NFL Week 5 Bills at Bengals: Cincinnati’s MVP against Buffalo

It wasn’t pretty, but Cincinnati ended up finding a way to get a victory in a must-win situation on Sunday. There were many individual stars of the game, but they also showed us frustrating moments with some errors.

Still, a combination of younger and older players stepped up the most to help the team get to 2-3. Cast your vote and sound off on your winner for the Bengals’ Week 5 Most Valuable Player!

Quarterback Andy Dalton: When you look at the stat line, Dalton doesn’t jump out as an immediate MVP candidate, but some of the errors weren’t his fault. Nevertheless, Dalton finished with 328 passing yards on 22-36 passing with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Running back Joe Mixon: The rookie’s yards per carry average has been low so far, but that seems to be more of a product of blocking. Mixon made plays when it didn’t seem like there was room, including a 10-yard touchdown run and the dagger 10-yard run to get the Bengals into the victory formation.

Wide receiver A.J. Green: There were some issues from No. 18 on Sunday, including an inexplicable drop that became an interception, as well as a fumble on a big catch. Still, the guy had seven catches for 189 yards and a touchdown and was a major factor on Sunday—especially with the early 77-yard touchdown reception.

Defensive lineman Michael Johnson: Many fans were calling for the team to cut ties with Johnson this offseason, but the club has found a clever way to use him. He’s been particularly effective in the inside of the line in passing situations, and it was on full display on Sunday. He had a sack and a critical tackle of LeSean McCoy on Buffalo’s final drive alone, while also getting another sack early in the game, to give him three on the year.

Linebacker Vontaze Burfict: He was close to crossing the line with some hits on Sunday, but No. 55 was an absolute animal on Sunday. He had 13 total tackles, including a couple for loss on McCoy, as well as a sack of Tyrod Taylor. Even though Taylor and McCoy made a few frustrating plays on the Bengals’ defense, Burfict led the unit in just allowing 221 net yards to the Bills offense.

Kicker Randy Bullock: In a game which the Bengals scored just 20 total points, the veteran kicker was responsible for eight of them. He had two extra points and two clutch field goals, including a 29-yard attempt with under four minutes to play to give the Bengals a four-point lead.