Denver Broncos @ Cincinnati Bengals - December 28, 2024

As the fans gather at Paycor Stadium this Saturday, they can expect an intriguing clash between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals. With oddsmakers favoring the Bengals by 8.5 points and setting a total of 45 for the game, there are several statistical trends to consider that will help shape our predictions.

Let’s start with Cincinnati’s recent form. They have shown resilience with a three-game winning streak, during which they’ve averaged an impressive 28.2 points per game. Their passing attack has been efficient, boasting a completion percentage of around 69% and averaging approximately 282 passing yards per game. This level of offensive productivity is likely to pose problems for any defense, especially considering that they’ve been able to maintain effectiveness on the ground as well—averaging about 92 rushing yards per game.

Now, while Cincinnati has performed well recently both in terms of their overall record (7-8 SU) and against the spread (9-6 ATS), it’s essential to note their mixed results at home where they’ve gone just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games at Paycor Stadium. However, when playing at home last week against Cleveland as -10 favorites, they comfortably covered while holding them to just six points.

On the other side of the field lies Denver—a team fighting hard but often falling short despite solid performances lately. The Broncos’ average score sits at about 24.2 points per game with a reliable running attack producing nearly 108 rushing yards weekly. They’ve also demonstrated decent efficiency through the air with roughly 218 passing yards on a completion rate close to 64%. Despite losing their last outing against Los Angeles, Denver remains formidable; they’re currently sitting at a strong record of 9-6 SU and an impressive mark of covering spreads (11-4 ATS).

Digging deeper into recent trends reveals that while Denver has fared well covering spreads lately (5-1 ATS in their past six contests), we must consider how these dynamics translate into Saturday’s match-up against Cincinnati’s high-flying offense.

From my analysis, I predict that although Cincinnati takes home another victory tonight due to their current momentum and offensive prowess; I believe that Denver will manage to cover the spread given its ability to keep games close in most instances—even when under duress—as seen from their competitive scores like those witnessed against top teams.

Moreover, regarding scoring projections: while both teams have exhibited “OVER” tendencies recently—Denver has gone OVER in eight out of its last eleven games—it seems reasonable based on historical performance metrics combined with defensive showings that this contest could fall below expectations set by oddsmakers for total points.

In summary: Expect Cincinnati’s firepower driving them toward victory over Denver; however anticipate the resilient Broncos not only keeping it tight enough but effectively covering that spread as well! Lastly, brace for what could be an UNDER outcome given each team’s propensity towards tighter defensive standpoints showcased earlier this season—making this match one worth tuning into!