The Broncos will travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2024 at 2:30 p.m. MT.
MATCHUP
The Broncos will travel to Cincinnati for a key matchup with an AFC opponent in Week 17. Denver will look to get back in the win column and clinch the team's first playoff berth since 2015 in Saturday's game.
Denver's defense will look for a strong performance as it faces quarterback Joe Burrow, who leads the league in passing yards and passing touchdowns this season. The Broncos lead the league in sacks (51) and should look to add to this tally on Saturday. Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto — who leads the Broncos with 11.5 sacks this season — could aim to continue his strong season in Week 17, while defensive lineman Zach Allen — who leads the league with 33 quarterback hits — could also look to apply pressure. Cornerback Pat Surtain II should look to be a key contributor on Saturday as he faces the Bengals' wide receiver duo of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase and Higgins are two of six NFL receivers averaging 70-plus receiving yards per game with seven-plus receiving touchdowns in 2024, and Surtain could aim to limit this production.
Offensively, the Broncos should look to find a rhythm early on Saturday. Quarterback Bo Nix — who completed 29-of-40 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and a 106.6 passer rating in last week's matchup with the Chargers — will aim for another strong performance vs. a Bengals' defense that has allowed the second-most points and yards per game to opponents that currently have a winning record this season.
Running back Audric Estime — who led the team in rushing yards and scored his first career touchdown in Week 16 — could look to contribute to Denver's run game again this week, while wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. — who led the team in receiving yards in last week's matchup and recorded a 53-yard catch-and-run — could also aim to make more game-changing plays in Week 17. Nix could also look to wide receiver Courtland Sutton — who is on pace to record his first season with 1,000-plus receiving yards since 2019 — to make key plays.
INJURY UPDATE
For Denver, running back Tyler Badie (back) was listed as questionable. Badie, who was designated for return from injured reserve this week, would need to be activated to Denver's 53-man roster to play on Saturday. Wide receiver Troy Franklin (ankle), running back Jaleel McLaughlin (quad) and cornerback Riley Moss (knee) were not assigned game statuses, indicating they will be available to play in the Week 17 game.
For Cincinnati, defensive end Sam Hubbard (knee) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (illness) have been ruled out. Tackle Amarius Mims (ankle/hand), wide receivers Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) and Charlie Jones (groin), defensive end Joseph Ossai (illness) and safety Geno Stone (illness) were listed as questionable. Tight end Tanner Hudson (knee) was listed as doubtful.
HOW TO WATCH, LISTEN AND LIVE STREAM
WATCH NATIONALLY: NFL NETWORK
Play-by-Play: Kevin Harlan
Analyst: Trent Green
Sideline: Melanie Collins
WATCH LOCALLY: DENVER7
WATCH LOCALLY VIA STREAMING: NFL+
Stream local games on mobile devices on NFL+.
An NFL+ subscription includes the ability to stream live local and prime-time games on mobile and tablet devices, access toNFL Network and live game audio (home, away and national calls) for every game of the season. NFL+ Premium subscriptions also include NFL RedZone and full-game replays across devices.
LISTEN LOCALLY: KOA – 850 AM/94.1 FM
Play-by-Play: Dave Logan
Analyst: Rick Lewis
Sideline: Susie Wargin
LISTEN NATIONALLY: Westwood One Sports
Play-by-Play: John Sadak
Analyst: Derek Rackley
LISTEN OUT OF MARKET: SiriusXM
Listen on channel 276 or on the SXM app (siriusxm.us/BroncosSXM).
PERSONALIZE YOUR OPTIONS: Ways to Watch
Visit the NFL's game guide to input your zip code and figure out how you can watch Sunday's game in your area.
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Follow the Broncos for live game-day updates, videos and behind-the-scenes photos:
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Twitter: @Broncos
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