The Cincinnati Bengals are set to host the Denver Broncos on December 28, 2024, at Paycor Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET. This matchup, significant for both teams, has playoff aspirations intertwined with each squad's performance. Currently, the Bengals (7-8) are fighting to keep their postseason hopes alive, needing several outcomes to swing their way. Meanwhile, the Broncos (9-6) can clinch their playoff berth with a victory, making the stakes for this game exceptionally high.
Both teams come to this pivotal showdown with different trajectories. The Bengals roll onto the field riding the momentum of three consecutive victories, highlighted by their latest 24-6 win over the Cleveland Browns. On the flip side, the Broncos are coming off a 34-27 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, which puts extra pressure on them to perform well this week. To add narrative depth, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is having one of the best seasons of his career, leading the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdowns, showcasing his incredible talent.
Upon evaluating their respective offensive and defensive alignments, the Rodgers offense, spearheaded by Burrow, faces off against one of the league's top defensive units. Burrow's arsenal includes standout wide receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and running back Chase Brown. The Broncos counter with All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, bolstered by linebacker Nik Bonitto, who has already recorded 11.5 sacks this season.
Much will depend on Burrow's ability to evade the pressure provided by Bonitto and Cooper, as well as ensuring adequate protection from his offensive line. To bolster the Bengals' chances, they will be bolstered by the return of left tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who missed most of the season due to injury. Burrow's protection will be key, particularly since he was sacked four times against the Browns last week.
While the Bengals' offense has been prolific, the Bronco's defense has also been formidable, ranking ninth in the league for touchdowns allowed and excelling with turnovers. The focus for the Broncos' defense will undoubtedly pivot to limiting Chase, who appears poised to complete the rare achievement of leading the NFL across key receiving statistics.
One significant variable will be the injury report, particularly for the Bengals. Tee Higgins is questionable after struggling with ankle and knee issues earlier this week. Notably, Higgins’ absence proved detrimental to the Bengals earlier this season, with the team producing only one win when he wasn't available. If Higgins cannot go, Burrow will need to rely on other receivers like Brown and tight end Mike Gesicki to step up.
The stakes for both teams cannot be overstated. For the Bengals, victory is imperative, coupled with the need for both the Dolphins and Colts to falter for any hope of playoff qualification. "Yes, the Bengals have a chance at making the playoffs... Cincinnati's odds at getting to the dance are extremely slim," highlighted CBS Sports, illustrating the predicament the team finds itself in. The Broncos, with their playoff berth at stake, have more leverage; they simply need to win to secure their postseason run.
Heading closer to game day, predictions and betting odds suggest the Bengals are 3.5-point favorites (-105) for this encounter. This places them as narrow front-runners, but analysts remain divided on which team has the upper hand. Many suggest if Higgins plays, the Bengals hold the most significant advantage; Burrow has demonstrated elite capabilities this season, building up his record of throwing for 250+ yards and three touchdowns across seven consecutive games—a feat never achieved before.
To round out the details, the matchup will be broadcasted on NFL Network, and local coverage will be provided by Fox19. For those without cable, various streaming options are available, including YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu, allowing fans to catch all the action live.
The historic rivalry between these two teams adds another layer of excitement, with the Broncos leading the all-time series 22-11. Bengals fans hope to shift the momentum, especially considering the team's recent form against weaker rivals. The coming game could not only impact playoff standings but also provide foundational moments for the two franchises moving forward.
With so much on the line, both the Bengals and Broncos will give their all at Paycor Stadium as they vie for supremacy and the road to the playoffs. One thing is sure: Saturday’s game will be anything but uneventful.
