NFL Week 17 Expert Picks: Broncos vs. Bengals

The Denver Broncos (9-6) and Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) will meet on Saturday in one of the more important games remaining on the NFL slate, at least in terms of the playoffs are concerned. With a win, the Broncos are in. With a loss, the door is wide open for the Bengals, Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, if the latter two teams also win in Week 17. 

The Broncos and Bengals have not played each other for three years, but the Bengals have one of the league's best offensive attacks, despite their record. They have struggled to get stops on defense but the combination of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase has been lethal. 

Will the Broncos end their playoff drought after nearly a decade of missing out? Or will the Bengals stay alive? Let's see what the experts think.

NFL Week 17 expert picks: Broncos vs. Bengals

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: Bengals 34, Broncos 24

Iyer: "The Bengals can see their once longshot playoff chances inching toward reality. All it takes is a win here and a little bit of reasonable help with the Broncos, Colts, and Dolphins losing once otherwise. Joe Burrow won't waste this chance to keep carrying his team at home."

Bill Bender, The Sporting News: Bengals 29, Broncos 23

Bender: "The Bengals would be a dangerous team if they could slip into the postseason given the connection between Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Burrow has at least three TD passes in seven straight games, but the Bengals are 4-3 in that stretch. Denver averaged eight points in losses to Pittsburgh and Baltimore and has lost two straight."

Gary Davenport, Bleacher Report: Broncos 30, Bengals 27

The Cincinnati Bengals must win to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Bengals need their sixth-ranked scoring offense to produce at a high level in a tough matchup to cover the spread.

Joe Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards (4,229) and touchdowns (39). His top receiver, Ja'Marr Chase, is the No. 1 pass-catcher in receptions (108), receiving yards (1,510) and touchdowns (16).

On the other hand, the Bengals also need their 28th-ranked scoring defense to make crucial stops, which may be an issue for them.

Davenport backed Denver to win outright because he thinks its fourth-ranked scoring defense will slow down Cincinnati's high-powered offense.

Davenport: "This spread indicates that Vegas sees these teams as fairly evenly matched, which is a bit surprising. The Bengals still have a faint chance of making the playoffs after their best defensive performance of the season against the Browns last week, but said performance says a lot more about how abjectly awful Dorian Thompson-Robinson is than any defensive improvement by Cincinnati.

Seriously, Cleveland. Just roll out Sal the Nacho Vendor at quarterback. It would be less embarrassing for the franchise. An M1 Abrams isn't that obvious a tank.

Denver gave up 34 last week in Los Angeles, but it still has a far superior defense—and the Broncos pass rush should have success against a suspect Cincinnati line.

Joe Cool and Ja'Marr Chase will get theirs, but Denver's offense isn't cat food. The Bengals aren't going to look so stout against a quarterback capable of forward passes.

Denver locks down a playoff spot while making the Bengals feel like that person who decides to try fruitcake and then spends 36 hours in the bathroom."

Marcus Mosher, The 33rd Team: Broncos 27, Bengals 24

Mosher: "Maybe the most fun game of the week features the Cincinnati Bengals trying to keep their postseason hopes alive against the Denver Broncos, who need a win to hold off several other contenders for the No. 7 seed.

Denver’s defense should be able to slow down Joe Burrow and company, and with 10 days to prepare for this game, it sure feels like a good spot for Sean Payton’s team. Look for this one to be highly competitive throughout, but for the Broncos to get the victory and lock down the No. 7 seed in the AFC."

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