Rams vs. Bengals final score, results: Cincinnati secures first win behind dominant defensive performance

By | September 26, 2023
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It wasn’t a perfect night for the Bengals, but it certainly was a successful one. 

Cincinnati entered Monday night’s game with two main objectives: Win, and avoid a setback for Joe Burrow. Not only did the Bengals come away with a 19-16 win over the Rams, but they did so without Burrow aggravating the calf injury that kept his status up in the air throughout the past week.

Early on, the Bengals’ offense heard its share of boos from the Paycor Stadium crowd. Burrow and his weapons just couldn’t find a rhythm, extending the struggles they dealt with in the opening two games of the season.

MORE: How Joe Burrow’s calf injury has affected him early this season

The Rams looked much smoother offensively in the first half, but they couldn’t finish drives and left the door open for the Bengals. Cincinnati took advantage. Lou Anarumo’s defense clamped down in the second half, swarming Matthew Stafford and suffocating the Rams’ offense. Stafford was sacked six times and intercepted twice in the loss. Two more sacks were negated by penalties, but Stafford still felt the hit each time.

The Rams found a bit of space on offense late in the fourth quarter, scoring a touchdown with 66 seconds left, but an unsuccessful onside kick ended their hopes of a comeback.

While the Bengals’ offense wasn’t as high-flying as it was last season, Burrow rediscovered his connection with Ja’Marr Chase in the second half. Chase racked up 141 yards on 12 catches, making the difference down the stretch.

The win doesn’t erase the sting the Bengals feel from losing Super Bowl 56 to the Rams, but their path to Super Bowl 58 would have been much narrower had they fallen to 0-3. Instead, Cincinnati will go to Tennessee looking to climb back to .500. 

MORE: Watch ‘Monday Night Football’ live with Fubo (free trial)

The Sporting News tracked live scoring updates and highlights from Monday night’s game between the Rams and Bengals. Check out all of the key moments you might have missed.

Rams vs. Bengals score

   1   2   3   4   F 
Rams 3 3 3 7 16
Bengals 0 6 10 3 19

Rams vs. Bengals results, highlights from ‘Monday Night Football’

(All times Eastern)

Final: Bengals 19, Rams 16

11:24 p.m. — The onside kick is unsuccessful, so the Bengals can just run out the clock. Not a perfect night for the Bengals, but certainly a successful one with Burrow healthy and a win in hand.

Bengals 19, Rams 16

11:21 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — Stafford finds Atwell in the end zone to trim the Bengals’ lead to three. LA will need a successful onside kick to stay alive.

11:20 p.m. — The Rams strangely opt to run the ball on the ensuing play, which takes time off the clock.

11:19 p.m. — Well, well, well. Stafford hits Nacua for 37 yards to put the Rams on the 3-yard line. Do the Rams have some life?

11:17 p.m. — Another sack for the Bengals! This time, it’s Sam Hubbard setting the Rams back. Stafford has been sacked six times, and a couple more have been taken off the board by penalties. 

11:15 p.m. — Stafford runs for a first down to keep the Rams’ drive alive. It goes without saying they’re not moving at the pace they need down by 10. 

11:12 p.m. — Cincinnati can’t put the game away, but the Rams need a mini-miracle down two scores with only 3:34 on the clock. 

11:08 p.m. — The Bengals’ defense is all over LA, and the Rams will punt with six minutes remaining. This is a tough spot to punt, still needing two scores. McVay will give it to Cincinnati anyway. 

11:04 p.m. — The Rams need to put some kind of points on the board on this drive. They start with two incompletions in Atwell’s direction. 

Bengals 19, Rams 9

11:01 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Bengals don’t get far, but Charlie Jones’ return was strong enough to set up a field goal anyway. McPherson connects from 54 yards out to make this a two-possession game.

10:56 p.m. — Kyren Williams appears to make up much of the yardage lost on the Hendrickson sack, but officials determine Stafford’s knee was down when he threw the ball. That’s a sack for B.J. Hill, and the Bengals will get the ball back with strong field position. 

10:54 p.m. — Trey Hendrickson again. Hendrickson is up to two sacks of Stafford tonight, and this one is a big one.

10:51 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Wow! Ahkello Witherspoon quite literally takes the ball out of Boyd’s hands mid-air for an interception of Burrow. A massive play that prevents the Bengals from stretching the lead to two possessions. 

10:50 p.m. — Mixon gets through the pack for the first down. Big-time play by the veteran running back. 

10:49 p.m. — The Bengals will go for it on 4th & 1… The pressure seems to be on the Rams to get this stop.

10:48 p.m. — The Bengals are into Rams territory after Burrow hits Boyd up the middle. Cincinnati has a chance to make this a two-possession game with a field goal or more.

10:44 p.m. — Higgins is back after being treated for cramps. 

End of third quarter: Bengals 16, Rams 9

10:39 p.m. — A facemask penalty negates a Rams first down and results in a 3rd & 16. Brutal swing. Los Angeles doesn’t even try and take a downfield shot, so a punt is coming up.

10:37 p.m. — Tee Higgins is headed back to the locker room. Not clear when he was injured, but he’s had a rough night overall. 

Bengals 16, Rams 9

10:32 p.m. FIELD GOAL — McPherson’s kick doinks in! The Bengals get three points off of the Stafford interception and lead by a touchdown.

10:31 p.m. — Tee Higgins with another drop… He’s caught only two of eight targets tonight.

10:29 p.m. — The Burrow-to-Chase connection is rapidly heating up. Burrow hits his top target for 43 yards, bringing Chase up to 132 yards on 10 catches. 

10:23 p.m. INTERCEPTION — The turnovers are hurting Stafford again. He’s intercepted by Logan Wilson for the second time tonight and instantly ends a great chance for the Rams to re-take the lead.

10:22 p.m. — Now these offenses are taking chances! Stafford hits Van Jefferson downfield to put the Rams right into Bengals territory.

Bengals 13, Rams 9

10:18 p.m. TOUCHDOWN — The Bengals find the end zone first! Joe Mixon runs it in from 14 yards and puts Cincinnati on top. That was easily the smoothest drive of the night for Burrow and the Bengals.

10:16 p.m. — Chase is such a difference-maker. He reaches behind himself to grab a pass from Burrow to keep the drive alive and move the Bengals into field goal range. 

10:13 p.m. — Another big play by Chase to take the Bengals into Rams territory. Even with all of Cincinnati’s offensive struggles, Chase is up to 72 yards.

Rams 9, Bengals 6

10:09 p.m. FIELD GOAL — Maher drills it. This game feels like it’ll be decided by whichever team is finally able to finish off a drive.

10:08 p.m. — This time, Hendrickson’s sack counts. Stafford goes down, and the field goal try becomes a little bit tougher for Maher.

10:07 p.m. — Higbee grabs what appears to be a wide-open touchdown, but the Bengals called a last-second timeout. That might save them at least four points.

10:05 p.m. — A bobbled ball by Williams nearly gets intercepted. Here comes a huge third down for the Rams.

10:03 p.m. — A Trey Hendrickson sack is negated by a Sam Hubbard facemask penalty. That’s a big swing. 

10:00 p.m. — Kyren Williams with a great catch-and-run to take the Rams into Bengals territory after a big gain by Tyler Higbee. The Rams look much more comfortable offensively than they did on those last few drives of the first half. 

End of first half: Rams 6, Bengals 6

9:45 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Bengals settle for the field goal and get it. McPherson ties the game at six entering halftime. Still looking for our first touchdown…

9:44 p.m. — Burrow takes a sack. That’s what can’t happen in that spot, and it’s Aaron Donald in there again. 

9:41 p.m. — Burrow hits Tanner Hudson to get the Bengals well into Rams territory. Cincinnati can try for a touchdown on this drive.

9:39 p.m. — The Bengals will get the ball back with more than a minute remaining in the half. Early on, the Rams were outplaying the Bengals offensively but just couldn’t finish drives. Now, Cincinnati’s defense is dominating. 

9:37 p.m. — Dax Hill comes in and sacks Stafford! The second-year safety has made some big plays tonight. It’ll be 3rd & Long for the Rams. 

9:34 p.m. — The Rams have a long way to go to even get into field goal range before halftime, but Kyren Williams gets them off to a nice start with a 9-yard run.

9:33 p.m. — The Bengals are forced to punt again. Burrow is 15-of-27 for just 109 yards and a 65.2 passer rating.

9:30 p.m. — Tee Higgins nearly catches a pass right near the end zone, but officials believe he pushed off. These mistakes are hurting the Bengals.

9:29 p.m. INTERCEPTION — Wilson’s pick is confirmed. It’s Bengals ball.

9:26 p.m. — Logan Wilson believes he has an interception of Stafford… replay may show the ball hit the ground. To be determined.

9:24 p.m. — The execution is abysmal from these teams right now. Tee Higgins drops a pass he should’ve had, and a downfield pass to Chase falls incomplete on third down. The Rams are getting the ball back with 3:43 remaining in the half. 

9:20 p.m. — Dax Hill blows up the Rams’ drive by dropping Kyren Williams for a loss. A third down catch by Higbee isn’t enough to extend the series.

9:14 p.m. — The Bengals punt as boos come over Paycor Stadium. The crowd is frustrated with this offense, and it should be. 

9:13 p.m. — There’s Aaron Donald! The three-time DPOY sacks Burrow to make it 3rd & long for Cincinnati.

9:11 p.m. — Big-time third down conversion by Ja’Marr Chase, who goes for 11 yards to prevent a three-and-out. 

Rams 6, Bengals 3

9:07 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The Rams still cannot finish a drive. They settle for another short-range field goal from Maher and re-take a small lead.

9:04 p.m. — A 37-yard reception by Tutu Atwell takes the Rams well into the red zone. Really impressive route from a player who’s been a breakout star early this season.

9:03 p.m. — The Rams are quickly over midfield after catches by Nacua and Higbee. No team has finished a drive yet. Can the Rams take advantage here?

Rams 3, Bengals 3

8:58 p.m. FIELD GOAL— Another false start sets the Bengals back, but McPherson drills this field goal try from just inside 50 yards. We’re all tied up.

8:55 p.m. — Everything has slowed down for the Bengals, but a holding penalty against the Rams gives them a first down. Cincinnati should be able to come away from this drive with at least a field goal.

End of first quarter: Rams 3, Bengals 0

8:49 p.m. — Nice job by Mixon to break a tackle and get the Bengals another first down. Cincinnati is inching into field goal range as the first quarter ends.

8:46 p.m. — Burrow’s pass is tipped and wobbles around, but it lands in Ja’Marr Chase’s hands for a first down. The Bengals could use a break like that.

8:43 p.m. — The defenses are starting to take control. Cincinnati forces a three-and-out of its own, though Nacua picks up another catch that will make fantasy owners happy.

8:38 p.m. — Back-to-back false starts turn 3rd & 1 into 3rd & 11 for the Bengals. Some audible boos from the Paycor Stadium crowd as the drive comes to a quick end.

Rams 3, Bengals 0

8:32 p.m. FIELD GOAL — The drive stalls at the 11-yard line, but Brett Maher puts the first points of the game on the board with a 30-yard field goal. Rams lead, 3-0.

8:31 p.m. — No touchdown. The Rams will try to regain the momentum they built leading up to that play.

8:26 p.m. — That was quick! Tutu Atwell goes in for the score… for now. The play will be reviewed.

8:25 p.m. — There’s catch No. 1 for Puka Nacua, who has the Rams down near the edge of the red zone. Nice tight throw by Stafford.

8:24 p.m. — The Rams start with solid field position and quickly get over midfield on a first down catch by Tyler Higbee.

8:20 p.m. — A catch by Charlie Moves moves the Bengals closer, but the drive fizzles out and ends with a missed 56-yard field goal attempt from Evan McPherson.

8:17 p.m. — Two early catches for Tyler Boyd to take the Bengals past midfield. Burrow looks comfortable enough so far.

8:16 p.m. — Burrow and the Bengals will start with the ball. We are underway!

8:14 p.m. — Pretty cool uniform matchup, with the Bengals in their all-whites and the Rams in all-blue.

8:03 p.m. — Chad Johnson is on hand, repping Ja’Marr Chase.

7:49 p.m. — For the Rams, the eyes of many fantasy managers are on rookie WR Puka Nacua. The fifth-rounder has been targeted persistently by Matthew Stafford, and he’s set to play tonight despite being listed as questionable.

7:43 p.m. — Weather has been a problem for much of the country over the last few days, but not tonight in Cincinnati, where it’s 72 degrees and clear.

7:40 p.m. — The last play between these two teams, aside from a kneeldown, was Joe Burrow’s fourth-down incompletion to end Super Bowl 56. Aaron Donald brought the pressure on that play. While winning tonight wouldn’t make up for that loss, Burrow would certainly like to exorcise those demons.

7:10 p.m. — Joe Burrow is officially active, after a report that he was planning to play at less than 100 percent. He will give it a go.

4:45 p.m. — As it turns out, game-time decision really means game-time decision. Bengals coach Zac Taylor still isn’t ready to reveal Burrow’s status for tonight.

4:30 p.m. — The Bengals elevated QB Reid Sinnett from the practice squad, adding some insurance in case Joe Burrow can’t play tonight. Burrow’s status remains up in the air.

Rams vs. Bengals start time

  • Date: Monday, Sept. 25
  • Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET

Monday’s game between the Rams and Bengals is part of a “Monday Night Football” doubleheader, but it will kick off at the traditional start time of 8:15 p.m. ET. 

The Eagles and Buccaneers have the early start at 7:15 p.m. ET on ABC. 

MORE: What to know about breakout Rams WR Puka Nacua 

What channel is Rams vs. Bengals on today?

  • Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals
  • Date: Monday, Sept. 25
  • TV channel: ESPN
  • Live stream: ESPN+, NFL+, Fubo (U.S.) | DAZN (Canada)

Monday’s game between the Rams and Bengals will be broadcast on ESPN. Chris Fowler (play-by-play) and color analysts Louis Riddick and Dan Orlovsky will be on the call from Cincinnati for the Super Bowl 56 rematch. ABC will broadcast Eagles vs. Buccaneers.

There will be no “ManningCast” this week, but the brothers will return in Week 4 for Seahawks vs. Giants. 

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