The Denver Broncos are 13-2 SU over their last 15 games against the Cincinnati Bengals but have a question mark at quarterback as they try to extend that run.
Broncos vs. Bengals: Betting odds, spread, preview and ‘Monday Night Football’ pick
Denver and Cincinnati are both motivated for the Week 16 Monday night game, but the odds say the visiting Broncos will beat the Bengals. So does the Odds Shark computer.
Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
The Broncos list Peyton Manning as questionable with a thigh problem, but he was expected to play in their Monday Night Football matchup at Paul Brown Stadium at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Denver was a 3.5-point road favorite, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com. In what should be a close game throughout, look for Denver to eventually pull away and secure a win and cover on the road as a 3.5-point favorite.
OddsShark Computer Prediction: Denver 30.9, Cincinnati 23.5
For the third straight game last week, Denver picked up a win over a solid AFC opponent without Peyton Manning putting up big numbers. Manning has taken on the role of game manager of late, passing only 20 times in a 22-10 win over San Diego last Sunday.
Over their current 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS stretch, the Broncos have relied heavily on the running game and their defense, which has allowed only 14.3 points per game. The Broncos are 6-2 SU and ATS in their last eight games as a road favorite.
With a 30-0 win over Cleveland last week, the Cincinnati Bengals improved to 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS over their last five games. Monday night’s game against Denver is a big test for Cincinnati; after losing 43-17 to New England and 27-0 to Indianapolis this year, the Bengals would love to prove that they can hang with one of the AFC’s elite teams before the postseason begins.
The Bengals are 4-0 SU and ATS in their last four games as a home underdog.
Monday night’s total is set at 47.5 points. The OVER is 4-1 in Cincinnati’s last five home games, according to the OddsShark NFL Database, and 9-3 in Cincinnati’s last 12 games as a home underdog.
Denver is still in the hunt for home field advantage throughout the playoffs and will be looking to lock up a first-round bye this week. Cincinnati can lock up a playoff spot with a win, but win or lose, next week’s game against Pittsburgh will be for the AFC North title.
Denver’s recent form against quality opponents gives the Broncos the edge at -3.5.
