Bengals vs Broncos: Who the experts are taking in Week 15

On Sunday, two 7-6 teams will vie for playoff positioning: the Cincinnati Bengals travel to face the Denver Broncos in one of the most intriguing matchups in Week 15.

Either team could very plausibly come away with the win.

The Bengals suffered a shattering loss against the San Francisco 49ers last week, but the good news is Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase are connecting well again.

Joe Mixon recorded one of his least productive games in Week 14, but he’ll look to bounce back against a Broncos defense that ranks 10th against the run in total rushing yards.

Similarly, Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon will put Cincy’s defense to the test after both left the Texans’ D in the dust last week.

Both Williams and Gordon are dealing with minor injuries, though, so the Bengals might be at a slight advantage when it comes to bottling up Denver’s run offense.

What else should fans expect?

Here’s what the experts have to say about Week 15:

Expert picks for Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos

• Justin Bales (Pro Football Network) – Bengals 20, Broncos 17
• Pete Prisco (CBS Sports) – Bengals 23, Broncos 21
• Sam Farmer (LA Times) – Bengals 27, Broncos 23
• Brad Gagnon (Bleacher Report) – Bengals 23, Broncos 21

The general consensus is a Bengals win in Week 15, but as you can see, the scores are painfully close. This game could be decided by rookie kicker Evan McPherson (and we all know how much Taylor likes to go for the field goal.)

Bales of Pro Football Network likes Cincinnati’s high-powered offense but emphasizes the importance of the Bengals slowing down Williams:

"Cincinnati’s offense boasts more upside, although I trust Denver’s defense slightly more with the home-field advantage. One of the keys in this game will be whether the Bengals’ run defense can slow down a surging Javonte Williams. Although I don’t expect Cincinnati to stop the rookie running back, I expect them to slow him down."

Gagnon of Bleacher Report also believes Cincinnati is capable of snapping their two-game losing streak on Sunday:

"The Bengals haven’t lost three consecutive games all season, and they have impressive road wins over Pittsburgh, Baltimore and Las Vegas under their belt. I fully expect them to break out of a two-game mini-slump against a team that has lacked consistency all year."

It goes without saying this game carries huge playoff implications for Cincinnati, who on paper have the better team. This season, Joe Burrow has found success throwing to all three of his star wideouts while Teddy Bridgewater has viable receiver options but falls flat in the passing game.

Week 15’s matchup could end up being a real nail-biter, and here’s hoping Taylor doesn’t screw this one up, too.