The Cincinnati Bengals kept their playoff hopes alive with a thrilling 30-24 overtime victory over the Denver Broncos on Saturday, thanks to a huge performance from wide receiver Tee Higgins. It was a game Cincinnati desperately needed, and Higgins delivered when it mattered most, showing why he’s worth a long-term investment while playing out a contract year.

Higgins excelled with 11 catches, 131 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 3-yard grab with just over a minute left in overtime. The Bengals leaned on him during the final drive, as Higgins also made an acrobatic 31-yard catch to set up his walk-off score. His other touchdowns came on a 2-yard snag in the second quarter and a 12-yard catch in the fourth quarter, capping a career-defining performance.

For Higgins, that night was about more than just team success — it was a reminder of his value as one of the NFL’s best playmakers. Despite struggling with injuries early in his career, Higgins has performed consistently well since being drafted 33rd overall by the Bengals in 2020.

Higgins has played under the franchise tag this season and entered Saturday with 727 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 10 games. After a performance like this, he makes a strong case for why Cincinnati – or any other team – should pay him like the elite receiver he has proven to be.

This article originally appeared on Clemson Wire: Tee Higgins is playing his best football when it matters most for the Bengals