach first-down markers, even though New York generated more explosive gains and more total offense.

Third-down and fourth-down performance

New York converted seven of 15 third-down attempts, a 46.7% conversion rate. Cincinnati converted four of nine, or 44.4%.

Their third-down rates were fairly close. The bigger difference came on fourth down. New York converted two of three attempts, while Cincinnati failed on its only attempt.

Fourth-down attempts can be especially important in a close game because a failed conversion can give the opposing team possession without a punt. The Jets’ ability to convert two opportunities helped them retain control of important possessions.

Turnover-free football

Neither team threw an interception, and neither recorded a fumble in the published box score. Both offenses therefore avoided the most obvious forms of possession-losing mistakes.

That detail makes the outcome more interesting. New York did not win because Cincinnati repeatedly gave the ball away. The Jets won through offensive production, a strong rushing game, successful late scoring drives, and the ability to score when the game was on the line.

Time of possession

New York held the ball for 33 minutes and 40 seconds, while Cincinnati had possession for 26 minutes and 20 seconds.

The Jets’ longer possession time was consistent with their 70 offensive plays and 37 rushing attempts. Sustaining possession can help keep an opposing offense on the sideline, but it also gives a team more chances to score.

Cincinnati still managed 38 points in less time. That shows how efficiently the Bengals converted some of their opportunities, particularly through touchdowns and explosive plays.

Defensive Player Stats and Key Contributors

The final score highlights the offenses, but defensive statistics help explain the pressure and resistance each team produced.

New York Jets defensive performance

Defensive statistic	Jets total
Total tackles	60
Solo tackles	30
Sacks	1
Tackles for loss	3
Passes defended	7
Quarterback hits	2
Defensive touchdowns	0

Malachi Moore led New York with eight total tackles, including five solo tackles. Jarvis Brownlee Jr. recorded seven tackles and two passes defended, while Quincy Williams also finished with seven tackles.

Will McDonald IV recorded the Jets’ only sack, along with one tackle for loss and one quarterback hit. His sack of Flacco in the fourth quarter was particularly notable because Flacco landed awkwardly on his right shoulder and was checked before returning for Cincinnati’s final drive.

The Jets did not record a defensive touchdown or interception. Their defense was not dominant throughout the contest, as Cincinnati scored 38 points, but the pass-rush contribution and defended passes formed part of the overall defensive effort.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive performance

Defensive statistic	Bengals total
Total tackles	83
Solo tackles	44
Sacks	0
Tackles for loss	3
Passes defended	4
Quarterback hits	1
Defensive touchdowns	0

Demetrius Knight Jr. led Cincinnati with 12 total tackles, including six solo tackles. Geno Stone recorded nine tackles, seven of them solo, while Barrett Carter finished with eight tackles.

Cam Taylor-Britt recorded two passes defended and one quarterback hit. These contributions helped Cincinnati challenge New York’s passing game, but the defense did not record a sack.

Why the defensive numbers matter

Cincinnati recorded more total tackles, but that does not automatically mean its defense performed better. Tackle totals can increase when an opponent runs more plays or gains more yards.

The Jets ran 70 offensive plays, compared with 58 for the Bengals. New York’s higher play count provided Cincinnati with more opportunities to record tackles.

The more revealing comparison is how the defenses affected the opponent’s ability to sustain and finish drives. The Bengals did not sack Fields, and New York gained 502 net yards. Cincinnati’s defense also conceded 23 points in the fourth quarter.

The Jets allowed 398 net yards and recorded one sack, but Cincinnati still reached 38 points. Neither defense controlled the entire game. The key difference was that New York found a way to score more in the decisive period.

Special Teams Stats: Nick Folk vs Evan McPherson

Special teams played an important role in a game decided by one point. New York received 11 kicking points from Nick Folk, while Cincinnati collected eight from Evan McPherson.

Kicking statistic	Nick Folk, Jets	Evan McPherson, Bengals
Field goals made	3	1
Field goals attempted	3	1
Field goal percentage	100%	100%
Longest field goal	46 yards	26 yards
Extra points made	2	5
Extra points attempted	2	5
Total kicking points	11	8

Nick Folk’s reliable kicking

Folk converted all three field-goal attempts, including a 46-yard kick. His accuracy allowed New York to collect points on possessions that did not end in touchdowns.

Those points mattered because the Jets needed every available scoring opportunity to complete the comeback. A missed field goal would have made the final margin even harder to overcome.

Folk also converted both extra-point attempts. His total of 11 kicking points represented an important contribution to the Jets’ final score.

Evan McPherson’s contribution

McPherson converted his only field-goal attempt, a 26-yard kick, and made all five extra points. He finished with eight points.

His performance was accurate, so the final result should not be attributed to missed kicks by Cincinnati. The difference was that the Jets scored more field goals and found a way to convert their final touchdown into a one-point lead.

Kick returns and punting

Return production also affected field position.

Return statistic	Jets	Bengals
Kick returns	6	5
Kick-return yards	150	114
Average kick-return yards	25.0	22.8
Longest kick return	37 yards	26 yards
Punt returns	3	0
Punt-return yards	38	0

Isaiah Williams led New York’s kick-return unit with 132 yards on five returns, averaging 26.4 yards. His longest kick return covered 37 yards. He also recorded three punt returns for 38 yards, including a 21-yard return.

Cincinnati’s Charlie Jones returned five kickoffs for 114 yards, averaging 22.8 yards. His longest return was 26 yards.

New York’s advantage in return yardage helped its field-position picture, although return totals alone cannot establish exactly how many points a team gained from those plays.

The punting numbers were also notable. Austin McNamara punted twice for 81 yards, averaging 40.5 yards per punt. Ryan Rehkow punted three times for 174 yards, averaging 58 yards per punt, with a longest punt of 65 yards.

Rehkow had the stronger average distance, but New York’s greater return production and offensive yardage contributed to a different overall field-position outcome.

Fourth-Quarter Comeback: How the Jets Won 39-38

The final quarter provides the clearest explanation of the result. Cincinnati entered the period with a seven-point advantage and extended that lead to 14 points before New York responded with three consecutive scoring drives.

Scoring sequence

Quarter	Play	Score after play
First	Joe Flacco rushes for a one-yard touchdown	Bengals lead 10-0
Second	Tyler Johnson catches a touchdown pass from Justin Fields	Bengals lead 17-10
Second	Tee Higgins catches a 44-yard touchdown pass from Flacco	Bengals lead 17-3 before later scoring
Second	Chase Brown catches a touchdown pass from Flacco	Bengals lead 24-10
Second	Nick Folk makes a 25-yard field goal	Bengals lead 24-13
Third	Folk makes a 24-yard field goal	Bengals lead 24-16
Third	Samaje Perine runs for a 32-yard touchdown	Bengals lead 31-16
Fourth	Breece Hall runs for a five-yard touchdown	Bengals lead 31-24
Fourth	Chase Brown runs for a one-yard touchdown	Bengals lead 38-24
Fourth	Hall runs for a 27-yard touchdown	Bengals lead 38-30 before the conversion
Fourth	Hall throws a four-yard touchdown pass to Mason Taylor	Jets take the lead 39-38

The scoring table above is intended to highlight the main scoring plays. For the complete play-by-play and scoring order, consult the original ESPN game box score.

Cincinnati builds a 14-point lead

With 10:21 remaining, Chase Brown scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown. That play gave Cincinnati a 38-24 lead.

At that stage, the Bengals appeared to have control. They had scored consistently throughout the game and had productive performances from Flacco, Perine, Brown, and Chase.

But the lead did not hold. New York needed two touchdowns and successful conversions to move ahead, and the offense responded quickly.

Hall brings New York back into contention

Hall’s five-yard rushing touchdown reduced the deficit to seven points. Later, his 27-yard rushing touchdown brought New York closer again.

The second touchdown was especially valuable because it showed that the Jets could create a scoring play without needing to string together a long sequence of short completions. Hall’s ability to break into open space helped the offense recover ground rapidly.

The two rushing touchdowns also reflected a larger pattern in the game. New York’s ground attack was not just a way to control the clock. It was a direct source of explosive plays and points.

The final touchdown decides the game

The decisive play came with 1:54 remaining. Hall threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Taylor, and Folk converted the extra point.

That put the Jets ahead 39-38. Cincinnati could not respond with another score before the game ended.

This sequence is the central lesson of the contest: a team can perform well for three quarters and still lose if it cannot stop the opponent at the most important moment. The Bengals’ offense produced enough points to win many games, but their defense could not close out this one.

What the Player Statistics Reveal About the Game

The figures provide several broader lessons for readers analyzing NFL games, evaluating players, or comparing team performances.

1. Total yardage can reveal advantages hidden by the score

The Jets won by one point, but their 502 net yards compared with Cincinnati’s 398 show that they produced considerably more offense.

This does not mean that total yardage always predicts a winner. Football games can turn on turnovers, special teams, red-zone execution, or a handful of scoring plays. In this matchup, however, the yardage advantage supports the conclusion that New York generated enough opportunities to remain competitive despite trailing.

2. Rushing efficiency and rushing volume should be evaluated together

Cincinnati averaged 7.9 yards per carry, compared with 6.9 for New York. Yet the Jets produced 254 rushing yards to Cincinnati’s 181.

The Bengals were more efficient per attempt, but the Jets ran 37 times instead of 23. Both measures matter. A strong average indicates explosive potential, while a high total reflects how much the team accumulated over the game.

Hall’s 133 yards and two rushing touchdowns made him a key part of New York’s offensive advantage.

3. Touchdowns carry more weight than raw receiving totals

Chase led Cincinnati with 91 receiving yards and 12 catches. Johnson led New York with 64 receiving yards. Yet Taylor’s four-yard touchdown catch was arguably the most consequential receiving play of the game.

This is why player evaluation should include touchdowns, timing, down-and-distance context, and the score at the moment of a play. Yardage describes production, but game context explains its value.

4. A quarterback’s contribution goes beyond passing touchdowns

Flacco threw two touchdown passes and ran for another score. Fields threw one touchdown pass, but he avoided sacks and interceptions while helping lead a 39-point offense.

Hall also contributed as a passer, throwing the decisive touchdown. Evaluating a game solely by quarterback passing touchdowns would miss important parts of New York’s offense.

5. Defensive performance must be considered in context

The Bengals recorded 83 tackles, compared with 60 for the Jets. Those totals may look favorable for Cincinnati, but the Jets ran more offensive plays and gained more yards.

Tackles are useful individual statistics, but they do not directly measure whether a defense prevented first downs, stopped touchdowns, or protected a late lead. The fourth-quarter score is a more direct indication of how Cincinnati’s defense handled the final challenge.

How to Read NFL Match Player Stats Correctly

Readers looking for player statistics often want to know who performed best and why the result unfolded as it did. A reliable analysis begins by separating individual performance from team results.

Here are five useful steps for interpreting a box score.

Start with the final score and quarter breakdown. Identify when the lead changed and which quarter produced the biggest scoring difference.
Compare quarterback efficiency. Review completion percentage, passing yards, touchdowns, interceptions, yards per attempt, and sacks.
Measure the running game. Consider attempts, total yards, yards per carry, long runs, and touchdowns together.
Evaluate receiving production in context. Receptions and yards show volume, while touchdowns and long gains help explain scoring impact.
Check team totals and defensive contributions. First downs, total yards, third-down conversions, turnovers, sacks, and fourth-quarter points can reveal why one side won.

For fantasy football, rushing attempts, targets, receptions, and touchdowns may be especially useful. For team analysis, total yardage, situational performance, and scoring drives often provide more context.

No single statistic should be treated as a complete explanation. The strongest conclusions come from comparing several measures and relating them to the actual sequence of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who won the New York Jets vs Bengals game on October 26, 2025?

The New York Jets defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38. New York scored 23 points in the fourth quarter to complete a comeback after trailing 24-31 at the start of the final period.

2. How many passing yards did Justin Fields record against the Bengals?

Justin Fields completed 21 of 32 passes for 244 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. He also rushed for 31 yards on 11 carries.

3. How many rushing yards did Breece Hall have?

Breece Hall recorded 133 rushing yards on 18 carries, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He scored two rushing touchdowns and also threw a four-yard touchdown pass to Mason Taylor.

4. How did Joe Flacco perform against the Jets?

Joe Flacco completed 21 of 34 passes for 223 yards and two passing touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 14 yards and one touchdown, helping Cincinnati score 38 points.

5. Who led the game in receiving yards?

Ja’Marr Chase led all listed receivers with 91 yards on 12 receptions from 19 targets. For New York, Tyler Johnson led the receiving group with 64 yards and one touchdown on three catches.

6. What was the biggest statistical difference between the teams?

The Jets gained 502 net offensive yards, compared with Cincinnati’s 398. New York also recorded 254 rushing yards against the Bengals’ 181, helping the Jets create enough scoring opportunities to complete their late comeback.

Conclusion

The New York Jets’ 39-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals was defined by offensive production, a powerful rushing attack, and a dramatic fourth-quarter turnaround. Justin Fields delivered 244 passing yards without an interception, while Breece Hall produced 133 rushing yards, two rushing touchdowns, and the decisive touchdown pass to Mason Taylor.

Cincinnati also had several outstanding individual performances. Joe Flacco accounted for three total touchdowns, Samaje Perine averaged 10.4 yards per carry, and Ja’Marr Chase caught 12 passes for 91 yards. However, the Bengals could not protect their fourth-quarter lead.

The most revealing statistics were New York’s 502 total net yards, 254 rushing yards, and 23 fourth-quarter points. Together, they explain how the Jets overcame a 14-point deficit in the final period to secure their first win of the season.

Ultimately, the game demonstrates why a full statistical breakdown is more informative than the final score alone. Quarterback efficiency, rushing production, receiving contributions, special teams, and late-game execution all help explain how a close NFL matchup is decided.