The Cincinnati Bengals suffered a crushing 47-42 defeat to the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Paycor Stadium, falling to 3-6 on the season.
The loss marked their second consecutive setback despite a late surge that saw them score 15 points in under a minute to take a 42-41 lead with 49 seconds remaining.
Cincinnati could not protect that advantage as Chicago answered with a game-winning drive in the final moments.
The defeat extended a troubling trend for the Bengals, who have now scored 80 combined points in their last two games while losing both.
That unusual distinction earned them an unwanted place in NFL history stretching back several decades.
“Bengals are the first team since the 1960s to score 38+ points in back-to-back games and lose both games,” The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov posted.
#Bengals are the first team since the 1960s to score 38+ points in back-to-back games and lose both games. pic.twitter.com/Pt94xkKUCt
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 2, 2025
Cincinnati’s defensive struggles have become impossible to ignore.
The unit surrendered 23 fourth-quarter points to the New York Jets in a 39-38 collapse before failing to protect another late lead against the Bears.
Chicago running back Kyle Monangai dominated with 176 rushing yards on 26 carries while adding three receptions for 22 yards.
Quarterback Caleb Williams contributed 39 rushing yards as the Bears compiled 576 total yards of offense.
The Bengals have now allowed over 500 yards in consecutive games and surrendered more than seven yards per carry for the third straight week.
Those numbers reflect a run defense that has collapsed at the worst possible time.
Joe Flacco has performed well since replacing Jake Browning during Joe Burrow’s absence, but the offensive production has not translated to victories.
Cincinnati enters their bye week at 3-6 despite easily having the talent to sit at 5-3.
The margin for error has disappeared heading into a November 16 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers following the break.
NEXT: Bengals Announce 4 Roster Moves