The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson gives his scouting report for Monday night’s game between the Broncos (1-2) and Bengals (2-1) at Empower Field at Mile High. 

Offense 

After three games, the Broncos are still trying to find their offensive identity. They will look to establish the run early much better than in a 23-20 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. J.K. Dobbins had minus-4 yards in the first half but did finish with 83. Quarterback Bo Nix, off to a so-so start, should be helped by the return of tight end Evan Engram after he missed one game with a back injury. Replacement quarterback Jake Browning is trying to save the Bengals’ season after Joe Burrow was lost in Week 2 until at least December with a toe injury. Browning looked good filling in for Burrow for much of 2023, but not in a 48-10 loss at Minnesota in Week 3. To help Browning get it going, Cincinnati has the NFL’s best receiving duo in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Defense 

The Broncos are looking for their real defense to show up. They did hold Tennessee to 133 yards in the opener, but the Titans have perhaps the NFL’s worst offense. The Broncos have allowed an average of 424.5 yards in back-to-back losses to Indianapolis and the Chargers. But Browning can be rattled, and Denver outside linebacker Nik Bonitto is coming off a two-sack game. Cornerback Pat Surtain II is fired up about wanting to slow down Chase. The Bengals have a new defensive coordinator in Al Golden, but so far, it has been the same porous unit. They entered Week 4 No. 26 in the NFL in total defense and No. 25 in points allowed. But they do have edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season and has two so far in 2025. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Coaching 

Denver’s Sean Payton is well aware of the importance of Monday’s game. The Broncos can ill afford to start 1-3 with a date next Sunday at defending champion Philadelphia. With the Broncos having an extra day during the week to have a walkthrough and not having to travel, Payton has utilized the extra time to make what he hopes will be some refinements to Denver’s up-and-down offense. Cincinnati’s Zac Taylor is faced with the second time in three seasons to go a long period without Burrow. He did a reasonable job of it in 2023, when Browning went 4-3 as a starter. But it is now tougher due to the Bengals’ woeful ground game. Starting running back Chase Brown has 47 carries for a meager 93 yards. 

Advantage: Broncos 

Intangibles 

The Broncos have won six straight home games and are counting on Monday night for fans to be even more raucous than usual. After losing seven straight Monday games, the Broncos are 2-0 since Payton arrived in 2023. They won 24-22 at Buffalo in 2023 and 41-32 at home against Cleveland in 2024. Despite inconsistency on defense, Denver entered Week 4 tied for the NFL lead with 12 sacks. Cincinnati running back Samaje Perine figures to be fired up against his former team after he got much less work than he expected for Denver in 2023. He has just four carries for 21 yards this season, but could get more touches. While the loss to the Vikings was ugly, the Bengals have been solid on the road the past two seasons, going 7-4. They are 4-5 at home during that period. 

Advantage: Broncos