Is it just me, or is Joe Burrow playing angry? There seems to be a defiance in the quarterback’s late-season surge — as there was when he spoke candidly earlier this season about his need to play perfectly for the Bengals (7-8) to have any chance to win or now when he details the team’s need to retain top wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

The first piece of the Bengals' playoff puzzle fell into place with Thursday night's Broncos loss and they'll have two important players on hand as they try for the second piece on Sunday.

CINCINNATI — Joe Burrow led the Bengals on an 8-play, 99-yard drive that ended with a two-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Cincinnati has a 7-0 lead over Cleveland with 7:14 left in the first quarter. Watch the play below: