The Mile High Report staff give their score predictions for the Week 17 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Benglas.
The Denver Broncos have a two game lead over the Cincinnati Bengals and all other AFC playoff hopefuls with two games to go. However, if they drop this game then it makes their Week 18 matchup a win-or-go home proposition. Not an ideal outcome for a team that needed to win just one game in their final three to get in. A win here on the road would certainly help with overall confidence heading into the playoffs where they’d be on the road anyway.
Game Overview
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals
Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 2:30 P.M. Mile High time
Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
ATS Betting Lines: Cincinnati -3
Moneyline Odds: Denver +154 / Cincinnati -184
Over/Under: 49.5
Note: All odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.
Collectively, our Mile High Report staff is predicting a Broncos 24-23 road win over the Bengals in Week 17. Not all of us are predicting a win, however, so here is where we each landed individually:
Bengals 27, Broncos 19
I am not feeling bullish on the Denver Broncos right now. They have been winning games in fluky ways — needing defensive touchdowns and such — then completely went away from what was working to throw away their last game. In short, I’m not feeling very trusting of Sean Payton’s ability to coach in big games. No game is bigger for the Bengals right now, so we should expect to get their very best. Instead, we’ll have to hope the Kansas City Chiefs play their backups and Denver sneaks in on the final week of the regular season. – Tim Lynch
Bengals 23, Broncos 17
Well, let me be the first to bah humbug this post Christmas party. The Broncos had the playoffs in their hands (still do, I suppose), and they couldn’t finish. Now they have to play a Bengals team with nothing more than a chance to put a late lump of coal in their opponent’s orange and blue stocking. The defense has been a bit of a sieve recently. The Cincinnati offense is explosive, and scary. There is a feeling of dread creeping in, so I’m aware that my fear is a self manifestation of all the horrible things that have transpired since Super Bowl 50. Still, Denver might be falling into “major collapse” territory. The weather might be the saving grace, but even then, can we trust Sean Payton to run the football with the right RB? I’m not sure I’m there. – Adam Malnati
Broncos 26, Bengals 23
The Broncos defense can do enough to slow Burrow & Co and at least hold them to field goals. The Broncos running game finds success with a 1-2 punch of Estime and McLaughlin. And I continue to Bo-lieve this team has what it takes to end the postseason drought. Lutz avenges the blocked kick from KC and hits a FG as time expires to send Bengals fans disappointed into the Cincinnati night. – Jonathan Rice
Broncos 27, Bengals 26
It’ll be nearly a Christmas miracle that the Broncos knock off the Bengals at this point. That is if they didn’t have Riley Moss returning from injury this week. Him back means more man coverage, more blitzes, and less time for Joe Burrow to pick them apart.
All the Broncos need to do to capitalize off of this defensive boost is stick to the dang run game. Feed Audric Estime early and often and they’ll be able to extend drives and dominate time of possession, which I think they’ll do. They offense will likely have to get close to 30 points if they want to win though. – Ross Allen
Broncos 27, Bengals 24
It’s the biggest game of the year for the Broncos and I expect Sean Payton and Vance Joseph to be on the ball and call a great game on both sides of the ball. Beating the Bengals on the road won’t be easy, but if the Broncos can find some consistency on offense and make key stops on defense, they should find a way to win. I’m predicting one last gift for Broncos Country before the New Year! – Chris Hart
Broncos 27, Bengals 24
The Broncos know what’s at stake. Win and they’re in the AFC Playoffs. Denver will also use the collapse against the Chargers as even more motivation to get this wrapped up on Saturday. The return of Riley Moss provides another spark on defense, and the Broncos do their job and get the huge road victory. – Ian St. Clair
Broncos 28, Bengals 17
The Broncos have been playing great ball recently. Without Riley Moss the Broncos might struggle to cover the Bengals dynamic duo, but with him, this is a defense almost tailor-made to counteract what Cincinnati tries to do. – John Holmes