Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos Prediction and Picks - September 29, 2025

By: Dean Whitaker Published 09/27/2025, 07:00 PM ET
Bo Nix looks to lead the Broncos over the Bengals
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It's Monday Night Football, and we have a Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos Prediction lined up and ready to roll. The Bengals enter this game off a 48-10 loss at Minnesota, which dropped them to 2-1 on the year. Denver is also 1-2 on the year, and they come in off a 23-20 loss to the Chargers on the road. Which team will bounce back from their week three losses? Continue reading to see our Bengals vs Broncos Prediction.

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Bengals Are Lost Without Burrow

Cincinnati enters Monday night reeling from a 48-10 loss at Minnesota in Week 3, a blowout that exposed vulnerabilities across offense and defense. The Bengals’ passing game has struggled without Joe Burrow (who remains on IR), and backup Jake Browning has thrown 5 interceptions in limited attempts this season. The run game, led by Chase Brown, has tried to pick up the slack but has faced stacked boxes and limited explosion on the ground. Defensively, Cincinnati has forced some turnovers but has had difficulty containing explosive plays, especially on deep passes.

At 2–1 on the season, Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations hinge on steady improvements and fewer mistakes. The OL must protect Browning better, and the supporting receivers (Tee Higgins, etc.) must step up in Burrow’s absence. The defense needs to clamp down in the secondary and force longer down-and-distance. Given how much is riding on each drive now, Cincinnati must play complementary football — keep drives alive, avoid turnovers, and make the most of short fields.

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For Monday’s game in Denver, the Bengals need Browning to manage the game without pressing too much, leaning on short passes and mixing in the run. The defense must disrupt the Broncos’ rhythm, especially on first and second downs, to force Denver into third-and-long. If Cincinnati can get some early stops and avoid falling into large deficits, they might stay in striking distance — but everything depends on limiting errors under pressure.

Bronose Lose A Tough One Late

Denver heads into Week 4 at 1–2 after falling 23-20 to the Los Angeles Chargers, a game where the offense moved the ball but couldn’t finish drives in key moments. Quarterback Bo Nix, now in his second NFL season, threw for 218 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, showing improved command but still battling consistency. J.K. Dobbins stepped up in the backfield with 83 rushing yards on 11 carries, while Courtland Sutton led the receiving corps with six catches for 118 yards and a score.

The Broncos’ passing game has shown flashes of balance with Nix distributing to Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, though pass protection remains a major concern after surrendering four sacks to the Chargers. The offense has leaned on quick throws and designed rollouts to ease pressure, but mistakes in the red zone have cost them points. McLaughlin’s burst has helped, but Denver still needs better blocking up front to maintain rhythm.

On defense, Denver limited Los Angeles to under 330 total yards but couldn’t deliver stops on third down late in the game. Patrick Surtain II continues to hold his own as one of the league’s top corners, but the front seven allowed too much push in the run game. Facing Cincinnati, the Broncos will aim to collapse the pocket against Jake Browning and force him into hurried throws. If Nix takes care of the football and the defense tightens up situationally, Denver has the pieces to bounce back under the lights at home.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos Pick

Bengals vs Broncos Spread Pick

  • Denver -7.5 (5 Units)

Denver looks like a strong play to cover the -7.5 spread on Monday night. Bo Nix has shown growth in his second season, and with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy providing steady targets, the Broncos’ passing attack has been productive enough to complement their ground game. Jaleel McLaughlin has given Denver juice out of the backfield, and against a Bengals defense that was shredded for 48 points by Minnesota in Week 3, the Broncos’ balance should create plenty of scoring opportunities.

On the defensive side, Denver has the personnel to make life difficult for Jake Browning, who’s struggled stepping in for Joe Burrow. Cincinnati’s offense has been turnover-prone and inconsistent, relying heavily on short gains with little explosive playmaking. With Patrick Surtain II locking down the perimeter and Denver’s pass rush able to collapse the pocket, the Bengals could find themselves behind the chains early and often. Playing at home in primetime, the Broncos have both the matchup edge and momentum to win by multiple scores and cover the spread.

Bengals vs Broncos Over/Under Pick

  • Over 44 (4 Units)

With the total set at 44, the Over is appealing given both teams’ recent trends. Denver’s offense, led by Bo Nix and a reliable receiving duo in Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, has shown the ability to move the ball and finish drives, while Cincinnati’s defense just gave up 48 points to Minnesota in Week 3. Even with Jake Browning under center, the Bengals still have playmakers like Tee Higgins and explosive rookie Jermaine Burton who can generate points. Combined with Denver’s home-field boost and defensive lapses in key spots, this matchup sets up for enough scoring to push the game over the number.

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