Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Preview | NFL Week 17

Courtland Sutton

Betting Odds

Game Details

Denver Broncos (9-6 SU, 11-4 ATS) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8 SU, 9-6 ATS)

NFL Football Week 17

Date/Time: Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 4:30 PM EST

Where: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

TV: NFL Network

Betting Odds

Point Spread: DEN +3.5 / CIN -3.5

Money Line: DEN +155 / CIN -180

Over/Under Total: 50

Game Overview

Both teams are fighting for their postseason lives, albeit from different positions. Denver’s path to the playoffs is simpler: win one of their final two games, and they’re in. Cincinnati, on the other hand, needs to win out and hope for help, making this game a do-or-die scenario for them.

Denver Broncos:

Despite their stumble last week, the Broncos have consistently performed well against the spread (11-4 ATS). Rookie QB Bo Nix has settled into the offense, showing poise and an ability to deliver in key moments. Denver’s defense remains formidable, while the offense has quietly improved, averaging 33 points per game over their last five contests. With weapons like Courtland Sutton and a growing ground game featuring Audric Estime and Javonte Williams, the Broncos are a balanced, resilient squad.

Cincinnati Bengals:

The Bengals have finally found a groove after a shaky start. Joe Burrow is back to form, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for explosive plays. Rookie RB Chase Brown has added versatility to the offense. However, Cincinnati’s defense, despite recent improvement, remains suspect, allowing 113 points in a three-game stretch earlier this season. Their recent success against weaker offenses may not hold up against a confident Denver attack.

Key Matchups and Analysis

  1. Denver Offense vs. Cincinnati Defense: The Broncos' methodical offense, spearheaded by Nix, has been efficient, if unspectacular. Cincinnati’s defense, while showing signs of improvement, still struggles against the run and in red-zone efficiency. Denver’s balanced attack could exploit these vulnerabilities.
  2. Cincinnati’s Playmakers vs. Denver’s Secondary: Burrow and his top-tier receiving corps will test Denver’s stout secondary. While the Broncos have been strong against the pass, they’ll need to account for Chase’s big-play ability and Higgins’ size in contested situations.
  3. Coaching and Situational Factors: Both teams are under immense pressure, but Denver’s coaching staff has consistently put the team in position to succeed in high-leverage situations. Cincinnati, while talented, has been prone to costly mistakes in critical moments.

Betting Pick and Rationale

The Broncos are the more consistent team and have been reliable for bettors all season. With a defense capable of containing Cincinnati’s offense and a rising QB in Bo Nix, Denver is poised to keep this game close, if not win outright. Cincinnati’s desperation may push them to take risks, which could backfire against a disciplined Broncos squad.

Pick: Denver Broncos +3.5

Prediction: Denver 27, Cincinnati 24

Handicapping Tools

SAVE BIG MONEY BY BETTING AT -105 REDUCED ODDS!
Quit wasting your hard earned money! Make the switch from -110 to -105 odds today
You'll be so glad that you did! Click Here!

NFL Betting

Reduced Juice – Loot explains how reduced odds football betting works and where you can find this valuable asset.

What is a Point Spread? – Many new to the game struggle to understand why one side has a (+) while the other has a (-) in front of a team. We explain what the spread is and how it works.

Football Bets – All the different types of wagers that you can make when betting on football games.

What Professional Handicappers Do – Learn the tricks of the trade and increase your odds of beating the books!

Key Numbers – The article that bookies don’t want you to read!

NFL Betting Quiz – Test your football wagering prowess with Loot’s 10 question quiz!

Super Bowl 52 Predictions – Loot gives his preseason picks for which teams are most likely to win “the big game” along with middle of the road and a longshot that is sure to surprise you!

2017 NFL Season Wins Predictions – Loot breaks down every team and gives his opinion on how they’ll do vs. the number!

2017 NFL Bye Weeks – The first set start in Week 5 and the final byes take place in Week 11. Loot also gives tips on betting on teams coming off byes.

2017 NFL Coaching Changes – We seem to be in an era where football coaches become disposable in an instant if they don’t win. 2016 was no different as a handful of teams made the switch. Check out who went where right here!