Cincinnati's playoff hunt took a major hit Sunday night, after a bad snap on the extra point in the game's final minute nullified a tie, and sent the Bengals home with a 24-23 loss to the Denver Broncos, who are a step closer to clinching a Wildcard in the AFC Playoffs.

Carson Palmer led the Bengals on a 91 yard drive with just under 3 minutes left, and hooked up with TJ Houshmandzadeh from 11 yards out with 41 seconds left, to set the stage for what shouldve been an overtime. Moments later Brad St. Louis' long snap sailed wide of Kyle Larsons hands, and Shayne Graham didn't even get a chance to kick before he was pummeled by the Bronco defenders.

Playoffs seemingly slipping through the fingers of the Bengals as Palmer threw for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Rudi Johnson rushed for 129 yards and a touchdown.

The Bengals need to win next week over the Steelers, and Miami or Oakland to defeat the NY Jets in order to clinch the final AFC Wildcard.