NFL Saturday: Broncos vs. Bengals Expert picks, predictions, and best player props break down game two of a jam-packed Saturday of NFL action!
The Cincinnati Bengals, riding a three-game winning streak, welcome the Denver Broncos to Paycor Stadium on Saturday in a critical AFC clash. Both teams find themselves in the thick of the playoff hunt, with every snap carrying postseason implications.
Denver enters after a hard-fought 34-27 loss to the Chargers last Thursday, narrowly missing the mark as a 2.5-point underdog. Meanwhile, Cincinnati delivered a statement win on Sunday, dominating Cleveland 24-6 and easily covering the spread as a 10-point favorite. Two teams, one field, and a season’s worth of hopes on the line in the Buckeye State. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
It’s another wild day of NFL action in a week, which will see games played on four of seven days. Let’s jump into our NFL Saturday: Broncos vs. Bengals Expert picks, predictions, and best player props!
Broncos vs. Bengals Betting Preview
All Broncos vs. Bengals odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct on Saturday, Dec. 28.
- Spread: Bengals -3.5
- Moneyline: Broncos +155| Bengals -180
- Over/Under: 50
- Game Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium| Cincinnati, OH
- Predicted Weather at Kick: 58 degrees, Cloudy, 3 MPH Wind
- How to Watch: NFL Network
Broncos vs. Bengals Expert Picks, Predictions, and Best Player Prop Bets
Denver brings balance to the field, ranking 10th in scoring offense with 24.2 points per game and 4th in scoring defense, allowing just 18.7 points. But against Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s dynamic passing attack—the league’s best at 267.3 yards per game—they’ll need to prove they can keep pace.
The Bengals’ offense is electric, averaging 28.2 points per game, but their Achilles’ heel lies in their defense, ranked 28th in scoring, surrendering 26.2 points per game. Despite their flaws, Cincinnati knows the stakes. Sitting at 7-8, third in the AFC North, their playoff hopes are precarious. A victory over Denver is a must, coupled with some help elsewhere in the AFC.
The challenge for Denver? Winning on the road in a must-win scenario against a Bengals team led by Burrow, who thrives in moments like these. For the Bengals, the key may rest in stifling a rookie quarterback in front of a home crowd.
In a game filled with playoff implications, the edge belongs to Burrow and the Bengals. A team with its back against the wall, clinging to hope, always fights hardest.
Chase Brown – RB, Bengals – Over 73.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
Chase Brown has become a beacon of consistency for the Cincinnati Bengals in recent weeks. The young running back has carried a heavy workload, logging more than 20 touches in back-to-back games and surpassing 90 rushing yards in both outings.
Even on a regular 5-yard run on the stat sheet, I'm into everything Chase Brown is selling.
He was quick, decisive, FAST and kept beating angles because of it. pic.twitter.com/oIza2sWgmJ
— Goodberry (@JoeGoodberry) December 11, 2023
As the Bengals prepare for a critical showdown against the Denver Broncos, Brown’s role becomes even more vital. With Denver’s elite corners expected to tighten their grip on Cincinnati’s passing game, Brown offers a reliable and dynamic option on the ground. He also needs just 77 yards to break 1,000 yards on the season, something he and the Bengals are absolutely aware of. He has a mission today.
In a game where points will likely decide playoff dreams, expect the Canadian standout to be a central figure once again—a steady presence in a season filled with twists and turns. Brown’s journey continues to shine when it matters most. He’ll hit this over today.
Tee Higgins – WR, Bengals – Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+145)
The Denver Broncos boast a defense that has been nothing short of suffocating for opposing wide receivers, allowing the fewest touchdowns to the position of any NFL team this season. For the Cincinnati Bengals, finding the right opportunities for their pass catchers becomes even more critical. While Ja’Marr Chase garners much of the attention, it’s Tee Higgins who might be poised to shine in this matchup.
TOUCHDOWN BENGALS!
Burrow finds Higgins for 6 to take the lead!
📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/YpR54UxmmT
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 15, 2024
Higgins has been a consistent red-zone weapon, finding the end zone in five of his last six games. Despite his recent dominance, he remains undervalued in the betting markets, with plus-money odds of +145 for an anytime touchdown.
Denver’s defense will likely key in on Chase, forcing Joe Burrow to look elsewhere. That opens the door for Higgins to exploit one-on-one matchups and make a game-changing impact. With the Broncos likely working overtime to neutralize Chase, Higgins has the skill set and momentum to take advantage.
In a matchup with playoff implications on the line, Higgins could be the X-factor—a reliable target for Burrow and a threat to break through Denver’s formidable secondary. If his recent streak is any indication, the value on Higgins feels like a bet worth taking.
Best Bets:
- Bengals -3.5
- Chase Brown OVER 73.5 Rushing Yards (-115)
- Tee Higgins Anytime Touchdown Scorer (+145)
