Broncos vs. Bengals Prediction, Picks & Best Bets: NFL Week 17

The Denver Broncos (9-6) can clinch their first playoff appearance since 2015 with a win Saturday over the Cincinnati Bengals (7-8), who still have faint postseason hopes of their own following a three-game winning streak.

Cincinnati is favored by a field goal or more for Saturday’s matchup at Paycor Stadium (4:30 p.m., NFL Network), but our Broncos vs. Bengals prediction likes Denver, who are among the Super Bowl odds long shots, to lock up an AFC wild card spot with an upset victory.

We’re also backing Bengals running back Chase Brown to continue racking up yards, this time via the passing game. The below picks are part of our NFL Week 17 predictions. 

Broncos vs. Bengals predictions

NFL picks based on the odds from our best NFL betting sites. Odds subject to change.

• Against the spread pick: Broncos +3.5 () vs. Bengals ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• My best pick: Chase Brown Over 26.5 Receiving Yards () ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Broncos vs. Bengals ATS prediction: Week 17

Broncos to cover the spread: +3.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -115 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 53.49%

Cincinnati has won three straight to fight its way back into playoff contention, but that doesn’t mean the Bengals have resolved the problems that caused their 4-8 start.

Those victories came against the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans and a Dallas Cowboys squad that had back-up Cooper Rush under centre — none of whom had enough offensive firepower to exploit Cincy’s season-long defensive issues.

Denver certainly does, having scored at least 27 points in each of its last five games. The Broncos also have what it takes to slow down Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ elite passing game, leading the NFL in sacks and featuring a pair of shutdown cornerbacks in Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss.

Even if Cincinnati manages to keep its playoff hopes alive with a victory, it probably won't be by a comfortable margin. I’ll gladly pay -115 juice at BetMGM to capture the +3.5 in a game that could easily come down to the final play.

Broncos vs. Bengals best pick

Our NEW NFL player prop odds tool can help you find the best odds on any market across legal sportsbooks in your area!

Chase Brown Over 26.5 Receiving Yards ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Best odds: -113 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 53.05%

Brown has taken advantage of his opportunity since Zack Moss went on injured reserve in early November, gaining 100-plus yards from scrimmage in six of seven games as the Bengals’ starting running back.

Much of that damage has been done via the run, but Brown has also hauled in at least three catches in seven straight and eclipsed this yardage total in five of them.

Yards on the ground won’t be easy to come by against a strong Denver front, but Brown should be able to gain yards via the pass. The Broncos allow nearly eight yards per reception to opposing running backs this season and have given up at least 27 receiving yards to the backfield in 11 of 15 games.

With star receiver Ja’Marr Chase matched up against Denver shutdown corner Patrick Surtain II and No. 2 wideout Tee Higgins nursing an ankle injury, Burrow will need all the help he can get to move the ball through the air.

That’s especially true behind a weak offensive line that should struggle to slow down Denver’s ferocious pass rush, leading to more screens and check-downs to Brown.

As of Friday afternoon, FanDuel was the best place to bet Over Brown’s receiving yards prop, setting the total at 26.5 with -113 juice. By comparison, Caesar’s, BetMGM and DraftKings set the number at 27.5, while BetRivers listed it at 28.5.

Broncos vs. Bengals odds

See all of this week's NFL odds and NFL scores.

Broncos vs. Bengals live odds

Broncos vs. Bengals opening odds:

• Broncos: +3 (-110)
• Bengals:-3 (-110)

Broncos vs. Bengals injuries

Broncos vs. Bengals game info

• When: Saturday, Dec. 28
• Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. ET
• Where: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
• How to watch: NFL Network
• Weather: 61 degrees, 25% chance of precipitation, 8 mph winds SSE
• Favorite: Bengals (-3 via FanDuel)

NFL betting odds pages

Here are our best NFL betting sites:

• Caesars Promo Code: SBRBONUSDYW | Read our Caesars Review
• BetMGM Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our BetMGM Review
• bet365 Bonus Code: SBRBONUS | Read our bet365 Review
• FanDuel Promo Code | Read our FanDuel Review
• DraftKings Promo Code | Read our DraftKings Review

(21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER)
* Bonuses not applicable in Ontario.

Not intended for use in MA.
Each betting site featured on SBR has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission.

Related pages

• Best Sports Betting Sites | Best Sportsbook Promos (U.S. only)