CINCINNATI — The Denver Broncos had a chance to secure a playoff berth last week, but they missed the opportunity following a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. With a record of 9-6, the Broncos now face another critical opportunity to clinch their first postseason spot since 2015 as they prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday.
If the Broncos manage to emerge victorious, they will secure their place in the playoffs. “We’re up against a formidable opponent that has playoff experience, a team that embodies what we aspire to achieve,” stated Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Every little detail is crucial. We won’t have to play an immaculate game, but it needs to be one of our strongest performances. I believe the players grasp the situation.”
Coach Payton acknowledged the heightened expectations following their previous loss, and tight end Adam Trautman confirmed that the team feels pressure but believes they will benefit from it. “There’s a lot riding on this game. We understand the importance of winning to ensure our playoff spot. We embrace the pressure because we know we need to get in,” Trautman explained.
The Bengals, holding a record of 7-8, are also vying for a playoff position, albeit with a more complex roadmap. Their path to the playoffs requires not only defeating the Broncos but also finishing their season with a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals are in dire need of success in every match as they have faced mostly underperforming teams throughout the season, with their seven wins coming against opponents with losing records.
“We feel energized by the stakes of these games,” remarked quarterback Joe Burrow.
Currently, Burrow and star receiver Ja’Marr Chase are enjoying standout seasons. Recently, Burrow set a new NFL record with seven straight games throwing for over 250 yards and three touchdowns, surpassing a record previously held by Tom Brady. Burrow ranks among the league’s leaders in numerous passing stats, while Chase is contending for the receiver’s triple crown, aiming for the highest figures in catches, yards, and touchdowns.
Chase acknowledged the importance of focusing on the team’s success over personal achievements. “Winning the game is my priority so we can reach the playoffs. Accomplishing a triple crown won’t benefit me financially, but making the playoffs certainly would,” Chase noted.
A notable matchup in this game will be Chase facing off against Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II. In their previous encounter in 2021, Surtain limited Chase to just a single reception for three yards, although the Bengals took the game 15-10, which marked a pivotal moment in their journey to the Super Bowl. “That was early in my career. It was a good test for us against a skilled offense,” Surtain recalled, acknowledging Chase as one of the league’s premier receivers.
Both players are experiencing exceptional seasons this year, with Surtain giving up only 234 receiving yards, the lowest for any cornerback this season. He has tied his career high with four interceptions, allowing an average of only 3.4 targets and two catches per game.
On the running back front, Chase Brown is stepping up as a potential future leading back for the Bengals. After being promoted to the starting role due to injuries to Zack Moss, Brown has accumulated 188 yards and a touchdown over the last two games, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. He is now just 77 yards shy of hitting the 1,000-yard mark for the season.
Meanwhile, as Week 17 approaches, the Broncos boast an impressive defensive record, leading the league with 51 sacks and showcasing depth with seven players contributing three or more sacks. Leading the charge are linebacker Nik Bonitto with 11.5 sacks and Jonathan Cooper with eight. On the Bengals’ side, defensive end Trey Hendrickson has made his mark by leading the NFL with 13.5 sacks.
The upcoming matchup is anticipated to be one steeped in playoff implications and intense competition.
