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Through the Years

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Throwing it back: The Broncos' crucial win over the Bengals in the 2015 playoff race

In 2015, the Broncos faced the Bengals in a crucial Week 16 "Monday Night Football" matchup. With a win, the Broncos kept up in the playoff chase to keep their hopes for home-field advantage alive.

Denver Broncos take the field before action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos take the field before action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during player introductions prior to kickoff against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) during player introductions prior to kickoff against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) takes the field before action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) takes the field before action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles for a 6 yard gain during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) scrambles for a 6 yard gain during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) tries to wrap up Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malik Jackson (97) tries to wrap up Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) during first quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) looks on from the sideline during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) looks on from the sideline during first quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) carries for one yard on Denver's second series of the 2nd quarter as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) defends on the play in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) carries for one yard on Denver's second series of the 2nd quarter as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (27) defends on the play in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) on a 8 yard reception during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) on a 8 yard reception during second quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a touchdown on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) celebrates a touchdown on an 8 yard reception during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) makes the stop during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Brandon Marshall (54) makes the stop during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Cincinnati Bengals Jeremy Hill (32) makes a cut but is stopped for no gain during third quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Cincinnati Bengals Jeremy Hill (32) makes a cut but is stopped for no gain during third quarter action against the Denver Broncos in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defense during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defense during third quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) returns a punt 14 yards during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Jordan Norwood (11) returns a punt 14 yards during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball for a 39 yard touchdown run during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball for a 39 yard touchdown run during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) breaks up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) breaks up a deep pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) during fourth quarter action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws downfield during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) throws downfield during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) on a 16 yard reception during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos tight end Owen Daniels (81) on a 16 yard reception during fourth quarter action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) is congratulated by holder Britton Colquitt (4) after kicking a 37 yard field goal to give the Broncos a 20-17 lead with 10:05 remaining in overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus (8) is congratulated by holder Britton Colquitt (4) after kicking a 37 yard field goal to give the Broncos a 20-17 lead with 10:05 remaining in overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 37 yard field goal during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos placekicker Brandon McManus (8) kicks a 37 yard field goal during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) as he throws the ball during overtime action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) hits Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) as he throws the ball during overtime action in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) fumbles the snap to be recovered by Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) and end the game in overtime at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) fumbles the snap to be recovered by Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) and end the game in overtime at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates a game-ending fumble recovery during overtime action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates with the winnint game ball after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos defensive end DeMarcus Ware (94) celebrates with the winnint game ball after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) leaves the field excitedly after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) leaves the field excitedly after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) is all smiles postgame in the locker room as he celebrates with teammates after he recovered a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) fumble to secure an overtime win over the Bengals 20-17 in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos DeMarcus Ware (94) is all smiles postgame in the locker room as he celebrates with teammates after he recovered a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron (5) fumble to secure an overtime win over the Bengals 20-17 in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) waves to the crowd after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) waves to the crowd after action against the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO, December 28, 2015. Photo by Ben Hays.

Ben Hays/© Ben Hays
Denver Broncos players and coaches huddle for a team break down in the locker room after Denver defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 201-17 in overtime in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
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Denver Broncos players and coaches huddle for a team break down in the locker room after Denver defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 201-17 in overtime in the NFL game in Denver, Colo. December 28, 2015. (© Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)

Eric Lars Bakke/© Eric Lars Bakke
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