The Denver Broncos will secure a spot in the playoffs if they win the game tonight against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are still alive in the hunt for a playoff berth. The Bengals must win this huge clash in the AFC to keep their postseason hopes intact.
The Broncos have not been in the playoffs since they won the Superbowl in 2016. That is a long time for one of the classic American football franchises. Sean Payton took over as the head coach in 2023 and drafted the QB, Bo Nix, this offseason. The Broncos have obviously found their QB for the next decade. It remains to be seen if Nix and Payton will be as successful as Drew Brees and Payton were in New Orleans.
Vance Joseph is the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos this season. Joseph has done a heck of a job, and the defense is one of the main reasons that the Broncos are in the position they are in now. Denver has a record of nine wins and six losses. They currently possess the last wild card spot in the AFC. Denver lost to the Chargers, away, last week (27-34). The Broncos had won four straight before that loss.
The Bengals are on a heater with three straight wins. The Bengals have taken care of the Cleveland Browns (24-6), the Tennessee Titans (37-27), and the Dallas Cowboys (27-20). The Bengals have a record of eight wins and seven losses. At this point, the Bengals are not in the playoffs. Cincinnati is in the 10th spot in the AFC seedings and must win their last two games and hope that some of their rivals lose. The crowd will be fired up at the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Expect it to be an atmosphere and vibe that reminds us of the postseason more than the regular season.
Sam Hubbard and Sheldon Rankins are out for the Bengals. Tanner Hudson, Geno Stone, Joseph Ossai, Amarius Mims, Tee Higgins, and Charlie Jones are all doubtful. The Broncos have a better injury situation than the Bengals. Running back Tyler Badie will be a game-time decision.
