Broncos vs Bengals Predictions, Player Props & Odds (Dec. 28)

• The Bengals’ slim playoff hopes are on the line in Week 17 as Cincinnati hosts the Denver Broncos on Saturday, Dec. 28
• Bo Nix is 7-0, with a 13-to-2 TD-to-INT rate versus bottom-16 defenses this season
• See the Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals odds, predictions, and player props for Week 17, below

Week 17 on the NFL schedule continues Saturday with three more games, highlighted by the Denver Broncos (9-6, 4-4 away) visiting the Cincinnati Bengals (7-8, 2-5 home). Denver can clinch a playoff berth with a win, while Cincy needs a victory and some help in Week 18 to make the postseason.

The Bengals are 0-7 against teams with a winning record so far, but that didn’t stop oddsmakers from making them the chalk in the latest NFL betting lines.

Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The Broncos vs Bengals spread currently sits at Cincinnati -3.5 per the latest NFL odds. As of Friday evening, the spread betting action is dead even, with both teams drawing 50% of the tickets.

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Total-wise, it’s a different story. 62% of the wagers and 66% of the money is on over 50, according to the NFL public betting percentages

Kickoff for this pivotal game is set for 4:30 pm ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH, with NFL Network providing the broadcast coverage.

Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

• Broncos +3.5 (-110) 

The Broncos can lock up their first playoff berth since 2015 with a win. They’ve already flown over their victory projection in the NFL win total odds, and have significant matchup advantages versus Cincy.

Let’s start with DVOA. The Broncos rank ninth, while the Bengals check in at #13. Denver is top-7 in both pass block and pass rush win rate, while Cincinnati is bottom-7 in both categories.

The Broncos are also in significantly better health. They have zero impact starters on the injury report, and are getting starting corner Riley Moss back. Moss missed the last three weeks, and it’s no coincidence that Denver surrendered its three highest-yardage games of the season in his absence.

Moss’ availability is key in the Broncos man coverage scheme. Denver plays man more than any other team in the NFL. Joe Burrow feasts on zone coverage, but is significantly less productive versus man.

Burrow’s yards per attempt drop from 8.2 against zone, to 6.4 versus man. His expected points added also take a hit, going from 0.29 per pass against zone, to 0.09 versus man.

As for Cincy’s injury report, star receiver Tee Higgins is legitimately questionable, as is starting tackle Amarius Mims. Burrow has already been pressured on 35% of his dropbacks this season, and that number will likely skyrocket if Mims sits.

Bo Nix, on the other hand, should have all day to throw against the Bengals’ anemic pass rush and secondary. Cincinnati ranks 27th in pass defense, which spells trouble versus Nix.

Bo Nix. Holy freaking cow. pic.twitter.com/tJyVYy7bGS

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 3, 2024

The rookie is 7-0 straight up and against the spread versus bottom-16 pass defenses this season, averaging 29 points per game.

DEN vs CIN Player Props

Nix has a 13-to-2 TD-to-INT rate in those outings, compared to a 9-to-9 rate against top-16 pass defenses. He’s thrown for at least two scores in five of his last six starts, while Cincy has allowed at least two passing TD in five of its last six outings.

• Broncos vs Bengals Player Props: Bo Nix Over 1.5 Passing TD (-110)