September 30, 2025
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Introduction
The Bengals vs Broncos game in Week 4 Monday Night Football was one of those matchups NFL fans circle on their calendars. Cincinnati came into this game desperate for answers after struggling without Joe Burrow, while Denver wanted to bounce back after a pair of heartbreaking losses. The Mile High air, the intensity of primetime, and two teams trying to get their seasons back on track made this contest fascinating.
This blog breaks down everything you need to know about Bengals vs Broncos – from third-quarter recaps, key highlights, storylines, stats, and even betting insights. Whether you’re a casual fan, fantasy football player tracking Jets, Dolphins game, or just wondering who plays football tonight, we’ve got you covered.
Bengals vs Broncos Third Quarter Recap
The turning point of the Bengals vs Denver Broncos battle came in the third quarter. Denver began the second half with a comfortable 21–3 lead. The Broncos offense, led by J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, tried to grind out the clock. Dobbins picked up solid yardage early, and Harvey dazzled with a slick 15-yard gain. But penalties derailed momentum, including an illegal block that killed what looked like a promising drive.
Cincinnati had no luck either. Jake Browning, starting again in place of Joe Burrow, faced relentless pressure. Nik Bonitto broke through for a big sack, forcing a 2nd-and-27. The Bengals picked up some yards with a screen pass, but on 3rd-and-17 Browning was trapped again. The Broncos’ secondary held strong, forcing another punt.
Denver’s defense showed dominance, the kind fans expect but don’t always get. They applied pressure on 40% of dropbacks, one of the best marks in the NFL. On the other hand, the Bengals offensive line couldn’t protect their quarterback. It’s almost like the team forget how to block for half the night.
Storylines Heading into Bengals vs Broncos
This Monday Night Football game wasn’t just about one win or loss. It carried bigger storylines.
1. Cincinnati’s Struggles Without Joe Burrow
The Bengals offense looked lost against the Vikings the week before, putting up just 171 total yards. Browning averaged 5.2 yards per attempt and Chase Brown could not even find space. Against Denver, the situation didn’t improve much.
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Ja’Marr Chase vs Patrick Surtain II: Chase drew 17 targets, but with Surtain shadowing, nothing came easy.
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Tee Higgins underutilized: Just 7 targets so far this season. It’s strange how often he’s overlooked.
The Bengals must fix their offensive rhythm fast, or else the season will slip away.
2. Broncos Need Bo Nix to Step Up
Bo Nix entered his sophomore season with high expectations. Instead, he’s averaging 5.6 yards per attempt with 5 TDs and 3 picks. His passing success rate is 30th in the league – which honestly sounds worse when you think about how many QBs are playing right now.
The good news? The Bengals defense has holes. Courtland Sutton was a mismatch nightmare, and Payton’s play-calling kept Denver afloat. The bad news? If Nix can’t elevate his game soon, even a dominant defense won’t save Denver long-term.
3. Monday Night Football Atmosphere
Mile High Stadium under the lights is one of the toughest places to play. The thin air, rowdy fans, and primetime spotlight magnify every mistake. Cincinnati had trouble with noise communication, which helped Denver’s pass rush pin its ears back.
When the Bengals Had the Ball
The Bengals simply couldn’t establish rhythm.
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Passing Game: Browning looked hesitant, often forcing throws to Chase. Denver’s secondary took advantage, with multiple breakups.
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Rushing Attack: Averaging 2.4 yards per carry this season, the Bengals rank dead last in the NFL. Brown had 10 carries for only 3 yards against Minnesota the week before, and Denver’s front didn’t make life easier.
Denver’s defense has underperformed in stretches this season, but in front of their home crowd they looked elite. The Broncos generated pressure, locked down receivers, and forced Cincinnati into repeated 3rd-and-long situations.
When the Broncos Had the Ball
Bo Nix and the Broncos offense weren’t perfect, but they controlled the game.
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Passing Game: Courtland Sutton found soft spots in the Bengals’ secondary. Payton schemed quick throws to avoid pressure.
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Rushing Attack: J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey added chunk plays. Denver averaged over 5 yards per carry, which is impressive even if some plays stalled out.
The Broncos offense doesn’t look explosive yet, but against Cincinnati’s shaky defense, they didn’t need to be.
Bengals vs Broncos Key Players
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Bo Nix (QB, Broncos) – Needs consistency. His throws were short and safe, but effective.
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Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Bengals) – Cincinnati’s lifeline, but Surtain kept him under wraps.
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Nik Bonitto (LB, Broncos) – The sack that stopped Cincinnati’s drive was momentum shifting.
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Courtland Sutton (WR, Broncos) – Denver’s best offensive weapon in this matchup.
Prediction and Pick
Going into this game, oddsmakers had Denver as a 7.5-point favorite with an over/under of 44.5. With the way Cincinnati’s offensive line performed, the Broncos looked like the smart pick.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Bengals 13
Best Bet: Denver -7.5
Reasoning: The combination of Denver’s defense and Cincinnati’s lack of protection makes this one-sided. The Bengals just don’t have enough firepower without Burrow.
How to Watch Bengals vs Broncos
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Date: Monday, Sept. 29
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Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
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Location: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver
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TV Channel: ABC
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Live Stream: Fubo (Free Trial)
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Follow Updates: CBS Sports App
For fans searching what channel is the Broncos game on or how to watch Monday Night Football tonight, the above details have you covered.
FAQs about Bengals vs Broncos
Q1: Who is playing Monday Night Football tonight?
The Monday Night Football doubleheader features Bengals vs Broncos. Denver hosts the game at Mile High, making it one of the most exciting matchups of Week 4.
Q2: What channel is the Bengals vs Broncos game on?
The game is broadcast on ABC and streamed via Fubo. Fans can also follow live updates on the CBS Sports app.
Q3: Can the Bengals still compete without Joe Burrow?
It’s difficult. Jake Browning has potential, but the offensive line struggles badly. Unless Cincinnati fixes protection and establishes a run game, winning against top defenses like Denver’s will remain unlikely.
Conclusion
The Bengals vs Broncos matchup showed us two teams at crossroads. Cincinnati’s season hangs on whether they can survive without Burrow, while Denver proved that its defense can carry games even when the offense stumbles. The Broncos dominated at home, reminding the league how dangerous they can be under Sean Payton.
If you’re following NFL action, keep watching the Jets schedule, Dolphins game predictions, and other Monday Night Football games. But one thing is clear: the Bengals vs Broncos showdown gave us answers, excitement, and more questions heading into Week 5.
