The Cincinnati Bengals are hosting the Denver Broncos in this week’s matchup. The Bengals are coming off a win that kept their season alive over the Cleveland Browns 24-6. Conversely, the Broncos are coming off a tough loss on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27. The winner of this game mightily increase their chances of making the postseason. Will the Bengals keep their season alive with a win at home or will the Broncos put the nail in the coffin of a heartbreaking season for Cincinnati? Let’s dive head-first into this game and cook up a winning slip!
Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
| Denver Broncos | +3 (-104) | Over 49.5 (-102) | +144 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | -3 (-118) | Under 49.5 (-108) | -172 |
| **Odds Subject to Change** | |||
D3enver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals Match Details
- Fixture: Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Date and Time: December 28th, 2024 @ 4:30 PM EST
Key Stats
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are coming off a tough loss to swallow last week against the Los Angeles Chargers 34-27. Bo Nix was good despite the loss. Nix completed 29 of 40 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Marvin Mims Jr. led the team with 62 receiving yards on three catches.
Courtland Sutton had a solid performance with 5 catches for 50 receiving yards. Audric Estime had a decent game with 9 carries for 48 yards and a rushing touchdown. This team had a double-digit lead in the 3rd quarter but couldn’t close the deal. This is a massive game that will impave their postseason chances.
This Broncos defense has been one of the best defenses all season long. They are ranked 4th in points allowed per game, 19th in passing yards allowed per game, 5th in rushing yards allowed per game, 1st in offensive touchdowns allowed, 1st in sacks, and 6th in takeaways per game. In general, this is one of the healthier teams in the NFC. Jaleel McLaughlin is the key player who is listed as questionable for this game. This has been one of the surprise teams in the NFL. Sean Payton has done a sensational job with rookie QB Bo Nix this season and a win this week would all but lock up a playoff spot.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a big win last week to keep their season alive against the Cleveland Browns 24-6. Joe Burrow continued his excellent play by completing 23 of 30 passes for 252 yards and 3 touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase was excellent with 6 catches for 97 yards, including the 32-yard touchdown to seal the win.
Chase Brown has continued his great second season, recording 109 yards from scrimmage, 91 rushing on 18 carries, and 3 catches for 18 yards. Tee Higgins was awesome as well with 8 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. If Cincy wants to make the playoffs, they must win this game to keep their season alive.
The Bengals’ defense has been subpar all season. They are ranked 28th in points allowed per game, 26th in passing yards per game, 21st in rushing yards allowed per game, 30th in offensive touchdowns allowed, 27th in sacks, and 8th in takeaways per game. In terms of injuries, Cincy has a few.
Sam Hubbard, Tee Higgins, Orlando Brown Jr., Amarius Mims, and Tanner Hudson are listed as questionable for this game. With both tackles listed as questionable, that could be a big problem against a team that leads the NFL in sacks. This should be an exciting game between two teams fighting for a postseason spot.
Prediction
The Denver Broncos are going to pull off the upset in this game against the Cincinnati Bengals. I know that Burrow and the Cincy offense has been on fire, but they have a tough matchup this week. As mentioned earlier, they are going against one of the best defenses all year who are first in offensive touchdowns allowed and sacks. If you take these two teams’ strength vs strength, Denvers’ defense vs Cincy’s offense, and consider it a wash, I am taking the Broncos’ offense over the Bengals’ defense all day. Denver ends the Bengals’ dreadful season and essentially punches their ticket to the postseason.
