Game Details:
- Matchup: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
- Date: Sunday, September 29, 2024
- Time: 8:16 PM EST
- Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
- Spread: Broncos -7.5
- Total: 44.5
Primetime Problems: Burrow-less Bengals Face Must-Win Broncos
A primetime Monday Night Football matchup that looked compelling on paper has been dramatically altered by injury, as the Cincinnati Bengals travel to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Broncos. The Broncos are installed as heavy 7.5-point home favorites, a line that speaks volumes about the biggest story heading into this game: the absence of Bengals superstar quarterback Joe Burrow.
The Decisive Injury Report
The entire complexion of this AFC clash changed on September 9th. According to an ESPN report, Bengals QB Joe Burrow underwent surgery for a Grade 3 turf toe injury and is facing a three-month absence. This devastating blow sidelines Cincinnati’s franchise player, forcing them to navigate a brutal stretch of their schedule with a backup quarterback at the helm. Without Burrow, an offense built around his elite talent and connection with his star receivers will be a shadow of its former self.
While the Bengals will rally around their new signal-caller, the challenge is immense. The offense will have to pivot to a run-heavy approach and rely on high-percentage throws, a difficult task against a defense that no longer has to fear Burrow’s deep-ball prowess. Furthermore, with reports from earlier in the month suggesting the team is testing its cornerback depth, the Bengals’ defense may also be under duress to play a near-perfect game.
Pressure Cooker in Denver
The Broncos are not without their own issues. According to a FOX Sports report from Week 3, the team was dealing with an extensive injury list of its own, with nine players on the report heading into that contest. While they are the healthier team in this specific matchup, it highlights a potential lack of depth.
More importantly, the pressure is squarely on Denver to capitalize on this golden opportunity. As noted by SportSpyder, this is a game with high stakes for both teams. For the Broncos, playing at home against a team missing its most important player is a must-win scenario. A failure to secure a decisive victory here would raise serious questions about their own standing in the AFC. Expect the Broncos to play a controlled, physical game, leaning on their ground attack to control the clock and wear down a Bengals defense that will be on the field for long stretches.
Prediction
This prediction hinges almost entirely on the absence of Joe Burrow. A backup quarterback making a start on the road, in the altitude of Denver, during a primetime game is one of the toughest situations in the NFL. The Broncos’ defense will be able to play aggressively and focus on stopping the run, forcing the Bengals into uncomfortable third-and-long situations.
The Broncos’ offense doesn’t need to be spectacular; it just needs to be efficient and avoid turnovers. They will control the tempo and capitalize on the short fields their defense is likely to provide. The 7.5-point spread is large, but it’s justified given the massive talent disparity at the quarterback position. The Bengals will struggle to score enough points to keep this close, leading to a comfortable win for the home team. With Cincinnati’s offense likely to be limited and Denver content to play ball control, the total of 44.5 points also feels high.
Prediction: Broncos 24, Bengals 13
The Pick: Broncos -7.5
The Total: Under 44.5
Sources:
Injury Report | Cincinnati Bengals – bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Status – ESPN
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBSSports.com
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