In order for the Cincinnati Bengals to make the playoffs, their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos is a must-win. Quarterback Joe Burrow said as much this week.
“Going forward every game is a must-win if we want to get to the playoffs,” Burrow said. “You know, we got to control what we can control and if we go out and win all the games that we're capable of winning, we control our destiny.”
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Why is this a must-win game for the Bengals?
Because of two reasons: Overall record (7-6) and ensuring the team would win the head-to-head tie-breaker over the Broncos if it came down to it.
The Broncos and Bengals have the same record and resemble each other in a way. Cincinnati started the season hot while the Broncos struggled out of the gates.
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Now, the Broncos are winning more consistently and the Bengals are in the midst of a two-game losing skid. Both teams are trying to figure out their identity in December.
Here's how the Bengals can get back on track with a win in Denver:
Start fast on offense
The Bengals will go as their offense goes. Cincinnati's defense is good enough to keep them in games. Far too many times this season the Bengals have started games slow and although early in the season they were able to overcome it to win games, recently that hasn't been the case.
In Cincinnati's recent two losses, the Bengals have spotted the Chargers and 49ers at least two scores in the first quarter before answering on offense.
Against the Broncos on the road, the Bengals can't afford to do that. If Cincinnati is able to get up on Denver early by scoring often in the first half, the odds will be in the Bengals favor to win.
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The Broncos' strength on offense is their rushing attack and if Cincinnati makes Teddy Bridgewater and Denver one-dimensional by forcing them to throw, the advantage would be given to the Bengals with how they've played on defense all season.
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Limit the turnovers
Whether it's a Burrow interception, a Ja'Marr Chase drop, a Joe Mixon fumble or a muffed punt on special teams, turnovers have played a significant role in the Bengals' recent two losses.
Over the next four games, Cincinnati can help itself immensely if it doesn't commit any self-inflicted wounds. Especially on the road as turnovers are hard to overcome in a hostile environment.
The Bengals need to play a clean game across the board to leave Denver with a win.
Let Joe Burrow cook
The pressure is on Joe Burrow to lead the Bengals to a place they haven't been since 2015 -- the playoffs.
And while sometimes pressure can break an individual, this isn't the case with Burrow. Cincinnati's franchise quarterback thrives in pressure situations and the opportunity to lead his team.
He's playing as well as he has in his career in terms of accuracy and explosive plays.
The Bengals of course want to be balanced on offense and will give running back Joe Mixon his carries, but at the end of the day, it's Burrow's show. Expect to see Burrow continue to target wide receiver Tee Higgins who is coming off three consecutive games with over 100 receiving yards.
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