2016 NFL Denver At Cincinnati Winning Predictions

When the Cincinnati Bengals host the Denver Broncos on Sunday, the two teams with the best record in the AFC a year ago will tangle. Many people (including yours truly) thought that Trevor Siemian would not play nearly as well at quarterback as Peyton Manning did, but Siemian led the Broncos to a Week 1 win over the Carolina Panthers in a rematch of Super Bowl 50. However, Siemian deserves much less credit than the ironclad defense that Denver still has from a year ago. Siemian ranks #31 in the NFL with a 74.4 passer rating over two weeks, with a touchdown and three picks. Take a look at our preview as well as all of the NFL betting picks for Week 3.

Here’s a Closer Look At The 2016 NFL Broncos At Bengals Winning Predictions

When: Sunday, September 25, 2016, 1:00pm ET Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, OH TV: CBS Radio: Cincinnati Bengals Radio Network / Denver Broncos Radio Network Live Stream: CBS Sports Network NFL Odds: Cincinnati (-3)    

Why should you put your money on the Bengals?

Andy Dalton has taken a lot of heat for his lack of production in big games, and the Bengals’ Week 2 loss in Pittsburgh was no exception. However, Dalton is tops in the NFL with 732 passing yards — almost twice as many as Siemian — and he has engineered five consecutive trips to the postseason for the Bengals. The key is for the Bengals to find a way to shut down running back C.J. Anderson, who has put up 232 yards of total offense and scored three touchdowns. That way Siemian will have to face a lot of third-and-long situations, which should force him to throw the ball down the field and either get picks (if he faces pressure) or incompletions. Denver will also have to play without linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who broke his arm in Week 2 and should miss about four weeks.

Why should you bet on the Broncos?

Denver only allowed 176 passing yards when Cam Newton faced them in Week 1, and they limited the Carolina Panthers to 20 points. They also held Indianapolis to 20 points after they put up 35 in Week 1. Andrew Luck only threw for 197 yards in that game. The Broncos have already picked up eight sacks, and Von Miller leads a ferocious pass rush at this point in time. Even though Siemian does not have a lot of experience, Manning did not have a strong season last year, throwing eight more picks than touchdown passes, and he had an awful performance in the Super Bowl. So Denver’s defense could carry the day once again, provided that their offensive line can control the point of attack.

Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I like the Broncos to come in and manhandle the Bengals, much like the Steelers did in Week 2. I predict a 16-13 Denver win.