The Denver Broncos return home to Empower Field at Mile High to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday, Sep 29, 2025. Kickoff is set for 8:15 PM ET. Both teams enter looking to bounce back after tough Week 3 losses. Cincinnati is 2-1 after a blowout defeat to Minnesota, while Denver is 1-2 after losing two straight games on last-second field goals.
This is a rematch of their Week 17 meeting last season when Cincinnati beat Denver 30-24 in overtime. The Broncos got revenge the following week by upsetting Kansas City and sneaking into the playoffs. This year, Denver has struggled to close games, while the Bengals are adjusting to life without Joe Burrow, who is sidelined after toe surgery. The spread favors Denver at -7.5 with a total of 44.5.
Broncos Preview – Looking to Close Out Games
Denver started the season with a 20-12 win over Tennessee but has since lost to Indianapolis and the Los Angeles Chargers. Both losses came on field goals in the final seconds after the Broncos blew late leads. Head coach Sean Payton emphasized the need to “finish” and pointed out that his team has been competitive but not consistent enough in key moments.
Second-year quarterback Bo Nix has thrown for five touchdowns and three interceptions, ranking 22nd in passer rating at 83.4. He has shown flashes but has also been inaccurate with deep throws. Nix will try to get back on track against a Bengals defense that allowed 48 points last week. Running back Javonte Williams has helped balance the offense, though Denver ranks only middle of the pack in rushing efficiency.
The defense has been steady, allowing 21.3 points per game (16th in the league) and 327.3 yards per contest (18th). The pass defense has held opponents to a 57.8% completion rate, fourth-best in the NFL, but they rank just 25th in sack rate despite averaging 4.0 per game. The key will be forcing Cincinnati quarterback Jake Browning into mistakes behind a struggling offensive line.
Injuries could affect the Broncos’ depth. Wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (hip) is questionable, and linebackers Alex Singleton (thumb) and Nik Bonitto (wrist) are also on the report. Tight end Evan Engram (back) and Nate Adkins (foot) are sidelined, limiting Denver’s options in two-tight end sets. Still, the Broncos remain healthier than the Bengals, especially on offense.
Bengals Preview – Hoping to Limit Mistakes
Cincinnati enters 2-1 but looked shaky in last week’s 48-10 loss at Minnesota. The Bengals turned the ball over five times, including two pick-sixes, and committed four turnovers in the first half alone. Backup quarterback Jake Browning has been asked to fill in for Joe Burrow, but the results have been up and down. Browning has thrown five interceptions in three games, including three in the Week 2 win over Jacksonville.
The offense ranks last in total yards (220.7 per game), last in rushing (49.0 yards per game), and 28th in passing (171.7 yards per game). Browning averages 190.0 passing yards per game with five touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 65% of his throws. The lack of a rushing attack has put more pressure on Browning to carry the offense, which has not worked against stronger defenses.
Defensively, the Bengals allow 21.3 points per game, good for 16th in the NFL. They have struggled to force turnovers, ranking near the bottom in interceptions per game (0.3). Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson continues to provide pressure, but the unit has been inconsistent against both the run and pass. In Week 2, they held Jacksonville to 27 points in a win, but in Week 3 they were dominated in every phase by Minnesota.
Injuries are also mounting. Tight end Noah Fant (concussion) is out, while defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (ankle) is also unavailable. Running back Samaje Perine (finger) and offensive guard Dalton Risner (calf) are on the injury report, limiting depth. The one positive is the return of cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring), who will help against Denver’s receiving corps.
Key Matchups
Bo Nix vs Bengals Secondary: Denver’s young quarterback will face a Cincinnati defense that has been middle-of-the-pack against the pass but vulnerable to big plays. If Nix avoids turnovers, the Broncos should control the tempo.
Jake Browning vs Denver Pass Rush: Browning has been turnover-prone, and Denver’s front has 12 sacks in three games. If the Bengals’ offensive line can’t protect him, it could be another long night for the backup quarterback.
Denver Run Game vs Bengals Front Seven: Cincinnati has struggled against the run at times, but Denver hasn’t established its ground attack. If Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine (if healthy) get going, it will open up play action for Nix.
Betting Trends
Cincinnati is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games and has gone Over in six of their last 10. Denver is 0-2-1 ATS this season and 1-2 to the Over. The Bengals have won seven of their last ten overall, but most of those came with Joe Burrow under center. Cincinnati is 1-1 on the road this year, while Denver is 1-0 at home.
The Broncos are 6-2 in their last eight home games against AFC North opponents. The Bengals have struggled historically in Denver, with their last road win against the Broncos coming in 2015.
Betting Prediction
The line sits at Broncos -7.5 with a total of 44.5. Cincinnati’s offense has been one of the worst in the league, and Browning’s turnovers make it hard to trust them on the road. Denver has lost two games in heartbreaking fashion, but they have been competitive in all three. With the defense playing solid football and the Bengals’ attack ranked last in the league, this game tilts toward the home team.
Denver’s defense should keep Cincinnati in check, and Bo Nix should do enough to move the ball. The total leans to the Under with both teams struggling to put up points consistently. Predicted score: Broncos 24, Bengals 13. That gives Denver the cover and keeps the game Under the total.
Pick: Broncos -7.5 and Under 44.5
