Broncos vs. Bengals Prediction: Playoff Hopes on the Line
Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Playoff Push in the AFC
In a pivotal AFC matchup, the Denver Broncos (9-6, 10-5 ATS, 6-9 O/U) will travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals (7-8, 6-9 ATS, 9-6 O/U) in a Saturday afternoon showdown. Both teams are still in the hunt for a playoff spot, with Denver needing a win to secure a wildcard position, while Cincinnati’s path to the postseason is a bit more complicated. The Broncos are coming off a tough loss to the Chargers, while the Bengals are riding a three-game win streak. In their most recent encounter in December 2021, Cincinnati emerged victorious with a 15-10 road win, and Denver will look to avenge that loss as they fight for playoff positioning.
Denver Broncos: Still in the Playoff Picture Despite Setback
The Denver Broncos saw their four-game winning streak come to an end last week when they lost 34-27 to the Los Angeles Chargers in a road AFC West battle. Despite the loss, Denver still controls its playoff destiny, occupying the final wildcard spot in the AFC. With a 95% chance of making the playoffs, the Broncos need to win at least one of their final two games or hope for losses from other playoff hopefuls like Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati.
In the loss to Los Angeles, Denver held a 24-13 lead entering the third quarter but faltered, allowing 21 unanswered points. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 284 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his solid season. Denver’s offense is ranked 10th in scoring, averaging 24.2 points per game, though their passing offense has struggled, ranking 22nd in the league with just 205.5 yards per game through the air.
Despite the offensive struggles, the Broncos’ defense has been their calling card. Ranked 4th in the league, Denver allows just 18.7 points per game, and they will need another strong defensive performance to slow down Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. Courtland Sutton continues to be Wilson’s favorite target, with 928 receiving yards and six touchdowns on the year. The Broncos’ defense has been especially solid on the road, and they will need to keep that momentum going as they chase a postseason berth.
Cincinnati Bengals: A Late-Season Surge for Playoff Contention
On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals are riding high after a dominant 24-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Cincinnati has won three straight and is fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. At 7-8, they need to win out and hope for losses from several other teams to sneak into the postseason.
The Bengals’ offense continues to be potent, ranking 6th in the NFL with 28.2 points per game. Quarterback Joe Burrow, one of the league’s top quarterbacks, has thrown for 4,229 yards, 39 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions. Ja’Marr Chase, who leads the team with 1,510 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns, is a matchup nightmare for any defense. Cincinnati has relied on their aerial attack, ranking 1st in passing offense with an average of 267.3 yards per game. However, their rushing attack has been less impressive, ranking 29th in the league with just 92.7 yards per game on the ground.
Defensively, the Bengals have shown flashes of excellence but have been inconsistent. They rank 28th in scoring defense, allowing 26.2 points per game, and have struggled to stop the run. However, Cincinnati’s defense was stout against Cleveland, forcing three turnovers and holding the Browns to just 273 total yards. The Bengals’ ability to make plays on defense will be key in this matchup, as they look to keep pace with Denver’s strong defensive unit.
Conclusion
As both teams fight for their playoff lives, the intensity will be palpable in this AFC showdown. With Denver’s top-tier defense and Cincinnati’s explosive offense, this game promises to be a nail-biter. The Bengals will need a perfect game to keep their postseason hopes alive, but Denver’s defense and experience in high-pressure situations should give them the edge in this critical Week 17 matchup.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As the Broncos and Bengals battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
