In a season filled with fourth-quarter setbacks and one-score defeats, the Cincinnati Bengals (5 - 8) finally experienced a stroke of luck in a thrilling 27 - 20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys (5 - 8). "I guess you could say fortune smiled on us this time," expressed Bengals coach Zac Taylor after the game. "We're going to relish this moment. It's a short week, but I'm immensely proud of our players for staying united through a great deal of adversity over the past month. It's been a while since we've felt this way."

Key Moments in the Game

With just two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Cowboys linebacker Nick Vigil, who began his career with the Bengals for the first four years, broke through Cincinnati's offensive line and blocked Ryan Rehkow's punt. The ball bounced near the Bengals' 40 - yard line, and Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye inexplicably touched the ball. It slipped through Oruwariye's grasp and was recovered by Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta.Three plays later, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow found star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase on an out - breaking route. Chase raced to the end zone, securing the game - winning touchdown in front of a stunned Dallas crowd. This sequence had been against the Bengals for a large part of the season. Entering Monday night, the Bengals had lost seven one - score games, including the previous three. The team had bemoaned their one - possession losses following the frustrating defeat in Week 13.

Quarterback and Receiver's Heroics

Burrow's connection with Chase was remarkable. In the win, Burrow connected with Chase 14 times for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Burrow leads the league in passing yards (3,706) and touchdown passes (33). Chase, who is on track to achieve the receiving triple crown, tops the NFL in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,319), and touchdown receptions (15). Their combined efforts have kept the Bengals mathematically alive in the AFC playoff race. The Bengals currently sit in 10th place in the AFC, trailing the seventh - seeded Denver Broncos by three games in the loss column for the final wild - card spot. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, the Bengals currently have a 3% chance of reaching the postseason.

Team's Future Focus

No matter how the Bengals' season concludes, their top priority should be to keep the Burrow and Chase tandem together in the foreseeable future. The Bengals have already secured Burrow with a long - term deal. However, they were unable to sign Chase to an extension during the past offseason. But Chase has clearly demonstrated his worth for a mega - contract extension that could reshape the wide receiver market - and Cincinnati's franchise quarterback agrees. "He's a truly exceptional player. He keeps making plays, whether it's after the catch or before. No matter how you get the ball to him, he makes things happen," said Burrow. "He deserves everything he's going to get and more."Follow USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.