The Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) visit the Denver Broncos (1-2) tonight in a Monday Night Football battle at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver.
Cincinnati enters without its star QB Joe Burrow, who is recovering from toe surgery and expected to miss multiple months.
In Week 3, Jake Browning made his first start, and it was a rough one. The Bengals were routed 48–10, committing five turnovers. Their run game was shut down as Chase Brown managed just 3 yards on 10 carries, one of the league’s least efficient rushing performances of the season.
Without Burrow’s passing threat, the offense looked disconnected and vulnerable.
Denver, meanwhile, is trying to rebound after back-to-back losses. Their defense — led by Patrick Surtain II — remains a strength.
Through three weeks, the Broncos are averaging 302.0 yards per game on offense, with a strong 129.0 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry, ranking among the NFL’s best in ground efficiency.
Their passing game under Bo Nix has been modest at about 173.0 yards per contest, ranking in the league’s bottom six. They’ve averaged 22.7 points per game. On third downs, they’ve struggled, converting just 32.4% of attempts.
Defensively, Denver allows roughly 327.3 yards per game, with opponents gaining 4.9 yards per play. They give up 212.7 passing yards per game and have generated pressure effectively, already totaling 12 sacks across three weeks, entering Week 4 tied for the league lead.
Offensively, the Broncos lean heavily on J.K. Dobbins, who has been a workhorse and consistent threat on the ground. Through three games, Dobbins has carried the ball 41 times for 222 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and has found the end zone three times, underscoring his role as Denver’s workhorse in the ground game.
4 Things to Watch
Bengals without Noah Fant & Shemar Stewart
Tight end Noah Fant is ruled out with a concussion, and DE Shemar Stewart is out with an ankle injury. Their absence will force adjustments in both the pass game and the pass rush.
Broncos’ run game vs. Bengal front
Denver’s run game has been effective behind Dobbins. If they control the trenches and force Cincinnati into passing downs, they’ll control tempo.
Coverage matchups & Moss vs. Higgins
Corner Riley Moss gets a chance for payback matchup vs. Tee Higgins — Moss struggled vs. Higgins in late 2024 and may be more motivated now.
Browning under pressure & turnovers
With Burrow out, Browning’s ability to protect the ball is under scrutiny. Denver’s pass rush is among the league’s best. Forcing mistakes could decide this one.
Predictions
Denver has the upper hand. Without Burrow, Cincinnati’s offense is less dynamic. The Broncos’ defense, especially with Surtain, has been a tough challenge for opponents. If Denver can establish the run early and control the line of scrimmage, they’ll make Browning uncomfortable. Expect the Broncos to win, but not by a blowout.
Projected Final Score: Broncos 27, Bengals 17
Injury Report
Cincinnati Bengals
TE Noah Fant — Out (Concussion)
DE Shemar Stewart — Out (Ankle)
CB Cam Taylor-Britt — Questionable (Hamstring)
Denver Broncos
WR Marvin Mims Jr. — Questionable (Hip)
DE John Franklin-Myers — Available (Hip, limited earlier)
TE Nate Adkins — Available (Foot)
OLB Nik Bonitto — Available (Wrist)
TE Evan Engram — Available (Back)
ILB Alex Singleton — Available (Thumb)
How to Watch Bengals vs. Broncos
Tonight’s clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and Denver Broncos kicks off at 8:15 PM Eastern / 6:15 PM Mountain at Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO.
The game airs live nationally on ABC with a simulcast on ESPN. So you can tune in for free on your local ABC affiliate via antenna. ABC is also available at no additional cost through most cable, satellite, and live streaming packages.
It also streams live on the ABC and ESPN apps and websites.
For the cord-cutters out there without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos
Date: Monday, September 29, 2025
Time: 8:15 PM Eastern / 6:15 PM Mountain
Venue: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
TV: ABC / ESPN
Streaming: ABC and ESPN apps and websites
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