Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Bengals in Cincinnati.
Live updates
FINAL — OT | Bengals 30, Broncos 24
Instead of victory and a postseason berth, however, the path Sean Payton chose eventually led Denver to a second straight week of heartbreak.
The Broncos’ fate remains unsettled after a 30-24 overtime loss to the Bengals that pushed what once looked like a glide path to the playoffs to the uncomfortably steep terrain of Week 18. Read Parker Gabriel’s full analysis.
MORE BRONCOS COVERAGE
- Renck: And then there was one. Broncos must beat Chiefs to reach playoffs.
- Broncos rookie watch: Bo Nix’s resilience, and some baffling choices, on display in Cincinnati.
- Four Downs: Bo Nix, Marvin Mims Jr. conjure fourth-quarter magic, but squander chance to clinch playoffs in overtime.
Broncos Mailbag
Overtime updates
Touchdown, Bengals (6:01 p.m.): Burrow to Higgins. Touchdown. Game over. Broncos lose a game where they had so, so, so many chances to win. Three shots at the playoffs is now down to one with the Chiefs coming to town next week.
A brutal loss for Denver, which must collect itself and take down a Kansas City team that will presumably be playing its backups. — Schubert
Huge gain (5:59 p.m.): Tee Higgins with an INCREDIBLE catch along the sideline. If this stands, there’s no way the Bengals can screw this up. Right? Right?!?! — Schubert
Two-minute drill (5:57 p.m.): We’ve hit the two minute warning of overtime. Bengals ball, first down near midfield. — Schubert
No good (5:54 p.m.): Instead of killing more time, Denver throws an incompletion and then punts with 2:29 to go. Bengals get the ball back with 2:20 to go with no timeouts. — Nguyen
Can’t convert. Cincy gets yet another chance to win this game. — Schubert
Third down (5:54 p.m.): Convert a third down here and the Broncos can salt away a TIE TO CLINCH THE PLAYOFFS?!?!?! — Schubert
Missed field goal (5:51 p.m.): Cade York misses the 33-yard field goal. Denver ball with 2:43 remaining. — Nguyen
Welcome to the wackiest Broncos game in recent memory. And, remember, we had Broncos-Browns a few weeks ago. — Schubert
One day, some day (5:44 p.m.): Bo Nix just misses Troy Franklin in a deep pass again. A running theme this season. Broncos three-and-out. — Nguyen
Sacked again (5:41 p.m.): Zach Allen sacks Joe Burrow. Again. Seven sacks for the Broncos today. — Nguyen
Sacked (5:40 p.m.): Zach Allen sacks Joe Burrow. Again. Six sacks for the Broncos today. — Nguyen
End result (5:37 p.m.): The Broncos can tie this game and get in the playoffs. The Bengals cannot. Wonder if that set of circumstances produces some fun. — Schubert
Coin toss (5:35 p.m.): Bengals win the toss and elect to receive. — Nguyen
Cincy ball to start overtime. The Broncos defense needs another stop. — Schubert
Fourth-quarter updates
Major malfunction (5:35 p.m.): This would be an all-time Bungling for the Cincinnati Bengals. Blew it on both ends of the field. — Schubert
Touchdown, Broncos (5:29 p.m.); BO NIX WITH THE STRIKE! MARVIN MIMS GOES UP AND GETS IT IN DOUBLE COVERAGE!!!!
We’re going OT, folks. Unbelievable finish. — Schubert
TOUCHDOWN MARVIN MIMS JR. WOW.
📺: on NFL Network
📱: Stream on— NFL (@NFL)
Nix connects with Marvin Mims Jr. for a 25-yard touchdown on fourth-and-1. What. A. Catch. Broncos 24, Bengals 24 with eight seconds in regulation. — Nguyen
Fourth down (5:28 p.m.): Fourth-and-1 with 14 seconds left and the Broncos have to use their last timeout.
Ball at the 25. — Schubert
Just missed (5:27 p.m.): Nix had the slightest of openings for a sideline throw to Sutton, but just barely misses. — Schubert
I didn’t hear no bell (5:26 p.m.): Broncos in Cincy territory after Bo Nix fires a dart to Courtland Sutton. This game ain’t over, folks. — Schubert
Touchdown, Bengals (5:21 p.m.): Joe Burrow with the 1-yard touchdown to cap off a six-play, 59-yard drive. Bengals 24, Broncos 17 with 1:29 to go. — Nguyen
Oddly, Joe Burrow then QB sneaks it in anyway. So Chase Brown slid for no reason? It’s a seven-point game, and that’s probably the best thing that could have happened for the Broncos.
It’s 24-17 with 1:29 left in the game. One timeout left for the Broncos. This actually isn’t that bad of a spot all things considered. — Schubert
Injury (5:20 p.m.): The Broncos very clearly tried to let Chase Brown score a touchdown. But Brown slides awkwardly at the goal line. Ball at the 1. — Schubert
First down (5:18 p.m.): Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase for another first down, and now the Bengals can bleed the clock. First-and-goal at the Denver 9-yard line. — Schubert
Blown-up play (5:15 p.m.): It appears there will be a lot of chatter about that screen play on second down. Safe to say that really put the Broncos in a hole. — Schubert
Picked off (5:11 p.m.): And Bo Nix throws an interception. — Nguyen
Bo Nix with his first rookie moment of the game, and it comes at the worst possible time.
The Bengals will get the ball near midfield. And you just cannot give Joe Burrow two bites at the apple like this.
Nix appeared to be under pressure there too. Might’ve had his arm hit on the follow through. — Schubert
Just an absolutely brutal mistake from Nix there. Never accounted for Pratt bailing back and threw the ball right to him.
Was going to be tight coverage anyway even without Pratt underneath the throw. — Gabriel
Big play here (5:11 p.m.): Third-and-15 with 2:51 to go. Ball on the Broncos 46. Can Denver at least make going for it on fourth down an option? — Schubert
Blown up (5:10 p.m.): Screen pass gets blown up on second down. Going to be third-and-long near midfield. MASSIVE play here. — Schubert
Bo knows spatial awareness (5:08 p.m.): A scramble and a lunge by Bo Nix gets the first down. — Nguyen
Bo Nix is Houdini. Stretches the ball out over the marker for a first down on third-and-4. One more first down and the Broncos might be able to shut the door. — Schubert
Time is now (5:07 p.m.): No doubt the Broncos would’ve taken this set of circumstances at the start of the game: Denver ball at its own 40 yard line. Tie ball game. Playoff spot there for the taking. — Schubert
Turnover (5:06 p.m.): And it’s a turnover! Massive play by Surtain. The Broncos can take control of this game right now. — Schubert
This is a Pat Surtain II tour de force. — Gabriel
Challenge (5:04 p.m.): Pat Surtain with a heck of a play on third down to break up a pass to Tee Higgins. Sean Payton is gonna challenge this for a fumble.
This is going to be very borderline. — Schubert
Magic (5:01 p.m.): Joe Burrow continues to be a magician on third down. The Bengals are moving again. Great throw on the run. — Schubert
Sacked (4:59 p.m.): Another sack for Zach Allen. — Nguyen
Air ball (4:58 p.m.): TV just says that pass had 67 air yards — longest this season in the NFL. — Schubert
Touchdown, Broncos (4:54 p.m.): Marvin Mims Jr.: Fast.
Bo Nix finds Marvin Mims Jr. for a 51-yard touchdown strike. Five plays for 75 yards on the drive. Broncos 17, Bengals 17 with 8:48 left in the fourth quarter. — Nguyen
There was the big strike I was talking about in my column earlier the week and in the pod. Broncos’ Bo Nix meeting the moment in the second half. Finally going vertical. Mims Jr hauls in 51-yard pass for score. 17-all with 8:48 left in the game.
Nix is 15-for-18 for 155 yards. Did they wait too long to get aggressive with vertical passing game? Everything is still in front of them tonight. Need a turnover. Or a special teams espresso. — Renck
Bo Nix with maybe his best moonball pass of the season. — Schubert
McLaughlin hour (4:52 p.m.): Time for a heavy dose of Jaleel McLaughlin. — Schubert
Touchdown, Bengals (4:47 p.m.): Burrow drops it in the bucket for Tee Higgins in the back of the end zone over Riley Moss.
Moss thought Higgins pushed off. Bengals have the lead back. — Gabriel
This is what being the cornerback opposite Pat Surtain II means. You’re going to have to work. A ton. For Riley Moss, it’s been hit or miss all day in his first game back from injury. Right there, hard to fault him for much. Just a great throw and great catch. — Schubert
Tell me again why Tee Higgins wouldn’t look great in a Broncos uniform next season? He makes terrific 12-yard TD catch, waiting until the last minute to create space on Riley Moss who did not get his head turned around. Bengals lead 17-10 with 11:33 left in game. — Renck
Future Bronco* Tee Higgins with two TDs now.
*Ya know, maybe. — Gabriel
Defensive stand (4:47 p.m.): Bengals inside the Broncos’ 25 for the fifth consecutive drive to start this game. And somehow they still only have 10 points. Voodoo magic from Vance Joseph right now. — Schubert
Cooper down (4:46 p.m.): OLB Jonathon Cooper went down briefly but is walking off on his own. — Gabriel
Fourth-down conversion (4:45 p.m.): Joe Burrow is so dang good. — Gabriel
Rather than take the points, the Bengals gamble again on fourth down …
And convert with a crossing route to Chase Brown. — Schubert
Sacked (4:43 p.m.): Dondrea Tillman with the sack on Joe Burrow for a 6-yard loss. — Nguyen
Make that four sacks for the Broncos. Now, can they get off the field on third-and-long? — Schubert
Third-quarter analysis — Broncos 10, Bengals 10
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Clinching a playoff spot against Joe Burrow on his home turf is proving to be quite a challenge.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: The Broncos are going to need more red zone magic to pull this one out. Advice to Sean Payton: Feed Jaleel McLaughlin.
Third-quarter updates
Third-down conversion (4:39 p.m.): Joe Burrow completes a third-and-13 with his legs on a 19-yard scramble. — Nguyen
The one thing I didn’t have on my Joe Burrow bingo card: A long run on third-and-long to convert a third down. Rough sequence. — Schubert
No touchdown (4:38 p.m.): An illegal shift penalty kills a 50-yard touchdown for the Bengals. — Nguyen
Big play by Sean Payton to basically convince and show ref that Mike Gesicki committed penalty on the TD. — Renck
Sacked (4:36 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper and Zach Allen sack Joe Burrow for a 7-yard loss. It’s Denver’s third sack of the game. — Nguyen
That’s three sacks for the Broncos today, and two for Jonathon Cooper. Couldn’t have come at a much better time with Cincy near midfield. — Schubert
Touchdown, Broncos (4:30 p.m.): Fade works this time. Nix to Sutton and the Broncos cash in a powerful drive. — Gabriel
Twelve plays for 70 yards on that drive capped off by a Bo Nix to Courtland Sutton touchdown. Broncos 10, Bengals 10 with 3:10 to go in the third quarter. — Nguyen
Broncos offense awakes from hibernation. Impressive 70-yard drive with a heavy dose of runs. Then Nix with nifty high-point pass to Sutton for 6-yard TD, his seventh of season. Denver 10, Bengals 10. That finally looked like team that wanted to clinch playoff berth tonight. — Renck
We got a ballgame in Cincy. Impressive, show-the-heck-up drive from the Broncos offensive line and Jaleel McLaughlin. Ends in a touchdown pass, but that was all run game. — Schubert
That’s a 12-play, 70-yard TD drive over 5:57 for the Broncos.
Denver ran it 8 times for 47. Bo Nix 3/4 for 23 and the TD. — Gabriel
Running strong (4:29 p.m.): Feels like good things happen when Jaleel McLaughlin runs the ball.
Two straight runs go for 10-plus yards and now the Broncos are in business inside the Cincy 9. — Schubert
Incompletion (4:28 p.m.): That may have been an RPO, but a first-down incompletion the way this drive has been going is just a bad deal for the Broncos. — Gabriel
Lucky bounce (4:27 p.m.): Fumble luck for Marvin Mims Jr. That could’ve been a disaster. — Schubert
Run game (4:25 p.m.): Broncos only had three first downs since their opening drive but two big ones on the ground to move into Cincy territory on this one so far. — Gabriel
Field goal, Bengals (4:19 p.m.): Cade York with the 22-yard field goal. Denver’s goal-line defense stands tall. Eleven plays for 69 yards on that drive. Bengals 10, Broncos 3 with 5:53 to go in the third quarter. — Nguyen
The Broncos’ goal line defense is the only reason they are in this game right now. Somehow, they survive two flags and force a field goal. If Denver’s offense gets its act together, we’re about to have a ballgame. — Schubert
And again (4:16 p.m.): Penalties continue to haunt Broncos. They have become — or is remained? — too undisciplined to be a playoff team. Have to play with aggression and within the rules. — Renck
Back to back sacks taken away by flags. — Schubert
Sacked? (4:15 p.m.): Zach the Sack Allen got to Burrow. But their was illegal contact penalty on McMillian. Just horrible time for penalty. Shades of Strnad penalty vs. Herbert last week to extend red zone drive. — Renck
All-out attack (4:13 p.m.): The Bengals have so many weapons, and Burrow is using all of them right now. — Schubert
Exactly right, Matt. Surtain’s largely kept Chase in check — and he dropped the TD in the first half working against Moss — but Chase Brown, Mike Gesicki, Andrei Iosivas and Tee Higgins have each made plays in the passing game, too. — Gabriel
Completion (4:09 p.m.): Call stands. Incredible catch and the Bengals are in business at the Denver 25-yard line. — Gabriel
Welp, I stand corrected. — Schubert
Challenge (4:08 p.m.): Payton wisely challenging the catch. Bengals score a TD here, hard to see #Broncos rallying for a victory with way offense if playing. — Renck
A bizarre completion call there. This will be overturned. — Schubert
Back at it (4:06 p.m.): Right back to going after Riley Moss to start off the third quarter. — Schubert
Halftime analysis — Bengals 7, Broncos 3
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Halftime musing: If the Broncos want to know their playoff fate between Week 18, the defense’s opening drive to start the third quarter is the biggest one of the season so far.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s offense is playing like they don’t want to be in the playoffs.
Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos trail 7-3 at half. Fortunate to be close. Defense held on two fourth downs. But then ran out of gas. Broncos last two possessions of half were abysmal, a three-and-out and a missed opportunity in two-minute drill with back-to-back sacks. Denver offense has to be much, much better to pull off the upset.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: It might sound weird, but considering how that first half went, the Broncos are in a decent spot trailing 7-3 at halftime. Clearly, the Broncos offense needs to wake up or this game will be over by the fourth quarter.
Second-quarter updates
Sacked (3:50 p.m.): Bo Nix sacks the first 15 games: 22
Bo Nix sacks the past two plays: 2
— Gabriel
And that’s the last thing you want to do there.
That said, weird timeout by the Bengals. — Schubert
Big play, bad play (3:48 p.m.): Heady stuff from Bo Nix there to press the line of scrimmage and influence the LB to free up Vele.
Of course, then Nix gets sacked on first down immediately after and Denver has to burn its final timeout. — Gabriel
Three points feels awfully critical here for the Broncos. Need to find a way to give Wil Lutz a shot. — Schubert
Two-minute drill (3:46 p.m.): This is Sean Payton, so of course the Broncos are going to be aggressive here. — Schubert
Touchdown, Bengals (3:42 p.m.): Joe Burrow finds Tee Higgins for a 2-yard touchdown. Seven plays for 62 yards on the drive. Bengals 7, Broncos 3 with 1:49 to go in the second quarter. — Nguyen
Burrow completes a 2-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins. Bengals lead 7-3 with 1:49 to go in the quarter. — McFadden
The Broncos kept giving the Bengals chances, and now they’ve finally broken through. Touchdown to Higgins and we’re about to have a very interesting Broncos drive. — Schubert
Driving (3:38 p.m.): Nothing Pat Surtain II can do on that 15-yard throw from Burrow to Chase. And now the Bengals are inside the 10, first and goal as the two-minute warning hits. — Schubert
Obviously a lot of ballgame left, but given the fact that Cincy starts the second half with the ball, this would be an awfully good time for the Broncos to get back into some semblance of rhythm. — Gabriel
Broncos’ three-and-out after Bengals’ 17-play drive caught up to Denver’s D. Bengals drive 62 yards in seven plays with five first downs. Denver ran out of gas. Bengals lead 7-3 with 1:49 left in first half after Tee Higgins TD. — Renck
Cincinnati threatening (3:37 p.m.): And now the Bengals are inside the Broncos’ 30 for the third time this game. — Schubert
Moss update (3:36 p.m.): Riley Moss not in there on this drive. He’s standing on the sideline with his helmet in his hands. Denver back to going with Mathis in base and Abrams-Draine in nickel this drive. — Gabriel
All in a day’s work (3:32 p.m.): Broncos defense has done the job so far but has been on the field for 14:36 already. Now right back out there after the offense goes three-and-out.
Big sequence here, with Cincy in good field position and 4:55 to go in the first half. Bengals start the second half with the ball, too. — Gabriel
Three-and-out (3:31 p.m.): Three-and-out for Denver, but the Broncos do well to at least get out from the shadow of their own goal line. — Schubert
Lucky (3:30 p.m.): Adding to the Broncos’ luck … Bo Nix very fortunate his second-down pass didn’t get picked. — Schubert
Stopped (3:26 p.m.): Jonathon Cooper sacks Joe Burrow on fourth-and-goal. Denver ball at their own 5. — Nguyen
BRONCOS STOP!
Jonathon Cooper with the sack on fourth down. Tremendous work on the goal line.
All that said … Ja’Marr Chase gave the Broncos defense a mulligan on third-and-goal. Denver incredibly fortunate to be winning this game right now. — Schubert
For second time, Broncos defense stiffens on fourth down. Cooper with the hustle sack on a scrambling Burrow. #Bengals had the ball for 17 plays on that drive and come up empty. Otherwise known as the Shurmur Special. — Renck
Cincinnati’s two drives:
- 11 plays, 48 yards, 3 first downs, 5:22: No points.
- 17 plays, 68 yards, 6 first downs, 9:14: No points.
— Gabriel
Dropped (3:25 p.m.): Broncos dodge a bullet. Ja’Marr Chase just dropped it. A sure-fire touchdown 99% of the time. — Schubert
Run stoppers (3:25 p.m.): The Broncos’ defense has been fantastic early on against the jumbo runs. D.J. Jones with the stop on second down. — Schubert
Targeted (3:23 p.m.): Riley Moss again targeted. And again it’s trouble. This time a PI call at the goal line.
The game plan is becoming abundantly clear for the Bengals. — Schubert
Back to work (3:18 p.m.): Riley Moss has seven tackles (six solo) so far this game. — Nguyen
So far today, apB Riley Moss has been targeted four times, allowing four catches for 34 yards on 15 coverage snaps, per Next Gen Stats. — McFadden
Halfway through the second quarter and Riley Moss already has seven tackles today. — Gabriel
First-hand look (3:17 p.m.): Corner blitz fails to get to Burrow in time as he converts third down to Tee Higgins. Will Broncos pursue Higgins as a free agent in offseason? The Broncos must get more weapons, though I suspect they will target a TE in the draft. — Renck
In the zone (3:16 p.m.): Riley Moss’ impact on this defense really is pretty remarkable. Vance Joseph is so comfortable playing up and in your face when both Moss and Pat Surtain II are out there. — Gabriel
Riley Moss getting A LOT of work early on. — Schubert
Sacked (3:12 p.m.): How do you do? Zach Allen with monster sack on Burrow. — Renck
Moss update (3:11 p.m.): Riley Moss looked like he might’ve been a little banged up on that last tackle. Took a knee to the helmet. — Schubert
First-quarter analysis — Broncos 3, Bengals 0
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Surtain v. Chase is as advertised. And the Broncos defense is off to a good start after a rough month without Riley Moss.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Denver’s defense looks much different with Riley Moss on the field. The question is how long will they be able to contain Joe Burrow and Cincy’s offense.
Troy Renck, sports columnist: Broncos’ Sean Payton cannot help himself. He loves to pass. And the Broncos are going to have work the ball downfield more to win this game. On positive side, Surtain is neutralizing Chase.
Matt Schubert, sports editor: Bo Nix and the Broncos offense are going to have to do better than a field goal per quarter pace to beat these Bengals. Kudos to the Denver defense, but it’s only a matter of time before Joe Burrow gets rolling.
First-quarter updates
Can’t capitalize (3:05 p.m.): One first down and then nothing doing for the Broncos after a false start. This is a game where the margin of error is not big enough for shenanigans like that. — Schubert
Injury (2:57 p.m.): Damarri Mathis is questionable to return with a hamstring injury. — McFadden
Fourth down (2:56 p.m.): Big early stop for Vance Joseph’s group. — Gabriel
Broncos defense stands up on back-to-back runs up the gut. Gotta say, surprising calls from the Bengals there. You have Joe Burrow throwing the football.
Nik Bonitto totally unblocked on that fourth-down run. — Schubert
It doesn’t appear Bengals got first down… Here come the chains. .. And a couple of scoops of Skyline Chili short. #Broncos take over at the 22-yard line. Nik Bonitto had a strong first series with coverage of Chase — you can’t throw on Bonitto Island — on one play and a fourth-down stop. — Renck
Play call (2:55 p.m.): Couple of curious third-down calls from these two teams.
Going for it on fourth down feels a little more appropriate for the Bengals here. — Schubert
Third-down conversion (2:52 p.m.): Chase ran away from Surtain on the shallow cross for a third-down conversion. Don’t see many guys get first-step separation on Surtain like that. But Chase isn’t most guys. — Gabriel
Casa Bonitto (2:51 p.m.): Nik Bonitto with a PBU on Ja’Marr Chase. What can’t that guy do? — Gabriel
Moss’ return (2:51 p.m.): Moss sheds Tee Higgins block to tackle Chase Brown on next first down. Good sign to see him moving well laterally. — Renck
Passing game (2:49 p.m.): For as much attention as we gave Surtain vs. Chase and Moss vs. Higgins this week, the Broncos’ safeties and ILBs have to be able to mitigate TE Mike Gesicki and RB Chase Brown in the passing game. Slot man Andrei Iosivas also a dangerous target. — Gabriel
Rusty (2:49 p.m.): Riley Moss likely will be a little rusty today following three-week absence. Was a little late in run support as Chase Brown rounded the corner for a first down. — Renck
Field goal, Broncos (2:44 p.m.): Fully support kicking the field goal there. Get points on the board right away. — Schubert
Can’t stand the fade on third-and-2. I am with Parker. Could have run there. And run on fourth-and-1 if necessary. But it was an impressive opening drive and marks the fifth time this year Denver has scored on its opening drive. — Renck
Wil Lutz’s 30-yard field goal caps off a 10-play, 58-yard drive for Denver. Broncos 3, Bengals 0 with 9:45 to go in the first quarter. — Nguyen
Play call (2:43 p.m.): Don’t love the third-and-2 slot fade call there. — Gabriel
Broncos really wasted a timeout to call a fade. They were better off running it or play action. — McFadden
Time out (2:42 p.m.): There was confusion in the huddle and at the line. Bo Nix forced to call timeout facing a third-and-2 at the 12-yard line. Been impressive opening drive for Broncos. — Renck
Holding? (2:41 p.m.): Zac Taylor halfway out to the numbers off the Cincy sideline, irate that an obvious Javonte Williams hold went uncalled. — Gabriel
Bo Nix with third down dart to Vele. And on first down scramble by Nix, Javonte Williams nearly tackles players and somehow is not called for holding. Bengals sideline went nuclear. — Renck
Third-down conversion (2:40 p.m.): That was an impressive throw from Nix to Vele on third down. — McFadden
Devaughn Vele back as a third-down target. Big conversion. — Schubert
Run it! (2:37 p.m.): A 12-yard run by Jaleel McLaughlin on the Broncos’ first play of the game. — Nguyen
Good to see Bengals defense remains allergic to tackling. Good sign for Broncos. — Renck
Coin toss (2:34 p.m.): Broncos won the toss and elected to receive. — McFadden
Sean Payton wants the ball to start the game. An early chance to control the pace of the game. Will be interesting to see how aggressive he is from the jump. — Gabriel
Pre-game updates
Apropos of this matchup (2:33 p.m.): Cincinnati’s three game captains are Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If the Broncos contain that trio, they’re in great shape. If not, well, it could be a long afternoon. — Gabriel
Key matchup (2:25 p.m.): Can’t overstate how much fun Pat Surtain II vs. Ja’Marr Chase is going to be this afternoon. Both entered the 2024 season considered among the very best at their respective positions. And each has put together the best year of his young career. — Gabriel
From the NFL police (2:05 p.m.): Broncos OLB Jonathon Cooper was fined $12,668 for a horse collar tackle last week against Los Angeles.
DL Malcolm Roach was fined $11,255 for taunting.
Undrafted rookie RB Blake Watson got popped for $4,463 for illegal use of his helmet. — Gabriel
Broncos inactives (1:03 p.m.):
- QB Zach Wilson (emergency 3rd QB)
- RB Blake Watson
- OL Frank Crum
- ILB Levelle Bailey
- DL Eyioma Uwazurike
- DL Matt Henningsen (PS)
- WR David Sills (PS)
So the practice squad call-ups were just to get a couple guys a game check. — Gabriel
Scoreboard watching in New England (12:28 p.m.): The Chargers are going to take a 20-7 lead into halftime against the Patriots. If L.A. wins that, Denver can kiss the No. 5 seed goodbye. — Schubert
Weather (12:14 p.m.): It is cloudy, but not raining in Cincinnati. There is a chance that the rain won’t come until after the game. And temperatures are fine … mid 40s. — Renck
Scouting report (10 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Bengals in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report.
Game predictions
Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Bengals 24, Broncos 20
Denver’s first chance to clinch a postseason spot went begging in Los Angeles. Now its second comes against a desperate, high-powered offense on the road. Thatap tough duty. Can Sean Payton’s team win in Cincinnati? Sure. Will it? Not without playing perhaps its most complete game of the season.
Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Bengals 28, Broncos 27
The Bengals have had their fair share of struggles. However, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have been playing at a high level while Denver’s defense has been inconsistent in recent weeks. This game should come down to the wire, but Nix and company won’t be able to keep up with Cincinnati in the end.
Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 30, Bengals 29
The reverse lock theory is a baseball axiom where you pick the team that has no business winning based on the matchup. The Broncos have defied expectations this season and played their best when people expect the least of them. Bo Nix will throw for 300 yards and Pat Surtain II will make a late play in coverage to secure the upset and Denver’s first playoff berth since 2015.
Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 28, Bengals 26
Joe Burrow’s so hot right now, he just bought all of his offensive linemen authentic Japanese katanas. But that sword cuts both ways, my friend, as the Bengals are 0-7 this season against teams with a winning record. Riley Moss could be a massive boost — but itap up to Bo Nix and this offense to score 28 or more, on the road, to become the Grinch that steals Cincy’s playoff hopes.
Broncos-Bengals NFL Week 17: Must-reads
Broncos’ inside-out build has worked so far, but playoff hopes ride on leaning in further: “It always comes down to blocking”
This is what the Broncos are built to do. Itap what head coach Sean Payton set out to forge from the day he took the job two years ago.
And now comes a critical juncture at which Denver will put its eight-year playoff drought on the line and its inside-out building project to the test against a Cincinnati team thatap got real problems on both lines but terrific perimeter talent.
“Thatap what this group has prepared for,” Meinerz told The Denver Post. “Itap what we’ve built on from Day 1 when this staff came in is being ready for the big moments. We talk about the moment of truth all the time and thatap these type of games. Thatap these type of two-minute drills. Thatap these type of end-of-game, end-of-half scenarios that we’ve been training for for two years now at this point.” Read Parker Gabriel’s full story.
Broncos’ Pat Surtain II vs. Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase provides must-watch theater: “Both those guys, man, they’re something”
There’s good-on-good in the NFL.
Then there’s Pat Surtain II vs. Ja’Marr Chase.
The Denver cornerback and Cincinnati wide receiver could see each other often Saturday afternoon when their teams collide in a game with major playoff implications.
Each has authored a dominant start to his professional career. And each is putting together his most dominant work yet this fall. Read Parker Gabriel’s full story.
Renck: Get to 10 requires gifts from 10. Broncos’ Bo Nix primed to deliver vs. Bengals.
Merry Nixmas. And Happy New Year?
Bo Nix and the Broncos have exceeded expectations, posting their first winning season since 2016. But the joy they have brought apountry also makes them prisoners of their success. We are a society defined by instant gratification.
Puzzles and government bonds were not under the tree Wednesday. More like drones and Teenage Mutant Ninja Mayhem Pizzafire Delivery Vans. Read Troy Renck’s column.
