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A pair of AFC teams is set to clash in a key matchup as they vie for playoff positions this Saturday afternoon in Ohio. The Denver Broncos travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals. Denver arrives after a narrow 34-27 loss to the Chargers last Thursday, unable to cover the spread as a 2.5-point underdog. Meanwhile, Cincinnati secured a strong 24-6 victory against Cleveland, comfortably covering the line as a 10-point favorite. Historically, the Broncos lead the regular season series 22-11, but the Bengals took the most recent encounter with a 15-10 win on December 19, 2021.
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Who will emerge victorious in this contest? Explore our in-depth analysis of the Broncos vs. Bengals matchup!
Broncos Aim to Clinch Playoff Berth
The Broncos experienced a setback last week, ending their four-game winning streak with a loss to the Chargers. Currently holding a 9-6 record, they are tied for second in the AFC West, though the Chargers possess the tiebreaker due to their head-to-head victories. Denver sits in the final wild card position for the AFC playoffs, needing to win one of their last two games or rely on losses from Indianapolis, Miami, and Cincinnati. In their last game, the Broncos were tied at the end of the first quarter, held a 21-13 lead at halftime, and a 24-13 advantage in the third quarter, only to be overtaken by 21 unanswered points from Los Angeles. They managed to reduce the deficit to seven points with less than a minute left but were unable to regain possession. In total offense, Denver was slightly outgained 380-355 and conceded 23 first downs while recording 22 of their own. They also made history with the first successful free kick in the NFL since 1976.
On offense, the Broncos rank 22nd in passing with an average of 205.5 yards per game and 18th in rushing, accumulating 108.5 yards per contest. They are 10th in scoring offense, averaging 24.2 points per game, while their defense is impressive, ranking 4th by allowing just 18.7 points per game. Quarterback Bo Nix has completed 326 of 507 passes for 3,235 yards, contributing 22 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He has also rushed for 352 yards and four touchdowns. The running back committee includes Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Audric Estime, while Courtland Sutton leads the receivers with 71 catches for 928 yards and six touchdowns. Kicker Wil Lutz has successfully converted 38 extra points and 29 field goals this season.
The injury report for the Broncos shows no significant issues as of Thursday afternoon. McLaughlin (quad) was the only player to have limited participation earlier in the week but has since returned to full practice.
Bengals Fight to Stay in Playoff Contention
Cincinnati enters this matchup riding a three-game winning streak after a decisive victory over the Browns. With a 7-8 record, they sit third in the AFC North and currently rank 10th in the playoff standings. To keep their postseason hopes alive, the Bengals must win their remaining games and rely on Denver losing their last two alongside losses from Miami and Indianapolis. In their last outing against Cleveland, Cincinnati started strong, leading 7-0 after the first quarter and extending that to 17-0 by halftime, ultimately winning with a 326-273 edge in total offense. They recorded 21 first downs while allowing only 18 and forced three turnovers.
On offense, the Bengals lead the league in passing with an impressive average of 267.3 yards per game but struggle in rushing, ranking 29th with just 92.7 yards per game. They are 6th in scoring offense, averaging 28.2 points, while their defense ranks 28th, allowing 26.2 points per game. Star quarterback Joe Burrow has completed 384 of 557 attempts for 4,229 yards, tossing 39 touchdowns against only eight interceptions, while also rushing for 177 yards and a touchdown. The team’s running back, Chase Brown, leads with 209 carries for 923 yards and seven touchdowns. In the receiving corps, Ja’Marr Chase stands out with 108 receptions for 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns, while Tee Higgins adds another 727 yards and seven scores. Kicker Evan McPherson has maintained a strong record, hitting 37 of 38 extra points and 16 of 22 field goals.
Cincinnati is dealing with several injuries leading up to the game. Defensive end Sam Hubbard (knee), defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness), and tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) missed practice earlier in the week. Burrow (wrist/knee) and Higgins (ankle/knee) were limited participants, along with other players. Updates on their conditions will be available as game time approaches.
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