Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase Becomes 5th NFL Player to Win Receiving Triple Crown
Jan 6, 2025
KANSAS CITY, MO - SEPTEMBER 15: Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals flexes in celebration after a play during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase became the fifth player in NFL history to win the receiving triple crown.
Joining an elite group of just four other players since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970—Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), Steve Smith (2005) and Cooper Kupp (2021)—Chase has completed the season as the leader in catches, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
The 24-year-old recorded 127 receptions, 1,708 receiving yards and 17 receiving touchdowns during the Cincinnati Bengals' 9-8 season in 2024-25.
The accomplishment was something Chase envisioned during the Bengals' Week 11 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, according to ESPN's Ben Baby, where he recorded two touchdowns on seven receptions.
He recognized that the trajectory he was on was unique. "If not now, then soon," Chase said, according to Baby.
Ahead of his final game of the season on Saturday, Chase had already all but secured the triple crown. He led Detroit Lions' Amon-Ra St. Brown by eight catches, Minnesota Vikings' Justin Jefferson by 133 receiving yards and both St. Brown and Washington Commanders' Terry McLaurin by four touchdowns. Absolute domination.
In Chase's fourth season in the league, he has fully embraced the confidence he always knew he had, now evident with his achievement of the triple crown.
"This is the first year that I just know (it) for a fact," Chase said, per Baby. "The confidence that I had was just like, I knew it already."
Joe Burrow, Chase Impress NFL Fans as Bengals Keep Playoff Hopes Alive, Beat Steelers
Jan 5, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass in the first quarter of a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Despite their best efforts to give it away, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to secure a crucial must-win victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals notched their fifth straight victory, edging out Russell Wilson and the Steelers 19-17 in a tightly contested matchup on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Burrow connected on 37-of-46 passes for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception, improving the Bengals' record to 9-8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Sitting third in the AFC North, the Bengals will need a couple of things to happen on Sunday to make the playoffs:
The Kansas City Chiefs must beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday
The Miami Dolphins must lose or tie against the New York Jets on Sunday
The Steelers endured a heartbreaking end to what nearly turned into an incredible comeback, falling to 10-7, though they've already clinched a wild card spot. Wilson gave his all, finishing 17-of-31 for 148 yards and one touchdown.
Fans were more than impressed with Burrow and his grit, along with the Bengals, holding their breath as the team clings to their playoff hopes:
MASSIVE SHOUTOUT to Joe Burrow. Team was 1-4 and then 4-8 with NOBODY BUT THEY MOMMA giving them a chance to make the playoffs. They fought back to win 5 straight and finish the season 9-8. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards, 43 TDs and Ja’Marr Chase had 1,708 yards receiving, 17 TDS.… pic.twitter.com/70IFV3heSb
A fast start proved to be crucial for the Bengals, as they scored ten points in the first quarter while holding the Steelers scoreless. Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase got the ball rolling with a 12-yard touchdown reception from Burrow just inside the 10-minute mark. Kicker Cade York added three points to the team's total just before the end of the first quarter.
Najee Harris opened the scoring for the Steelers with a one-yard rush in the second quarter to stop the bleeding.
Despite an interception by Burrow with 1:13 left before halftime, the Steelers turned it over on downs and York and the Bengals capitalized, knocking down another field goal to take a 13-7 lead at halftime.
After halftime, both teams faced difficulty finding the end zone, with the only points of the third quarter coming from Cincinnati. Kicker Cade York connected on a 35-yard field goal, and he opened the fourth quarter with another three points, extending the Bengals' lead.
With a 19-7 lead early in the fourth, the Steelers mounted a comeback, beginning with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Pat Freiermuth, narrowing the gap to 19-14.
With 5:25 left in the fourth quarter, the Bengals muffed a punt, which was recovered by Steelers tight end Connor Heyward, giving Pittsburgh another chance to take the lead. Failing to score a touchdown on the turnover, the Steelers settled for a 54-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.
The Steelers held Cincinnati to a three-and-out but turned the ball over on 4th-and-12 after tight end Pat Freiermuth failed to catch a pass from Wilson. This left the Bengals with 15 seconds to kneel and run out the clock, sealing the victory.
The Bengals will certainly be anxiously waiting their fate on Sunday to see if they can secure a spot in the postseason.
Video: Bengals' Mike Gesicki Earns $125K Contract Incentive with Catch vs. Steelers
Jan 5, 2025
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Mike Gesicki #88 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Mike Gesicki earned a hefty contract incentive with his first catch on Saturday.
The Cincinnati Bengals tight end caught a 12-yard pass from Joe Burrow in the opening quarter of the team's AFC North clash with the Pittsburgh Steelers, surpassing 600 receiving yards on the season and triggering a $125,000 incentive (via ESPN's Adam Schefter).
Mike Gesicki passed 600 receiving yards on the season, triggering a $125k incentive.
Gesicki started off strong against Pittsburgh, hauling in four receptions for 33 yards in the first quarter.
The 29-year-old already reached several incentives in 2024 before surpassing 600 yards on Saturday.
Gesicki earned $125,000 for reaching 45 receptions, then received another $125,000 for catching 55 passes (h/t SI.com's Jay Morrison). He also trigged a separate $125,000 contract bonus for racking up 500 yards this season.
Gesicki has exceeded expectations after signing a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Cincinnati as a free agent in March 2024.
He's appeared in all 17 games for the Bengals, recording 57 catches for 597 yards and two touchdowns entering Saturday's action. Gesicki has been able to make an impact despite varying usage, as he's appeared in just 44 percent of Cincinnati's total offensive snaps (via Pro Football Reference).
BURROW TO GESICKI AGAIN. 5 TD passes for No. 9 today!
The former second-round pick is coming off a strong performance during a 30-24 overtime win over the Denver Broncos in Week 17, catching a season-high 10 passes for 86 yards and earning praise from Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow.
"Mike was great today," Burrow said after the victory, per the team's official website. "He made contested plays in big spots. Just watching the tape all week, I knew it was going to be a big Mike game, and he stepped up big for us."
As the Bengals attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive against the Steelers on Saturday, Gesicki collected another contract incentive.
Video: Joe Burrow Says He's 'Deserving' of NFL MVP, Understands Why He's Not Favorite
Jan 4, 2025
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals checks his wristband in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has accepted that, despite having a career year, he probably won't be taking home MVP honors.
"I'm proud of the season that I have had," Burrow told former MVP Cam Newton in an interview for ESPN. "You know, I would love to win an MVP at some point in my career. This year is probably not that year just because of how the season has gone for us. I think I'm deserving of it, but the MVP usually goes to the quarterback of the best team and that's not us this year."
"We have so many things in common." 😅
Joe Burrow with Cam Newton on his MVP-caliber play, the Bengals' season and facing the Steelers in Week 18 👀 pic.twitter.com/xqyFQiV810
The Bengals are currently 8-8 and sitting third in the AFC North, with several things needing to fall into place for them to make the playoffs:
The Bengals must beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday
The Kansas City Chiefs must beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday
The Dolphins must lose or tie against the New York Jets on Sunday
Despite the Bengals' limited playoff hopes, Burrow has undoubtedly had an MVP-caliber season, according to past winners.
"Burrow is one of three players all time to throw for 4,500 yards, 40 passing touchdowns (and) fewer than 10 interceptions in a single season," Newton said. "Who else did that? Tom Brady in 2007 (and) Aaron Rodgers in 2011. You know the thing that they had? They both won an MVP."
The top two MVP favorites are Josh Allen at -260 and Lamar Jackson at +200, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Burrow is a considerable distance behind in third, at +1600.
Burrow, in his fifth season with Cincinnati, has moved past the MVP conversation and is now focused on the Bengals securing a win in their final regular-season game and potentially grabbing a spot in the postseason.
"I'm just excited for the opportunity," Burrow said. "We got a chance to go and make a statement. We obviously need help on Sunday but we can control what we can control and finish our season the right way. Guys are excited about that opportunity, myself included."
NFL Rumors: Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins Eye Future Together with Bengals
Jan 4, 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - OCTOBER 13: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrates a touchdown with Ja'Marr Chase #1 and Tee Higgins #5 during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on October 13, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals trio of Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is eyeing a future together beyond Week 18.
Ian Rappoport of NFL Network reported that the quarterback and his top wide receivers have "discussed" playing alongside each other with the Bengals going forward and that it is their "goal."
"Sources say the three have discussed playing together again for years to come. It's their goal, and privately they have made no secret about it," Rapoport wrote.
Burrow is currently under contract through 2029 while Chase could be a free agent after 2025 and Higgins can hit free agency this spring.
The trio has been together since the 2021 season, which was Chase's rookie year. The Bengals have gone 37-27 since then, reaching two AFC title games and one Super Bowl.
Chase has 5,329 receiving yards and 45 touchdowns in his career and has 1,612 yards and 16 touchdowns thus far in 2024. Higgins has 4,542 yards and 34 touchdowns in his career, with 858 yards and 10 touchdowns coming in 2024.
Burrow has 4,641 yards with 42 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 2024. Despite the stellar play from that electric trio, the Bengals are just 8-8 this season and need a win in Week 18 as well as some help in order to make the playoffs.
If the Bengals are unable to qualify for the postseason, Higgins' time with the team could come to a close as he figures to have a strong market in free agency.
Bengals' Jermaine Burton Won't Travel for Steelers Game After Coach's Decision
Jan 3, 2025
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 22: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton (81) walks off the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals on December 22, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH. (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals will be down a receiver as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in a must-win contest on Saturday.
Per ESPN's Ben Baby, rookie receiver Jermaine Burton won't travel with the team to Pittsburgh because of a coach's decision.
This will be the second time this season Burton is inactive because of a coach's decision. The third-round pick out of Alabama missed the Bengals' Nov. 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing a walkthrough the Saturday before the game.
Head coach Zac Taylor said the decision to bench Burton in November was a "necessary step."
"We just got to handle our business the right way, and so I can sit here and say it was a difficult decision to make him inactive, but it was absolutely the right decision with all the information we had," Taylor said, per the Associated Press' Mitch Stacy.
"He's a guy who's going to have, I think, a really good career here, and we're going to support him. And he wants to help us win and do things the right way."
It's unclear why Taylor decided to bench Burton this week, but it could mean his season is over if Cincinnati doesn't reach the postseason.
Burton has had a disappointing start to his career, totaling just four receptions for 107 yards in 14 games. He has not had a ball thrown his way since Nov. 17 when had one reception on four targets against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Bengals, who head into the matchup with the Steelers at 8-8 on the year, need a few things to happen to reach the playoffs. They'll first need to win against Pittsburgh and from there would need the Miami Dolphins to lose to the New York Jets and the Denver Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Joe Burrow: Bengals Will 'Make Sure' Ja'Marr Chase Gets Receiving Triple Crown
Jan 1, 2025
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals smiles with Ja'Marr Chase #1 prior to an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals star Ja'Marr Chase has a sizable lead in all three wide receiver triple-crown categories, but Joe Burrow wants to ensure his teammate finishes atop all three categories going into the final week of the 2024 NFL regular season.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burrow said the plan is to "make sure" Chase wins the triple crown.
"He works for it. He grinds for it. He's a once-in-a-lifetime-type player and our careers will forever be tied together from college into the pro landscape," Burrow added. "That's just fun to be a part of."
Chase currently leads the NFL with 117 receptions, 1,612 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns. It seems unlikely anyone will surpass his touchdown mark. Terry McLaurin and Amon-Ra St. Brown are tied for second with 12 touchdown catches.
Receptions and yards are within reach for other players, but it would take a lot of work for Chase to fall out of the top spot. St. Brown (109 receptions) and Brock Bowers (104) are the only players within 10 catches of Chase.
Justin Jefferson (1,479 yards) is 133 yards behind Chase. No other player in the league is at 1,200 yards entering Week 18. Jefferson is certainly capable of having a big game this week, especially against a Detroit Lions defense that is scrambling to find healthy bodies right now.
It does help the race that the Bengals, Lions and Minnesota Vikings all have things to play for in Week 18. A Bengals win keeps their playoff hopes alive, but they will need losses by the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins to get in.
The Vikings and Lions will play on Sunday Night Football to determine the NFC North champion and No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
Chase averages just over seven receptions and 100.8 yards per game this season. If he hits those marks against the Steelers, his final season-long stat line will include 124 receptions and 1,720 yards. That would be the 11th-most receptions and 13th-most yards in a single season in NFL history.
Since the NFL-AFL merger in 1970, only four receivers have had a triple-crown season. The most recent player to accomplish the feat was Cooper Kupp in 2021 (145 receptions, 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns).
Bengals' Joe Burrow: 'I Doubt' I'll Win 2024 NFL MVP, But 'I'll Win 1 One Day'
Dec 31, 2024
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 15: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws the ball against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is confident in his ability to eventually win an MVP award.
"I'll win one, one day," Burrow told reporters on Tuesday (1:13 mark).
He doesn't believe that he'll receive the honor for his 2024 season, though.
"I doubt it," Burrow said. "Usually you gotta win your division."
"It is what it is," he added. "That's how it's voted. I don't necessarily disagree with it, I would say."
The Bengals sit at No. 3 in the AFC North standings with a record of 8-8. They're still alive in the playoff hunt, but they must win in Week 18 and will also need help to earn the final AFC postseason spot. The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins will also be required to lose their respective Week 18 contests in order for Cincinnati to clinch a playoff berth.
If the Bengals miss the postseason, it's hard to envision the MVP award being presented to a player on a team that couldn't earn one of the seven playoff spots in the conference. Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, two other candidates for the award, play for teams that own a combined record of 24-8.
Burrow is still in the midst of a career year, though.
In 16 starts, the 28-year-old has completed 69.8 percent of his throws while leading all quarterbacks with 4,641 passing yards and 42 touchdowns through the air. Burrow's averaged 7.7 yards per attempt and has only been picked off eight times.
Cincinnati's struggles in 2024 have stemmed from a defense giving up 26.1 points per game while allowing the sixth-most yards each week. The Bengals have also failed to win close contests, owning a record of 3-7 in games decided by one score.
If Cincinnati can win an AFC North title in 2025 while Burrow continues to perform at a high level, the former LSU standout would likely feel better about his MVP chances.
Bengals' Joe Burrow Not 'Thrilled About' Week 18 Possibly Being Last with Tee Higgins
Dec 31, 2024
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Tee Higgins #5 and Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Tee Higgins have unmatched chemistry.
However, as the Bengals head into their Week 18 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Burrow is not thrilled about the possibility that it could be their last game together.
"It's obviously a possibility. Not one I'm thrilled about." Burrow said, according to CLNS Media's Mike Petraglia. "You don't want to make a living out of letting great players leave your building."
Higgins and the Bengals did not reach an agreement on a deal, but the Bengals have high hopes that they can come to an agreement ahead of free-agency in March.
Higgins told CBS Sports' Aditi Kinkhabwala that being paid as a No. 1 wide receiver is not his top priority, adding that playing alongside former Heisman-winning quarterback Burrow and former LSU star Ja'Marr Chase is hard to match.
"I'm playing with if not the best, one of the best, QBs. I'm playing with if not the best, one of the best, WRs. That opens up things for me," Higgins said, per Kinkhabwala. "In this offense, everyone has a chance to be spotlighted."
Chase has also been vocal about making it a priority for the Bengals to re-sign Higgins.
"Pay the man," Chase yelled as Higgins was talking with reporters after their 30-24 overtime victory over Denver on Saturday.
"If that was his last game in this stadium, he went out with a bang. But that's a big if," Chase told reporters.
Following the Denver victory, where Higgins recorded 131 yards on 11 receptions with three touchdowns, he grew sentimental about the possibility of it being his last home game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
"I hope not, but that could have been my last game in the stripes here," Higgins told reporters. "This game, it meant a lot more to me coming into it. Definitely a surreal feeling."
Bengals HC Celebrates Joe Burrow: 'It's Just Unbelievable the Way His Brain Works'
Dec 30, 2024
CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 28: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor praised quarterback Joe Burrow's pre-snap awareness after checking to a different play in overtime of the team's 30-24 win over the Denver Broncos on Saturday.
"[Burrow's] awareness to get to a play like that just shows his next-level thinking," Taylor said, per Sports Illustrated'sAlbert Breer. "It's just unbelievable that a play we don't rep, it's for one look only, he got the look in the most critical point in the season and checked to it. … It's just unbelievable the way his brain works."
With two minutes remaining in overtime and the ball at Denver's 47-yard line, Burrow pitched the ball to running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert picked up 13 yards, moving the chains and helping set Cincinnati up for the game-winning touchdown.
"The season's on the line—we're putting the ball in his hands," Taylor explained, per Breer. "He checked to a speed option. I think we walked through that play one time. And he checked to the speed option in overtime, versus a double-A look. We talked about it, but he got to it to Khalil Herbert, who's had how many carries? Maybe 10 on the season."
Burrow wrapped up an impressive performance against the Broncos' fifth-ranked scoring defense, finishing 39-of-49 for 412 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception. He also picked up 25 yards and a fourth score on the ground.
His performance was crucial for Cincinnati, as a loss would have eliminated the team from playoff contention.
Despite the Bengals' 8-8 record, Burrow is in the midst of a career year. He's completed 69.8 percent of his throws, while his 4,641 yards and 42 touchdowns through the air both represent the highest totals in the league.
He's also been picked off just eight times.
Cincinnati will need some help to earn a playoff spot in Week 18. The Bengals must defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers and also need losses from the Broncos as well as the Miami Dolphins.
A postseason berth may still be difficult to achieve, but Burrow kept Cincinnati's season alive with a stellar showing on Saturday.
