The Denver Broncos (7-6) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6) in Week 15 of the 2021 NFL season in a game with big playoff implications in the AFC. Here’s our quick preview for the game.
Bengals’ keys to victory: Denver has a talented secondary, but its run defense has struggled at times this season, so Cincinnati will be expected to run early and often on Sunday. Bengals RB Joe Mixon has already scored a career-high 14 touchdowns this season and he’s on pace to post his best single-season yardage total as well. Cincy’s not a one-trick pony, though, as QB Joe Burrow has taken a big step forward this season and he’s been spreading the ball around to WRs Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, who form one of the better WR trios in the league. The Bengals’ balanced offense should be able to out-pace the Broncos’ own offense despite playing on the road.
Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver can’t afford to fall behind early because Cincy is built to rush the passer, with DL Trey Hendrickson leading the way. If the Broncos get in a hole and have to pass to catch up, QB Teddy Bridgewater‘s conservative, short-passing style won’t be well-suited to lead a comeback. Denver will have to keep things close so the offense can lean on its productive rushing attack that’s led by RBs Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams, who have been the Broncos’ most important weapons in recent weeks.
Matchup to watch: Bengals WR Jamar Chase vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Surtain probably won’t line up on Chase every play, but the rookies will likely face off several times on Sunday. The last time these two met in college, Chase caught six passes for 140 yards and a touchdown in LSU’s 46-41 win over Alabama in 2019.
Who wins? Both these teams are desperate for a win to stay alive in the AFC’s Wild Card race. The Broncos’ formidable defense might be able to slow down the Bengals’ explosive offense, but Denver’s own offense could struggle to score. Bengals 22, Broncos 16.
[vertical-gallery id=669229]
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts
[vertical-gallery id=669229]