What to look for in the Week 17 Saturday tripleheader

On By Littum

  • WHERE: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
  • WHEN: 4:30 p.m. ET | NFL Network, NFL+

The NFL spotlights this AFC matchup between the Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals, which has playoff implications for both teams.

Denver (9-6) can clinch a playoff spot with a win on Saturday. Broncos head coach Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix have turned the organization around, and Denver controls its destiny with a chance to make its first playoff appearance since winning Super Bowl 50.

Cincinnati (7-8) has clawed its way back into the playoff picture, winners of its last three games. Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase have taken the offense to another level. It’s been the QB-WR duo that has done the heavy lifting this season, keeping the team in close games that have often turned into high-scoring affairs.

A win for the Broncos secures a playoff spot, but a win for the Bengals gives Cincy hope of sneaking into the postseason depending on its Week 18 result and a few other finishes.

Here are two things to watch for when the Broncos visit the Bengals on Saturday on NFL Network and NFL+:

1) Nix, the Broncos need a turnaround game on the road. Bo Nix is ​​making a case to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, behind Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels. The Broncos have a top-10 scoring offense for the first time since 2014. The No. 12 overall has thrown for 22 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and has an 87.7 passer rating. When the Broncos’ offensive line has protected Nix, it has led to a winning formula. Denver is 7-0 when Nix is ​​sacked one or fewer times, according to NFL Research. The running game needs to be established early with a streaking Bengals D. Fortunately, for the Broncos, Cincy’s defense has allowed 36.4 points per possession. game and 414.7 total yards per game to opponents over .500. Rookie Audric Estime led the Broncos with nine carries for 48 yards and a score last week. Denver will need an all-around effort from its backfield, Courtland Sutton and other pass catchers to keep up with Cincy’s hot offense.

2) The Bengals offense needs to hit on all cylinders. It’s no secret that Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have broken franchise records this season. Heading into the Week 17 game, Burrow leads the NFL with 4,229 passing yards and 39 passing touchdowns. Chase is in triple crown contention with 108 receptions, 1,510 yards and 16 touchdowns. Chase will likely have his hands full against Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II. The last time Chase and Surtain faced each other was in 2021, when Chase recorded one reception and 3 yards. Burrow, along with Chase, are determined to avoid a repeat of their performance from 2021. Tee Higgins is having one of his best seasons as the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver. Higgins is averaging 77.2 receiving yards and has caught four TDs in the last five games. With Surtain tasked with covering for Chase, Higgins could be in line for a big night.