Denver Broncos

NFL Week Three Preview: Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs after a catch against the New York Jets in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Bengals defeated the Jets 23-22. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports

As defending Super Bowl champs, the Denver Broncos (2-0) will get the best of teams regardless of opponent. Last week, the Broncos absorbed a enough blows from the Indianapolis Colts to earn their second win of the season. Now, another interesting test comes to the forefront as we will get to see the champs on the road against a very formidable opponent.

When it comes to the Cincinnati Bengals (1-1), the abundance of talent is palpable. That amount of talent that has been accumulated over the years presents a very interesting test for the Broncos as the Bengals are coming off a tough and gritty loss to the Steelers this past week.

Coming off that bitter loss, will the Bengals hand the Broncos their first loss of the season or will the Broncos continue their undefeated tour? Here is the breakdown and prediction for the important AFC matchup.

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (25) celebrates a play with cornerback Aqib Talib (21) against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Why Denver May Win

Possessing arguably the best defense in the entire NFL, Denver will be in just about every game they play this season because of their outstanding defense. Outside linebacker Von Miller is borderline un-blockable and is the leader in sacks in the NFL with four. The Super Bowl 50 MVP is the leader of a very talented pass rushing unit along with linebackers DeMarcus Ware (who will be out of this contest with a broken forearm), Shane Ray, and Shaquil Barrett. That combination places the Broncos at second overall in the league in team sacks with eight.

The defense overall is ranked sixth, allowing only 293 yards per game and tied for first in the league in yards allowed per play with 4.4. While the front seven gets most of the publicity, the secondary is dangerous in it’s own right. A pair of 2015 Pro Bowl corners in Chris Harris and Aqib Talib provide excellent coverage and strong safety T.J Ward is the club leader in tackles with 13. In the past 21 games played including regular and post season games, the Broncos have held opponents to under 200 passing yards in 11 of those contests.

The defense is the foundation of this 2016 edition of the Denver Broncos and with a first year starter at quarterback in Trevor Siemian, the task isn’t complicated for the former seventh round pick. It’s all about managing the game. Luckily for Siemian, he has skill positions players to rely on WRs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders as well as running back C.J Anderson. On one hand, the Broncos are 16th in the league in total offense but on the other, they are ninth in scoring with 27.5 points per game.

Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) before facing the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Why Cincinnati May Win

More than likely, you didn’t notice that Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton is the league leader in passing yards. If you didn’t, it’s fine because you’re not alone. Dalton’s solid play over the last couple of seasons has gone unnoticed. Not only does his 732 passing yards leads the NFL but Dalton has also the most pass plays over 20 yards with 13. The Bengals placement as the ninth best offense in the league is largely in part to Dalton and his connections with his #1 receiver A.J. Green along with contributions in the passing game from running back Gio Bernard.

The offensive line for the Bengals will receive the ultimate test trying to fend off Miller, Ray, and others in the passing rushing department for Denver. Left tackle Andrew Whitworth is a building block but the key matchup will fall on right tackle Cedric Ogbuehi as Denver routinely places Miller over the opposing right tackle to create mismatches with his speed. Ogbuehi, the team’s first rounder in 2015, has athleticism but this is a much different test.

Oct 4, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Adam Jones (24) runs the ball against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half of the game at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati defeated Kansas City 36-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

The defense for the Bengals has been up and down in recent seasons and the unit ranks 15th so far in 2016. Their solid play on third downs (38%) as well as ranking third in the league in interceptions with three, has helped the defense considerably. Starting corners Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Jones form a solid pair against the pass and veteran linebacker Karlos Dansby has been a solid addition so far as he leads the team in tackles.

Dec 28, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs for a thirty nine yard touchdown as Cincinnati Bengals middle linebacker Rey Maualuga (58) falls to the turf in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-17 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Prediction

The Bengals kick off their home opener in 2016 with the defending Super Bowl champs and this will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination. The Broncos field arguably the best defense in the NFL and possess arguably the best defensive player in the NFL today in Von Miller.