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Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals: Week 17 Matchup Analysis

The NFL playoff race heats up as the Denver Broncos face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, December 28th, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. This Week 17 showdown brings critical implications for both teams. Let’s dive into the key stats, betting trends, and predictions for this game.

Denver Broncos Betting Preview

The Denver Broncos enter Week 17 with a 9-6 record, fresh off a heartbreaking 34-27 loss to the Chargers. Despite leading 24-13 in the third quarter, Denver allowed 21 unanswered points, highlighting late-game defensive struggles. Key performance stats from the game included:

• Offense: 355 total yards with a balanced attack of 263 passing yards and 48 rushing yards.

• Third-Down Efficiency: Converted 5 of 13 attempts.

• Turnovers: Won the turnover battle 1-0.

Offensive Highlights

Bo Nix continues to be the cornerstone of Denver’s offense, completing 64.3% of his passes for 3,235 yards, 22 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions this season. Courtland Sutton has been a reliable target, amassing 928 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 71 catches.

Defensive Performance

The Broncos boast a solid defensive unit, allowing an average of 18.7 points per game. However, their recent performance against the Chargers exposed vulnerabilities, particularly in stopping high-powered offenses.

Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview

The Bengals improved to 7-8 after a dominant 24-6 victory over the Browns. Cincinnati’s defense stepped up, forcing three turnovers, while their offense capitalized with efficient drives. Key stats from the game included:

• Offense: 326 total yards, including 252 passing yards and 91 rushing yards.

• Third-Down Efficiency: Converted 4 of 11 attempts.

• Turnovers: Won the turnover battle 3-1.

Offensive Highlights

Joe Burrow continues to shine, completing 68.9% of his passes for 4,229 yards, 39 touchdowns, and only eight interceptions this season. His connection with Ja’Marr Chase has been electric, as Chase leads the NFL with 1,510 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.

Defensive Performance

While the Bengals’ offense excels, their defense has struggled, allowing 26.2 points per game. Despite recent improvements, consistency remains an issue, particularly against teams with strong passing games.

Key Matchup Insights

Why the Broncos Could Triumph

• Historical Edge: Denver has won seven of their last eight games against the Bengals following a loss.

• Spread Success: The Broncos have covered the spread in each of their last five games as road underdogs following a road loss.

• First-Half Dominance: Denver has led at halftime in nine of their last 10 games following a loss.

Why the Bengals Hold the Advantage

• Home Field Boost: Cincinnati has one of the league’s best home-field advantages, with Joe Burrow thriving at Paycor Stadium.

• Elite Passing Attack: Burrow’s precision and Chase’s playmaking abilities could exploit Denver’s secondary.

• Red Zone Efficiency: The Bengals rank 3rd in the NFL in red zone touchdown percentage (68.0%).

Total Points Trends

• The Broncos’ last four games have gone OVER the total points line.

• Five of the Bengals’ last six games against AFC opponents have also gone OVER the total points line.

Key Player Props and Predictions

Denver Broncos Player Prop Highlights

• Bo Nix: Over 223 passing yards (achieved in three consecutive games against AFC North opponents).

• Courtland Sutton: Anytime touchdown scorer (four touchdowns in his last five road games).

• Javonte Williams: Over 65 combined rushing and receiving yards (consistent production against AFC North).

Cincinnati Bengals Player Prop Highlights

• Joe Burrow: Over 281 passing yards (achieved in six straight home games with total points lines above 50).

• Ja’Marr Chase: Over 100 receiving yards (league leader in receiving yards this season).

• Chase Brown: Over 90 combined rushing and receiving yards (instrumental in recent wins).

Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals Prediction

This matchup features two teams fighting for playoff contention. Cincinnati’s high-powered offense, led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, poses a significant challenge for Denver’s defense. However, the Broncos’ ability to cover spreads as underdogs and their recent strong form cannot be overlooked.

Prediction: Broncos +6 – While Cincinnati’s offense may secure the win, expect Denver to keep the game within a touchdown.

Insights

What makes Joe Burrow a standout quarterback? 

Joe Burrow’s ability to read defenses, his precise accuracy (68.9% completion rate), and his knack for elevating teammates like Ja’Marr Chase make him one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.

Can the Broncos rely on their defense against the Bengals? 

While Denver’s defense has been reliable this season, allowing only 18.7 points per game, stopping Cincinnati’s top-tier passing attack will be a significant challenge.

How does the Broncos’ offense match up against the Bengals’ defense? 

Denver’s balanced attack (205.5 passing yards and 108.5 rushing yards per game) could exploit Cincinnati’s inconsistent defense, particularly if Bo Nix and Courtland Sutton are in sync.

This game is poised to be one of Week 17’s most thrilling matchups. Stay tuned for updates and enjoy the action-packed contest between the Broncos and Bengals!