Monday Night Football in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a high-stakes showdown between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals—two teams with plenty of recent history and even more to prove. Last year’s Broncos-Bengals contest was a cinematic thriller, a dramatic shootout that saw momentum swing wildly before the Bengals ultimately pulled out the win in overtime. Now, with the Broncos eyeing revenge and both squads desperate to right their respective ships, the stage is set for fireworks at Mile High.
The Broncos’ motivation couldn’t be clearer. That overtime heartbreak in 2024 still stings, and Denver’s faithful are hungry for payback. But it’s not just pride on the line—Denver needs a statement victory to reestablish themselves as contenders in the NFL. Their opponent, however, is coming off a gut-wrenching defeat of their own: the Bengals suffered the worst loss in franchise history last week, surrendering a staggering 48 points to the Minnesota Vikings. As if that wasn’t enough, Cincinnati’s offense is reeling from the absence of star quarterback Joe Burrow, whose injury has cast a shadow over the Bengals’ entire 2025 campaign.
“The Bengals’ defense just gave up 48 points,” noted one analyst, underscoring the magnitude of Cincinnati’s struggles on both sides of the ball. The pressure is mounting, and the Broncos are eager to capitalize. For Denver, this isn’t just a bounce-back opportunity—it’s a chance to unleash their full arsenal and, perhaps, exorcise some demons from last year’s epic clash.
While many eyes will be on Marvin Mims—last year’s breakout star in the Bengals-Broncos shootout—it’s rookie Troy Franklin who might just be the X-factor this time around. Franklin, a dynamic wide receiver with size (6’3”) and elite acceleration, has been quietly building momentum. In Week 2, he delivered his first true breakout performance: eight catches on nine targets for 89 yards and a touchdown, plus 11 rushing yards, marking his first 100-yard game as a pro. Even more telling, Franklin’s snap rate soared to 83%, a clear sign that Denver’s coaching staff is placing increased trust in the young playmaker.
“Week 2 showed that the ‘Quack Attack’ connection of Bo Nix and his former Oregon teammate is a duo to watch,” according to recent analysis. That chemistry between quarterback and receiver could prove pivotal against a Bengals secondary that’s been vulnerable to vertical routes all season. With Mims likely drawing extra attention from Cincinnati’s defense—thanks to his heroics in last year’s game—Franklin may find himself with plenty of room to operate, especially from the slot.
Franklin’s unique skill set makes him a matchup nightmare for the Bengals’ nickel corners. At 6’3”, he towers over defenders like Dax Hill (5’11”), and his burst off the line allows him to create separation on option routes. If Franklin can win early in his routes, Cincinnati’s safeties may be forced to adjust, potentially freeing up Courtland Sutton and other Broncos receivers on the outside. Denver’s offensive staff is expected to get creative, utilizing Franklin on jet sweeps, end-arounds, and reverses—or even as a decoy to open up lanes for others.
“His burst off the line makes him especially dangerous on option routes,” one report emphasized, highlighting the potential for Franklin to exploit Cincinnati’s defensive weaknesses. The Broncos’ game plan is clear: attack the Bengals’ secondary with deep shots and force them to account for multiple threats. If Franklin can establish himself early, Denver’s offense could be in for a big night.
But the revenge narrative doesn’t end there. Several Bengals players are also facing their former teams in Week 4, adding another layer of intrigue to an already heated matchup. Running back Samaje Perine, who spent the 2023 season with the Broncos before brief stops elsewhere, returns to Denver as Cincinnati’s change-of-pace back behind Chase Brown. While Perine’s fantasy impact is expected to be limited, the emotional stakes are high. “Perine returns to the Mile High City on Monday night as the change-of-pace guy behind Chase Brown and likely won’t provide much fantasy assistance despite the revenge narrative,” noted one preview.
Then there’s tight end Noah Fant, who was drafted by the Broncos in the first round back in 2019. Fant, now with the Bengals, leads Cincinnati’s tight end room in targets this season with 14 and boasts a 23.0% target rate per snap. However, his status for Monday night is uncertain as he remains in concussion protocol. “If he’s able to get out there, we have to assume retaliation is on the TE’s mind,” the report observed. Fant’s potential return to Denver would certainly add some spice to the proceedings, especially given his history with the franchise.
This Monday night clash is more than just another game on the schedule. It’s a collision of narratives—revenge, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of respect in a league where fortunes can shift in a heartbeat. The Broncos, still smarting from last year’s overtime defeat, are desperate to prove that they belong among the NFL’s elite. The Bengals, battered and reeling, are fighting to keep their season alive in the face of adversity.
Both teams have plenty of questions to answer. Can Denver’s offense, led by the emerging Nix-Franklin connection, exploit Cincinnati’s leaky secondary? Will the Bengals’ defense tighten up after last week’s historic collapse, or will the Broncos’ playmakers run wild under the bright lights? And what role will the revenge-minded Perine and potentially Fant play in shaping the outcome?
One thing’s for sure: the stakes couldn’t be higher, and every snap will matter. The Broncos are primed to unleash their full playbook, with Franklin positioned as their potential breakout star. The Bengals, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to avoid another humiliating defeat and salvage their 2025 season.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch in Denver and Cincinnati alike. Will the Broncos get their long-awaited revenge, or can the Bengals weather the storm and reclaim their footing? For now, the action is set to unfold live on Monday Night Football, with the outcome hanging in the balance and the drama of the NFL on full display.
Stay tuned—this one promises to be a classic, with storylines and stakes that only the NFL can deliver.
