The Denver Broncos are set to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium, marking one of the pivotal matchups of Week 17 of the NFL season. With playoff spots on the line, this game carries significant weight for both teams as they jockey for postseason positioning.
Currently, the Broncos hold a record of 9-6 and are hoping to clinch their first playoff berth since 2015. According to Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, "We're just focusing on this game and trying to win it." The team suffered a setback last week, losing 34-27 against the Los Angeles Chargers, which snapped their four-game winning streak, intensifying the urgency of their upcoming game.
On the flip side, the Bengals have not been out of contention yet, boasting a record of 7-8. They are riding high on three consecutive victories, having recently defeated the Cleveland Browns 24-6. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow commented, "The playoffs are still within reach for us, so we have to keep pushing forward," highlighting the competitive spirit his team is carrying forward.
Defensively, the Broncos are formidable, having led the league with 51 sacks this season. Players like outside linebacker Nik Bonitto, who has 11.5 sacks, and cornerback Pat Surtain II will be key to containing the Bengals' explosive offense, particularly Burrow, who currently leads the league with 4,229 passing yards and 39 touchdown passes.
The Bengals have relied heavily on their offense, ranking sixth with 28.2 points scored per game, whose success heavily relies on the synergy between Burrow and his standout receivers, namely Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. These two wideouts are significant threats, averaging over 70 receiving yards per game. Broncos' defense will need to step up, as this matchup poses one of the most challenging encounters this season.
Viewers can catch the game on the NFL Network, starting at 4:30 p.m. ET, with Kevin Harlan on play-by-play and Trent Green as the analyst. Fans hoping to follow along via streaming can access the match on platforms like Fubo, NFL+, or on YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket, making it easier than ever to tune in wherever they are.
Local fans can also catch the game on Denver7 KMGH or FOX19 for Cincinnati viewers. For those preferring audio coverage, the Bengals Radio Network will have live coverage through their flagship stations WCKY-AM and WLW700, and listeners can also tune to SiriusXM for national coverage.
Looking forward, the game could play a significant role within the playoff picture. The Broncos can secure their playoff position with either a win or even a tie. Meanwhile, the Bengals must win their final two matchups to keep their postseason hopes alive. With both teams hungry for victory, Saturday's game shapes up to be not only thrilling but also historically significant.
With extensive histories between these two teams, including their last five matchups where the Broncos have bested the Bengals three times, fans can anticipate fierce competition. The Broncos have outscored the Bengals by 100 points across those games, reflecting the competitive nature they will bring to Cincinnati this weekend.
Given the strategies employed by both teams, it will be intriguing to see if the Broncos maintain their top-ranking sacking numbers against the productive Bengals offense. If all goes according to plan, fans can expect thrilling moments, stunning plays, and maybe even record-breaking achievements as two playoff-hungry teams face off.
So grab your favorite jersey, prepare your snacks, and get ready for this exciting Saturday afternoon of football!
