Cincinnati Bengals vs Denver Broncos Betting Preview: Fading the Bengals Despite Joe Burrow's MVP Caliber Play

A well-known professional sports bettor whose name escapes me once said: "If you're in a ‘must-win', you must not be that good".

The Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) will host the Denver Broncos (9-6) at Paycor Stadium Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET in a game with major AFC playoff implications.

Both teams can clinch a playoff berth with a win in Week 17, but the Bengals will need some help in Week 18 to reach the postseason.

Here's everything you need to know about the Bengals-Broncos Week 17 matchup, including odds, spread, over/under, injuries and more.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos Week 17 Game Info

Date: Saturday, Jan. 7

Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

TV: NFL Network

Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos Week 17 Betting Odds

Broncos +3 (-118)

Broncos +3.5 (-118)

Broncos +4 (-118)

Bengals -3 (+102)

Bengals -3.5 (-108)

Bengals -4 (+108)

Over 44.5 (-118)

Under 44.5 (-108)

Broncos moneyline +140

Broncos to win AFC West +800

Broncos to win Super Bowl +4000

Bengals moneyline -160

Bengals to win AFC North +100

Bengals to win Super Bowl +1800

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos Week 17 Injuries

Broncos

Out: CB Damarri Mathis (knee), CB Michael Ojemudia (ankle), S P.J. Locke (ankle), OLB Baron Browning (knee)

Questionable: CB K'Waun Williams (calf)

Bengals

Out: CB Tre Flowers (knee), CB Jalen Davis (ankle), CB Cam Taylor-Britt (ankle), DT Josh Tupou (calf), OLB Joseph Ossai (ankle)

Questionable: CB Eli Apple (hip), CB Mike Hilton (knee), S Vonn Bell (foot), DT DJ Reader (knee)

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Bo Nix, Joe Burrow Matchup

Both teams will start backup quarterbacks in Week 17, but the experience level is vastly different.

Broncos rookie Bo Nix will make his second career start in place of the injured Russell Wilson, while Bengals third-year quarterback Joe Burrow will start his 43rd career game.

Burrow is having another strong season, completing 68.2% of his passes for 4,134 yards, 33 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He's also rushed for 160 yards and three touchdowns.

Nix has completed 60.7% of his passes for 324 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions in limited action this season. He's also rushed for 63 yards.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos Key Matchup

Broncos pass rush vs. Bengals offensive line

The Broncos have one of the best pass rushes in the NFL, ranking eighth in the league with 40 sacks.

Meanwhile, the Bengals have allowed 43 sacks this season, which is tied for the 10th-most in the NFL.

Broncos star edge rusher Bradley Chubb has 11 sacks this season, while fellow edge rusher Baron Browning has seven sacks.

The Bengals will need to keep Burrow upright and give him time to throw in order to have a chance to win this game.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos Prediction

Both teams are coming off losses in Week 16, but the Broncos have a chance to clinch a playoff berth with a win over the Bengals.

Meanwhile, the Bengals will need to win and get some help in Week 18 to reach the postseason.

This is a tough game to predict, but I'll take the Broncos to win and cover the spread at home.

Broncos 27, Bengals 24