For the record: Bengals (1-0) are tied for first in AFC North. Broncos (0-1) are tied for last in AFC West.
Last game: Cincinnati won its season opener 27-17 at Cleveland.
Who’s hot: Nothing helps a rookie quarterback, in this case Andy Dalton, more than a strong running game. Cedric Benson provided that in Week 1, rushing 25 times for 121 yards and one touchdown.
Who’s not: Dalton, who led TCU to a Rose Bowl victory and 13-0 record last season, and backup Bruce Gradkowski were more efficient than dazzling in the Bengals’ season opener against the Browns.
Key stat: The Bengals’ offensive line allowed four sacks in the opener. Their defense made two sacks.
FYI: Dalton injured his forearm near the end of the first half. According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, he likely will play against the Broncos.
Coachspeak: “We need to get off to a good start. We’ve got one step in that direction, because then the schedule swings back our way. We play some games at home at the end of the season. To get another win on the road this weekend, (against) another AFC team, would be huge.” — Bengals coach Marvin Lewis
Lindsay H. Jones, The Denver Post
