- WHERE: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
- WHEN: 4:30 p.m. ET | NFL Network, NFL+
The NFL is spotlighting this AFC matchup between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals, which has playoff implications for both teams.
Denver (9-6) can clinch a playoff berth with a win on Saturday. Broncos head coach Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix have turned the organization around, and Denver controls its destiny with an opportunity to make its first playoff appearance since it won Super Bowl 50.
Cincinnati (7-8) has been clawing its way back into the playoff picture, winners of the last three games. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have taken the offense to another level. It’s been the QB-WR duo doing the heavy lifting this season, keeping the team in close games that have often become high-scoring affairs.
A win for the Broncos secures a playoff spot, but a victory for the Bengals gives Cincy hope to sneak in the postseason depending on its Week 18 result and a few other finishes.
Here are two things to watch for when the Broncos visit the Bengals on Saturday on NFL Network and NFL+:
1) Nix, Broncos need to have a turnaround game on the road. Bo Nix is making a case to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, behind Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. The Broncos have a top-10 scoring offense for the first time since 2014. The No. 12 overall pick has thrown for 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and has a 87.7 passer rating. When the Broncos' offensive line has protected Nix, it has led to a winning formula. Denver is 7-0 when Nix is sacked one or fewer times, per NFL Research. The run game needs to be established early with a streaking Bengals D. Fortunately, for the Broncos, Cincy’s defense has allowed 36.4 points per game and 414.7 total yards per game to opponents over .500. Rookie Audric Estime led the Broncos with nine carries for 48 yards and one score last week. Denver will need an all-around effort from its backfield, Courtland Sutton and other pass catchers to keep up with Cincy’s hot offense.
2) The Bengals offense must hit all cylinders. It’s not a secret that Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have been breaking franchise records this season. Heading into the Week 17 matchup, Burrow leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns. Chase is in triple crown contention with 108 receptions, 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns. Chase is likely to have his hands full against Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The last time Chase and Surtain faced each other was in 2021, as Chase recorded one reception and 3 yards. Burrow, along with Chase, is determined to avoid repeating their performance from 2021. Tee Higgins is having one of his best seasons as the Bengals No. 2 receiver. Higgins is averaging 77.2 receiving yards and has caught four TDs in the last five games. With Surtain having a task to cover Chase, Higgins could be in line for a big night.
