Photo Credit: Chris Asbrock (FTI Sports)
by Chris Asbrock
Denver Broncos (3-6) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (3-6)
Sports Authority Field
Sunday, 11/19/2017
4:25 P.M. EST
CBS
When the NFL schedule was released in April, this game looked to have been one of the best games on the schedule. That is why they don’t play the games on paper because this game is a matchup between two teams that are struggling mightily. Both teams have not lived up to expectations and are looking to get back into the win column.
The Bengals offense has been stagnant all season and have failed to take advantage of the weapons they have around Andy Dalton. With rookie wide receiver John Ross struggling to adapt to the physicality of the NFL and some of the injuries to other offensive players, the offense hasn’t been able to gain any traction. The offensive line has struggled to protect Dalton and that has caused more three and out drives than wanted. This season, Dalton has been sacked 25 times. With the offense not being able to put up points or sustain drives, the pressure continues to fall on the defense. Dalton has thrown for 2004 yards this season with 13 touchdowns. He has struggled throwing eight interceptions as well. With the running game only totaling 631 yards this season, the pressure solely falls on Dalton and the passing attack. Jeremy Hill has been placed on IR so the burden will be with Gio Bernard and rookie Joe Mixon. This defense is not the one this Bengals offense wants to face, sputtering like they have been.
The Broncos offense is almost in the same boat as their opponent. The Broncos offense has struggled this season and are currently on their second quarterback. Trevor Siemian started this season, beating out Paxton Lynch. The Broncos picked up Brock Osweiler off waivers earlier this season. With Siemian struggling, the Broncos turned to Osweiler. This will be Osweiler’s third start of the season. In those two starts, he has tossed for two touchdowns and three interceptions. Just like the Bengals, the Broncos have given up their fair share of sacks. Siemian and Osweiler have been sacked a combined 28 times this season. The Broncos rushing attack is much better with the combined efforts of C.J. Anderson, Jamaal Charles and Devontae Booker. The beauty of this game is the matchup of two of the best receivers in the league, AJ Green and Demaryius Thomas.
Advantage: Bengals
Defense
Both defenses are extremely strong and will put pressure on the opposing quarterback. The Broncos have given up an average of 293.6 yards per game, which is fifth best in the league. The Bengals defensive unit is 13th in the same category, giving up 321 yards per game. While both defenses are good, they have not been helped by their offense and their lack of support. The Bengals defense has been on the field for 616 plays, which is fifth most in the league. The Broncos have only been on the field for 540 plays which is second least in the league. Even with 76 less plays, the Broncos have given up 239 total points. The Bengals defense is living by the bend but don’t break method. They have done a great job of keeping the opposing team out of the endzone for as long as they have been on the field. This will be an interesting game to see which defense will come out on top. With the Broncos being at home, look for the Broncos to have the slight advantage defensively.
Advantage: Broncos/Push
Special Teams
The advantage in this category clearly goes to the Bengals and their special teams unit. Kevin Huber is one of the best punters in the league and does a fantastic job of pinning teams inside the 20. Kicker Randy Bullock is 8/10 on the season while on the other side, Brandon McManus has surprisingly struggled, going 16/21 so far this season. McManus has been better on the road than at home so the advantage goes to the Bengals.
Coaching
There really isn’t much to say here. Broncos coach Vance Joseph was an assistant under Marvin Lewis so there is that factor. Marvin Lewis continues his trend of not making halftime adjustments so we shall how this game plays out. Even though it appears Lewis is on his way out, the slight advantage goes with the more experienced Lewis.
Advantage: Bengals/Push
This is a big game for both teams. Both teams come in with a 3-6 record so this game will get both teams back into the win column. The Bengals have struggled in Denver so this game doesn’t appear to be much different. Couple that with the Bengals not playing well recently, look for the Broncos to take advantage of this fragile Bengals team and get back into the win column.
Prediction: Broncos 21-17
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