Michael Hull

Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the Bengals' 2025 opponents. We will continue with the Denver Broncos.

2024

Denver entered 2024 with a new quarterback, drafting Oregon QB Bo Nix in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Nix had a successful rookie campaign, tossing 29 touchdowns and running for four more. As an offense, Denver ranked 10th in points per game (25.0).

The Broncos were built on their defense last season, allowing the third-fewest points per game (18.3) and the seven-fewest yards per game (317.1).

The Broncos finished 10-7, making the playoffs before losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card.

Offseason Changes

The rich got richer on the defensive side of the ball, as the Broncos invested in the defense in free agency. They signed a pair of 49ers in LB Dre Greenlaw and S Talanoa Hufanga and brought back DT D.J. Jones. Denver also signed former Jaguars TE Evan Engram to give Nix another target on offense.

The Broncos also drafted CB Jahdae Barron out of Texas in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, adding another corner to a group that includes 2024 Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II. They then added RB RJ Harvey in the second round out of UCF and WR Pat Bryant from Illinois in the third round. The Broncos hope Harvey will help a rushing attack that ranked 16th in rushing yards per game.

Coaching Staff

Head coach Sean Payton enters his third season with the Broncos after spending 15 years with the New Orleans Saints. Payton won Super Bowl XLIV with New Orleans and ranks fifth among active coaches and 17th all time with 179 career wins (regular season and playoffs).

Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi came to the Broncos in 2023 with Payton after spending the 2021-22 season as the Chargers' offensive coordinator. Under Lombardi, the Broncos have ranked in the top-10 in interceptions (fifth, 21) and touchdowns (ninth, 58).

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also enters his third year as the Broncos defensive coordinator. This is his second stint with Denver, serving as the team's head coach in 2017 and 2018. After a stint with the Cardinals as their defensive coordinator from 2019-22, Payton brought him back to the Mile High City. Over the past two seasons, Joseph's defense has recorded the second-most sacks (105) and seventh-most takeaways (50) in the NFL.

Series History

The Broncos and Bengals have matched up 34 times. Cincinnati has won the last two meetings, including an overtime thriller in Week 17 last season at Paycor Stadium.

What To Watch For

Surtain II, fresh off his DPOY award, will match up with Triple Crown winner WRJaMarr Chase. In the 2024 rendition, Chase recorded nine receptions for 102 yards, but he had three catches for 27 yards when covered by Surtain. Meanwhile, Barron could potentially see some snaps against WRTee Higgins, who lit Denver up for three touchdowns and 131 yards on 11 catches in 2024.