With only two games remaining in the Denver Broncos’ 2024 season, Saturday presents the first of two crucial opportunities for the team to secure a playoff spot. Broncos fans are eagerly hoping that their team can deliver a long-awaited gift by clinching a win against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Good morning, Broncos Country.
I trust you’ve all enjoyed the holiday season so far. While Christmas has passed, we still have the New Year ahead, leaving time for the Broncos to make a playoff push and create some Mile High Magic. Many of you likely received great gifts this holiday, but I bet there’s one more thing missing from your stocking: a statement win, a “W” against the Bengals on Saturday, which would be the perfect gift to send Broncos Country into the postseason.
While the Broncos do have one more chance in Week 18, the recent win by the Kansas City Chiefs over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the likelihood that the Chiefs will rest their starters next week could make it easier for Denver. Still, who likes waiting for things to happen? It’s clear that most of Broncos Country would rather see the team take care of business this Saturday, leaving nothing to chance.
This won’t be an easy task, but the Broncos are capable of getting the job done. They’ll need to put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball. The Bengals’ offense is led by the powerful duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who have been the most explosive passing/receiving pair in the NFL this season. Fortunately, it looks like Riley Moss will be back, and the last time Chase faced Patrick Surtain II, Surtain successfully shut him down. With both of his star cornerbacks ready to go, Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph has the personnel to devise a strategy to limit the Bengals’ passing attack.
Offensively, the Broncos need to show more consistency in both playcalling and execution. The Bengals’ defense has been weak throughout the season, ranking among the bottom ten in both pass and run defense. Additionally, they have allowed the fifth-most points in the league. With this in mind, Head Coach Sean Payton has had a full season of film to assess the Bengals’ weaknesses and craft a strong game plan. One suggestion? Continue utilizing more motion in the playcalling, as it has yielded some of the Broncos’ most effective plays in recent weeks.
In summary, while a tough challenge awaits, the Broncos have everything they need to secure a victory and punch their ticket to the playoffs this Saturday.
