CINCINNATI – Saturday’s wild overtime win over the Denver Broncos was the most important in a largely disappointing season for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Not only did the Bengals (8-8) win their fourth straight for the first time this season and keep their slim playoff hopes alive, but they also finally made enough late plays to win a close game. Seven of the last eight defeats were by one point.

And Cincinnati was also able to defeat one of the better teams in the league. His seven previous wins have come against teams under .500.

Joe Burrow, in the midst of the best season of his career, threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins with 1 minute, 7 seconds left in overtime, winning the ball 30-24. The final drive was followed by two critical stops by the Cincinnati defense.

“We always knew we had a good football team,” Bengals coach Zac Taylor said. “And those (close) games are disappointing that we came up short, but they didn’t change our process. They didn’t change what our guys believed in. We didn’t have to change everything we did. We still believed in what we were doing. And now we’ve won four in a row and we need to make it five in a row.”

The playoffs are still a long way off. To get there, the Bengals will have to travel to Pittsburgh and beat the Steelers in the regular-season finale next weekend and also expect other bubble teams to lose.

What works

The Bengals are playing their best football of the season. Burrow, battered by Denver’s pass rush, completed nearly 80% of his passes while rushing for 412 yards and three touchdowns. It was his eighth consecutive game with at least 250 yards and three touchdown passes, extending his NFL record. … Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who had nine catches for 102 yards against the Broncos, could finish the season with the triple crown – most catches, yards and touchdowns.

What needs help

The offensive line continues to struggle, even with the return of starter Orlando Brown Jr. Burrow rarely had a clean pocket, was constantly on the run and was sacked seven times and hit 15 times.

Stock up

Cincinnati’s much-maligned defense this season forced two Denver punts in overtime. The second led to the Bengals winning streak. Linebacker Germaine Pratt intercepted Bo Nix to end a Denver drive in the fourth quarter.

“For them to step up and get those two stops and give the offense a chance to win is a big deal,” Taylor said.

Higgins caught 11 passes for 131 yards and received all three touchdown passes from Burrow.

“Everyone can see what kind of player he is,” Burrow said of Higgins, who is playing with the franchise tag this season. “He takes us to another level when he plays like that.”

Inventory reduced

Kicker Cade York, who was signed in early December to replace the injured Evan McPherson, had a chance to win the game with 2:49 left in overtime, but his 33-yard field goal attempt bounced off the left upright away.

Injuries

RB Chase Brown sprained his ankle on an awkward slip as the Bengals attempted to shorten regulation time. … OT Amarius Mims suffered an injury to his right hand.

Key number

499 – Bengals total yards against Denver.