Bengals vs. Broncos: Preview, score prediction for Week 11

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos

Isn’t it amazing how things can change so suddenly? Over the course of fiv-straight seasons from 2011-15, both the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos were in the playoffs. The latter also went to the Super Bowl in 2013 and 2015, winning it all in Super Bowl 50.

Now both franchises missed the postseason in 2016 and this season own identical 3-6 records. Go figure.

It may seem like a lost season for each. However, each franchise has young building blocks that could stand to see some positive things to finish out the 2017 season. Subsequently, their Week 11 matchup should have a bit of intrigue attached.

Keys to Victory

General manager John Elway can certainly relate to the Cincinnati Bengals’ issues this season. Lewis’ club ranks dead last in the league in rushing and 27th in the NFL against the run. Denver had similar numbers last season and those shortcomings proved to be the undoing for the then-defending Super Bowl champions.

Denver’s ground attack, ranked 14th in the NFL, will be the key here as running backs C.J. Anderson and Jamaal Charles should enjoy big afternoons against the Cincinnati defense.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Broncos -2.5
Moneyline: Bengals +125, Broncos -140
Over/Under: 38.5

Prediction

After it looked like the Cincinnati Bengals were ready to get back in the playoff picture, a pair of road losses to the Jaguars and Titans reduced them to three games below .500. And being away from home for a third straight week certainly doesn’t help matters.

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Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have fallen far after their 3-1 start and it is their once-heralded defense that has been embarrassed the last two weeks. It won’t be pretty but Vance Joseph’s team will squeeze out just enough points to halt their five-game losing streak.

Final Score: Denver Broncos: 17, Cincinnati Bengals: 13