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Broncos vs. Bengals: 3 takeaways from Denver’s 28-3 home victory in Week 4

By September 29, 2025 | updated 1 month ago

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) runs for the end zone for a touchdown during the 1st quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (The Gazette, Jerilee Bennett)

The Broncos defeated the Bengals, 28-3, inside Empower Field at Mile High on Monday night. 

Here are three takeaways from the home win. 

Early lead 

The Broncos went three-and-out on their first offensive possession with a delay of game penalty. But things improved quickly, with three scoring drives. Quarterback Bo Nix rushed in for a 6-yard touchdown. Wide receiver Marvin Mims took a reverse 16 yards into the end zone. Then Nix hit Courtland Sutton for a 20-yard touchdown. The Broncos led 21-3 at halftime. They missed an earlier opportunity when Nix threw a fourth-down interception in the red zone. But it was the fast start Denver needed against an underwhelming Bengals team without starting quarterback Joe Burrow.  

Sutton stars 

Get the football to No. 14. That appeared to be the early game plan with Sutton putting on a show. The veteran wide receiver, in the first half alone, caught all five of his targets for 81 yards and a touchdown. Sutton did not record a catch in the second half as Denver mostly bled out the clock against an inferior opponent. But Sutton’s usage has certainly increased since Week 2, when he finished with just one catch for 6 yards. The Nix-Sutton connection is easily one of Denver’s most reliable options on offense. 

Engram assessment 

Tight end Evan Engram returned after a one-game absence due to a back injury. His first target resulted in an incompletion because his second foot hit out of bounds on the sideline. He later dropped a pass from Nix. Engram, 31, looks more like an aging veteran than the supposed “Joker” that coach Sean Payton covets on offense. He’s already dealt with calf and back issues since joining the team in free agency. It’s possible that Engram just needs more time adjusting to Payton’s offense. But right now, Adam Trautman is clearly the team’s top-producing tight end. 

Kyle Fredrickson

Reporter

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