Denver, CO
Playoffs on the Table: Broncos at Bengals Bold Predictions & Picks
The Denver Broncos enter Week 17 in playoff mode. With a road tilt vs. the Cincinnati Bengals, the Broncos are in a do-or-die situation.
Nine wins is nice. Delivering the first winning season since 2016 isn’t nothing. But it’s a far cry from a playoff berth.
Win just one more game and you’re in. The playoffs await. The Bengals are even more playoff-desperate, though.
How will this game shake out? Let’s go around the table to see how the Mile High Huddle staff envisions this one shaking out.
Scott Kennedy (@ScoutKennedy) 12-3: Any inclement weather probably hurts the Bengals’ passing game more than it hurts the Broncos offense. Cincinnati has done a better job this season of protecting Joe Burrow, but they’re still only about league average in sacks allowed (18th, 37 sacks allowed). With more to play for, Denver leans on its pass rush and running game to get the win and clinch a playoff spot.
Pick: Broncos 24, Bengals 20
Bob Morris (@BobMorrisSports) 11-4: The Bengals have won three in a row but all against teams who are out of the playoffs. This isn’t to say they’re a pushover but the Bengals haven’t been beating top teams recently. The offense is very good but the defense is not good. The key for the Broncos is to execute on offense. Do that and the Broncos will secure a playoff berth. Here’s betting they do.
Pick: Broncos 27, Bengals 24
Nick Kendell (@NickKendellMHH) 10-5: The Broncos defense has fallen dramatically over the last month. Improbable turnovers and defensive touchdowns have kept the unit afloat while the overall defensive output has faded. Fortunately for the Broncos Riley Moss will be back this week. Will that be enough for the defense to springboard back into a top 5 unit or will their recent play of mediocrity continue against one of the best offenses in football in Cincinnati? Time for Sean Payton and Bo Nix to step upand clinch that playoff berth.
Pick: Broncos 34, Bengals 27
Thomas Hall (@ThomasHallNFL) 10-5: Denver is going to take Broncos Country down to the playoff wire. The Broncos will be in a must-win situation in the final week of the season to punch their ticket to the postseason. The defense hasn’t been playing like it did earlier in the season and the offense has become afraid to be aggressive which spells disaster against a Bengals team still in the hunt.
Pick: Bengals 27, Broncos 20
James Campbell (@JamesC_MHH) 10-5: The Broncos have had a brilliant season which has defied expectations but face an exceedingly difficult task against the Bengals. In this one, Burrow cements his MVP credentials by carving up the Broncos’ secondary, with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins providing a very difficult matchup for Denver’s secondary despite Moss’ return. The Broncos should have their wins against the Bengals’ defense, in the air and on the ground so if there is any chance of a win for the good guys, it will come from generating long, clock-consuming drives that keep Burrow on the sideline.
Pick: Bengals 38, Broncos 24
Zack Kelberman (@KelbermanNFL) 10-5: Conflicted, I am. This game truly could go either way considering the Bengals’ ultra-potent offense and Denver’s regressing defense (which will get a boost with the return of Moss). Bad weather or not, this needs to be a situation where the Broncos’ offense does the heavy lifting — at least enough to combat Burrow, Chase, and company. Surely the Broncos can, and the team won’t blow another chance to lock up a playoff berth, right? I still ‘Bolieve.’
Pick: Broncos 20, Bengals 17
Dylan Von Arx (@DylanVonArxMHH) 10-5: The Broncos absolutely need a win on Saturday but it will be no easy task as Burrow is red-hot the past few games. The Denver defense will have its hands full guarding against Higgins and Chase but the Bengals defense is criminally bad. If the Broncos defense can get a few key turnovers, they’ll be back in the playoffs for the first time in forever.
Pick: Broncos 24, Cincinnati 20
Lance Sanderson (@LanceS_MHH) 10-5: We’re about to find out exactly how important Moss is to this defense. Burrow and Chase are shredding defenses this season, and Higgins is no slouch. Denver’s defense is in for a big fight, and despite the reminder on his call sheet, Payton hates running the football. This is a recipe for disaster, especially on the road with inclement weather.
Pick: Bengals 31, Broncos 21
Keith Cummings (@KeithC_NFL) 9-6: The biggest game since Super Bowl 50 dawns on the Broncos as they give off some desperate vibes. Maybe it’s the kick to the ribs the Broncos require, throwing away opportunities cannot happen again. It doesn’t. When they need it the most, Patrick Surtain II makes a fourth-quarter house call to seal the Broncos playoff spot.
Pick: Broncos 31, Bengals 24
Ron White (@RonWhiteNFL) 9-6: Although the Bengals defense is below average, the offense can go blow for blow with any of the top units in the league. This game comes down to the Broncos defense: Pressuring Burrow, limiting Chase and Higgins, and creating turnovers. Expect them to respond from last week’s collapse and get a hard fought win.
Pick: Broncos 28, Bengals 24
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Chad Jensen (@ChadNJensen) 9-6: I definitely ‘Bolieve.’ But the Broncos’ lack of second-half intensity and execution in a playoff-clinching opportunity disappointed me greatly. Payton’s lack of self-awareness as a play caller was disappointing, and I’m not convinced that Moss’s return will be the antitode to assuaging the Broncos’ precipitous defensive backslide. Burrow is out for blood, up against the wall with a slim chance of staying alive, so he’ll be out for blood. The Broncos definitely don’t want to leave their playoff destiny up to a showdown vs. the Kansas City JV team, but that’s what it comes down to.
Pick: Bengals 27, Broncos 24
Mike Evans (@MHHEvans) 8-7: The Broncos’ playoff hopes ride on their ability to dominate the turnover battle in a pivotal matchup with the Bengals. Denver’s third-ranked defense is primed to make the difference. Look for a late-game interception from Surtain or Brandon Jones to swing the momentum. Add in the Bengals’ 19th-ranked defense, and it’s easy to see the Broncos exploiting if they can generate a competent run game.
Pick: Broncos 27, Bengals 24
Luke Patterson (@LukePattersonLP) 8-7: Saturday’s game in Cincinatti will be the defining contest of Denver’s 2024 regular season. Should Nix and Payton will their team to victory, they’ll have surpassed all expectations for this season with a playoff berth. But if I’m being honest, I think that Denver is still one season away from being as dangerous as this Burrow/Trey Hendrickson-led Bengals squad, playing at home in sloppy weather. Hope I’m wrong.
Pick: Bengals 31, Broncos 24
Carl Dumler (@CarlDumlerMHH) 8-7: Vance Joseph took responsibility for the defensive struggles over this past month and is getting back one of the most important pieces of the defense with the return of Moss. The Bengals have been an offensive force but this is a game the Broncos get a great game out of the defense. Payton finally follows his play sheet, calling for the offense to commit to the run and the Broncos win a close one to clinch their place in the playoffs finally.
Pick: Broncos 27, Bengals 21
Erick Trickel (@ErickTrickel) 8-7: The Broncos make fans’ christmas wishes come true by beating the Bengals on the road the clinch a playoff spot. The offense bounces back after a rough few weeks, as does the defense. Surtain locks up Chase and the Broncos’ pass rush rattles Burrow and gets pressure as they go back to being an aggressive man-coverage team with Moss back in the lineup. The Broncos are playoff bound!
Pick: Broncos 31, Bengals 16
Kenneth Booker (@kenneth_MHH) 6-9: If Denver’s scoring defense returns to form, it has a solid chance of securing a victory. The Broncos need to apply relentless pressure on Burrow and, with Moss returning, they have a pair of cornerbacks capable of matching up against the Bengals’ talented wide receivers. Look for the Broncos to have a statement game against the Bengals as they lock up their first postseason appearance since 2015.
Pick: Broncos 34, Bengals 20
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There have been many great offensive linemen in Denver Broncos history, so this list is likely going to vary greatly from person to person. In fact, my take might be a little too bold, but I’m sticking with it.
At the top spot, I think Garett Bolles has earned it. Since coming into the league as a first-round pick in 2017, he has grinded through one of the worst periods in Broncos’ history and grown from beleaguered oft-penalized first-round bust into a perennial All-Pro caliber left tackle. Even more, he has stayed a Bronco through his entire career. The rest of my list speaks for itself and is a throwback to Super Bowl greatness.
Here’s where our Mile High Report staff landed on the top five for offensive line:
Scotty Payne: Tom Nalen was the leader of Mike Shanahan’s offensive line, Ryan Clady was a top LT on a Hall of Fame career before injury and Stink was a key member of the Broncos Super Bowl winning OL back in the 90s. I included Bolles and Meinerz since both will be on this list once their successful careers are over with.
Chris Hart: This position group was one of the toughest to come up with a top five. Denver has an incredible history of top-tier offensive lineman. There are several players I left off who were certainly deserving. I posted Tom Nalen as my top guy because he was a stalwart at the pivot for many years for the franchise. We all know what Gary Zimmerman and Mark Schlereth provided on the field and they are both Super Bowl champions. The last two spots go to two recent Broncos, left tackles Garret Bolles and Ryan Clady. Bolles, a decade into his career, continues to play at a high level and Clady was a fantastic blindside protector whose career ended earlier than it should due to injury.
Ian St. Clair: For the first time in Elway’s career, he had a blind-side protector. And Zimmerman is one of the best to ever do it. Same for Nalen, who should be in the HOF. Clady was special. Bishop was the first Broncos offensive lineman in franchise history to get a Pro Bowl invite and provided one of the best in-game quotes ever when he said in Denver’s endzone at old Cleveland Stadium before hiking the ball at the 2-yard line in what would become The Drive, “We got ‘em right right where want ‘em.” And Schlereth helped lock down the left side of the line that was one of the best in league history.
Sadaraine: The top 3 are largely indisputable, other than maybe swapping Schlereth and Zimmerman. Ken Lanier started 178 consecutive games, which is nuts for an OT, and appeared in 3 Super Bowls. Garret Bolles has crafted himself into an all-time great at tackle and may move up the list.
Ross Allen: The Hall-of-Famer Gary Zimmerman was everything you could ever ask for in a left tackle and was a huge reason why John Elway and that 1997 team was so dominant. Schlereth also gets his credit as he was a massive contributor to Denver’s Super Bowl successes. There’s a strong case for Tom Nalen deserving a spot in the Hall of Fame too. And for the past two years I’ve become a huge spouter of Bolles being destined for the Ring of Fame. He’s an incredible talent as has been the cornerstone of this team for a while now. I just hope he gets his Super Bowl.
Joe Mahoney: Top 3 are a no-brainer. Bolles will finish his career with more starts on the OL than any other Bronco. The man he will pass is Ken Lanier. Since stats from Lanier’s era don’t exist we only have starts to go off, but Lanier was an iron man. He started 167 NFL games and 165 were for the Broncos.
There is a bit of variation here, but a general consensus of who should be in the Top 5. I loved the throwback to Keith Bishop who was a big part of the John Elway fourth quarter magic back in the day.
Who gets into your top five offensive lineman list?
The Denver Nuggets are running it back with at least one free agent from last year’s team. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, the Denver Nuggets have re-signed point guard Tyus Jones.
Free agent guard Tyus Jones has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. Jones played a reserve role after joining Denver on the buyout market last season, and enters his 12th NBA season as his agent Kevin Bradbury of LIFT Sports Management… pic.twitter.com/OxPTfX8C7l
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2026
Jones played 11 regular season games for Denver last year and got into 3 post-season contests as well. The Nuggets are desperately lacking in point guards who can handle the rock, especially after they decided not to pick up the fourth-year option on fellow point guard Jalen Pickett. Denver liked Jones and his ability to handle on-ball pressure better in the playoffs, and obviously feel there is utility in having him on the 15-man roster for his passing acumen and mistake avoidance despite being a target at just 6 feet tall. They did not draft a point guard, so it’s possible Jones is the first PG off the bench for the Nuggets – but in recent years they’ve relied on players like Bruce Brown to shoulder some of those duties as well even if they’re not pure point guards, so it remains to be seen just how much court time Jones is going to get.
His 5:1 assist-to-turnover ratio in his career points to his high floor in ball security though, and the Nuggets have proven time and again over the past several years that they can be truly great if they don’t have silly turnovers. Jones comes back to the Mile High looking to help the Nuggets minimize their mistakes so they can maximize their talent.
Welcome back, Tyus!
The Fourth of July weekend is one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, and Denver is delivering a packed lineup of events for every kind of adventurer. Whether you’re looking to watch fireworks light up the Colorado sky, catch a live concert at Red Rocks, enjoy rooftop parties, indulge in seasonal food and drinks or explore the city’s thriving arts and culture scene, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day.
Here’s your guide to the best music, food, fireworks, nightlife, arts, and cultural events happening across Denver this Fourth of July weekend.
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Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
FASHION EVENTS
Denver Fashion Week Fall 2026 Second Model Auditions
Where: TBA
Cost: $10+
The Lowdown:
Following overwhelming demand from aspiring models across Colorado, Denver Fashion Week (DFW) has announced a second round of model auditions for its upcoming Fall/Winter 2026 runway season.
MUSIC EVENTS
Read: The Ultimate 4th of July Outdoor Colorado Music Guide
Gillian Grogan and EMMA ROSE
Where: Skylark Lounge – 140 S. Broadway
Cost: $18+
The Lowdown:
Zeds Dead with Sippy, Baauer, Holly, HYDRAULIX & LUMBERJVCK
Where: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – 18300 W Alameda Pkwy, Morrison
Cost: $205+
The Lowdown:
Flobots
Where: Levitt Pavilion Denver – 1380 W Florida Ave
Cost: $0+
The Lowdown:
Don Toliver with SahBabii, SoFaygo, Chase B
Where: Ball Arena – 1000 Chopper Cir
Cost: $105+
The Lowdown:
FOOD EVENTS
Read: Best Rooftops to Watch 4th of July Fireworks + Sip Cocktails in Denver
Dumpling Love: Dim Sum Party
Where: Stir Cooking School Highlands – 3215 Zuni St.
Cost: $120 per person
The Lowdown:
Join the dumpling party and learn how to make pork bao buns, shrimp shumai, pan-fried gyoza, and crab cheese rangoons. All classes include a full bar with beer, wine, and house-curated cocktails for purchase.
Stars, Stripes, and Deck Nights
Where: Woodie Fisher Kitchen & Bar – 1999 Chestnut Pl.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Celebrate America’s 250th with our festive Bomb Pop Drinks, featuring real Bomb Pops and High Noon buckets!
4th of July Rooftop Fiesta at Cimera
Where: The Source Hotel – 3330 Brighton Blvd.
Cost: $60+
The Lowdown:
The experience is an open rooftop gathering featuring live-fire cooking, craft cocktails, and skyline views throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy Peruvian street skewers, duck & chorizo paella, and ceviche prepared live on-site.
Farmers Market Central Park
Where: Central Park – 29th Ave & Roslyn
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Local vendors provide Colorado-grown produce, tasty baked goods, specialty meats, gourmet food items and more!
LIFESTYLE EVENTS
Mystic Magnolias; A Southern Gothic Cabaret
Where: Colorado Sake Co – 3559 Larimer St
Cost: $25+
The Lowdown:
Saunter yourself out to The Mystic Magnolias, a Burlesque AND Drag Show with chilling charm and dripping in Southern Gothic atmosphere.
America 250 | Colorado 150 Drone Show presented by Visit Denver
Where: DPAC/Denver Performing Arts Complex – 1400 Curtis St.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Following Sunset Cinema’s showing of National Treasure on July 3rd at Sculpture Park, stay to enjoy the 4th of July Drone Show! This special event will be brought to you by Visit Denver, celebrating American 250 | Colorado 150, including an appearance by Mayor Mike Johnston.
Beat The Bomb Summer Mission: America250 Edition
Where: Beat The Bomb – 3863 Steele St, Unit 1273
Cost: $39+
The Lowdown:
Beat The Bomb announces the limited-time-only Summer Mission: America250 Edition – celebrating America’s 250th with five new games, a collectible beach towel, and a red, white, and blue Paint Blast!
Independence Day Concert with Denver Municipal Band (Cheesman Park)
Where: Cheesman Park – 1900 E. 11th Ave.
Cost: Free
The Lowdown:
Price:Free
Join the Denver Municipal Band’s Concert Band for an Independence Day concert at Cheesman Park Pavilion with special guest Denver District 10 City Councilmember Chris Hinds narrating Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait.
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Whether you’re dancing at a concert, enjoying a garden dinner, cheering on your favorite soccer team or exploring a new exhibition, Denver offers plenty of ways to fill your 4th of July weekend calendar. Gather your friends, support local businesses, and discover something new around the city.
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