The Cincinnati Bengals got a huge win Sunday, defeating the Denver Broncos 15-10 at Mile High Stadium. Both teams entered the game 7-6 and in the hunt for a wild card berth. But after the win, the Bengals find themselves atop their division, the AFC North.

However, in the victory, running back Joe Mixon left the game with an ankle injury. In the 4th quarter, Mixon rushed the ball to the outside and Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II brought him down. Mixon's ankle got trapped underneath him and bent awkwardly.

Mixon is reportedly slated to miss 1-3 weeks with the ankle injury. 

Related NewsArticle continues below
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Joe Burrow reveals disappointment with another Bengals primetime game vs Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) runs onto the field before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium.
Joe Burrow defends Trey Hendrickson amid contract holdout
Two mystery players in the middle, Joe Burrow and coach Zac Taylor around them, Cincinnati Bengals wallpaper in the background
Cincinnati Bengals 2 best trade targets to round out 2025 roster

In his absence, the Bengals turn to Samaje Perine to lead the backfield. Perine picked up 30 yards on four carries. Prior to leaving the game with the injury, Mixon struggled to get much going on the ground Sunday. He finished with 17 carries for 58 yards. He also caught one pass for two yards.

It was a defensive battle all game vs the Broncos. Quarterback Joe Burrow found wide receiver Tyler Boyd for the game's biggest play, a 56-yard touchdown. That ended up being the difference in the game.

The Bengals are tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North at 8-6 and play each other next week. The Bengals currently hold the tie-breaker having beaten Baltimore earlier in the season. However, the Cleveland Browns are 7-6 and play Monday night and the Pittsburgh Steelers are 7-6-1. This is shaping up to be the tightest division in recent memory.

Perine has stepped in a couple times over the last couple seasons, and it appears the Bengals will need him to do that once again.