Packers vs Bengals: all-time record, history and stats

The Game That Started the Packers Resurgence

The most important game in series history happened on September 20, 1992, at Lambeau Field. The Packers were 0-2 under new coach Mike Holmgren. The Bengals were 2-0.

The game started with Don “The Majik Man” Majkowski at QB. In the first quarter, Majik suffered torn ankle ligaments on a sack by Tim Krumrie.

This was the moment when Brett Favre, a second-year 22-year-old backup from Southern Mississippi, stepped in. Acquired by Ron Wolf, the Packers GM, from the Atlanta Falcons for a first-round draft choice, was yet to prove himself in the NFL.

Favre’s first three quarters did not go very well. He fumbled four times. He botched snaps as the emergency holder on field goals, causing two misses. The Bengals led 17-3 entering the fourth quarter.

The game was filled with intense moments, including a 95-yard touchdown punt return by Bengal rookie Karl Pickens. However, the defining moment came when Favre connected with Kitrick Taylor for a game-winning touchdown pass.

In the 4th quarter, Favre led an 88-yard touchdown drive to cut the deficit to 20-17. After Cincinnati kicked another field goal, the Packers got the ball at their own 8-yard line with 1:07 left and no timeouts.

Favre scrambled and found receivers, including a deep ball to Sterling Sharpe, who broke his ribs on the play. With 13 seconds left from the Bengals’ 35-yard line, Favre pump-faked to freeze the safety and threw a perfect pass to Kitrick Taylor for the game-winning touchdown.

Green Bay won 24-23. The next week, Favre made his first career start, beginning a streak of 297 consecutive starts. That comeback against Cincinnati launched a new era of Packers football.

This marked Favre’s first win in the NFL, a significant milestone in his career and a memorable moment in the Packers vs Bengals history.

Watch the game highlights on Youtube.

The Impact of Favre’s First Win

Brett Favre’s first win was more than just a game victory; it was a turning point for the Packers. It marked the beginning of the Favre era in Green Bay, an era that would see the Packers become one of the most successful teams in the NFL. Favre’s performance in this game showed his potential and gave a glimpse of the greatness that was to come.

In the years that followed, Favre led the Packers to multiple playoff appearances and a Super Bowl victory. He became one of the most decorated players in the NFL, earning three consecutive MVP awards and setting numerous records. His first win against the Bengals was the start of this incredible journey.

Historic 5 Missed Field Goals

The game was notable for the number of missed field goals, which had never happened before in an NFL game. The previous record for most missed field goals in a game was four, which had been done twice.

The missed field goals were a major factor in the outcome of the game. If Crosby had made either of his two late field goals in regulation, the Packers would have won the game. And if McPherson had made his 57-yard field goal with 21 seconds left in regulation, the Bengals would have won the game.

Watch those back to back missed field goals, the most in NFL history:

The Craziest Field Goal Sequence in NFL History

Coaches

Beyond Forrest Gregg, several coaches have worked for both organizations:

• Mark Duffner: Cincinnati’s defensive coordinator (2001-2002) before becoming Green Bay’s linebackers coach in 2003
• Jerry Montgomery: Coached Green Bay’s defensive line for nine seasons (2015-2024) before joining Cincinnati in the same role
• Matt LaFleur and Zac Taylor: The current head coaches worked together on the Rams’ offensive staff in 2017

Paul Brown Was Instrumental in Hiring Vince Lombardi

Paul Brown was a legendary football coach and executive who founded both the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals. He was also instrumental in hiring Vince Lombardi, the coach who led the Green Bay Packers to five NFL championships and two Super Bowls in the 1960s.

Notable Players

One of the the most prominent player to wear both uniforms is linebacker A.J. Hawk. Green Bay’s 2006 1st-round pick and the franchise’s all-time leading tackler played nine seasons with the Packers before the last season of his career in the league as a Bengal in 2015.

Other players who played for both teams include defensive tackle Mike Daniels (Packers 2012-2018, Bengals 2020-2021), running back Cedric Benson (Bengals 2008-2011, Packers 2012), and defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton (Packers 2021-2024, currently with Cincinnati as of 2025).