Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals: What Are Experts Saying About Denver?

The Denver Broncos (11-3) will meet the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1) in a crucial AFC matchup in Week 16.

Not only will the game feature the AFC West and AFC North division leaders, but it will also be nationally televised on Monday Night Football.

The Bengals are coming off a dominating victory over the Cleveland Browns in which they forced quarterback Johnny Manziel into a poor debut performance.

Meanwhile, the Broncos earned a 22-10 road victory over the San Diego Chargers in which the Broncos got a season sweep of the Chargers, along with clinching the AFC West for the fourth year in a row.

Both teams will have major goals in front of them on Monday. The Bengals look to move closer to a division title, while the Broncos have their eyes on a first-round bye in the playoffs and perhaps home-field advantage.

So what are the experts saying about the Broncos heading into this game? Here, we'll take a look at what others had to say as we head into this matchup.

John Gruden: Peyton Manning's Struggles Are a Product of Defenses Team Is Seeing

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Appearing as a guest on the Mike & Mike radio show, ESPN analyst John Gruden was asked about Peyton Manning's recent struggles and whether or not it's more than just a slump.

Gruden chalked it up to the caliber of defenses the Broncos have been matched up against, as well as some of the defensive schemes Manning and his passing attack have faced.

Gruden did conclude by saying Manning could be beat up at this stage of the season, but he didn't sound worried despite the stats Mike Greenberg threw at him, including Manning attempting 15 less passes and having the second-most off-passes over the course of the last few weeks.

Manning has clearly not been the same quarterback Denver fans have gotten used to in the last three weeks. Whether or not something is physically wrong with Manning is up for debate.

But perhaps Gruden didn't sound concerned because of one key factor—the Broncos keep winning.

Troy Renck: Denver Defense Firing on All Cylinders

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Though the Broncos have attacked the league's record books with their high-powered offense in recent years, the defense is carrying the team down the stretch in 2014.

Troy Renck of The Denver Post points that out in a recent article. Renck notes that the Broncos have given up just 71.6 yards on the ground per game this season. They've also allowed a combined 26 points in their last two road games against Kansas City and San Diego.

This is all being done despite the team battling several injuries, particularly at the linebacker position.

Cornerback Aqib Talib was also honored recently, per Renck:

"

#Broncos Aqib Talib named AFC Defensive Player of the Week... Played his best game as bronco in win over #Chargers

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) December 17, 2014"

It's nice to see the defense being recognized for its efforts. The team has Peyton Manning and a running game that has been excellent since the coaching staff revised its offensive philosophy.

But without the way the defense is playing, the Broncos would be looking at a much different situation heading into the playoffs.

Mike Klis: Denver Remains at No. 2 in Power Rankings

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Mike Klis of The Denver Post puts out power rankings each week, and following their win over the Chargers, Klis kept the Broncos firmly in the No. 2 spot in the AFC—right behind New England.

This is fair because there is simply no way you can logically rank the Broncos ahead of the Patriots at this particular juncture of the season. It's also the same way just about anyone would rank the teams in the AFC.

Notably, Klis has the Cincinnati Bengals in the No. 4 position, which is accurate. The Bengals have to be seen as the weakest of all the division leaders in the AFC.

A win over the Broncos on Monday night would certainly change that, but a victory for the Broncos would not only keep them in line for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but they would have to command more consideration for the No. 1 spot in Klis' rankings next week.

Jeff Legwold: Broncos' Decision to Re-Sign Chris Harris a Great Move

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Despite having guys like Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas as potential free agents following this season, John Elway and the Denver front office chose to get cornerback Chris Harris a new contract before anyone.

ESPN's Jeff Legwold made sure to point that out here. Legwold also talked about former Denver cornerback Champ Bailey's high praise for Harris back when he was a rookie.

Just how good is Harris?

When was the last time you watched a Broncos game and didn't see Harris as one of the most effective players on the field?

Though guys like Richard Sherman, Joe Haden and Patrick Peterson are going to get more publicity, Harris is every bit as good and deserves to be talked about in the same breath.

Denver has a great cornerback in Aqib Talib whom it obtained through free agency following the 2013 season. The Broncos also have Bradley Roby, a player they selected in the first round of the 2014 draft who shows the signs of being a great player down the road.

But Harris is the best defensive back on the team, and though he was undrafted coming out of college, it's really not even close. Per 104.3 The Fan's Vic Lombardi:

"

Easy. Chris Harris is still the best CB on this team. Deserves every penny of new contract.

— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) December 14, 2014"

On the season, Harris has 48 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one sack and three interceptions. His 15 passes defended are already a career high, and the team still has two games to play.

Harris is only getting better, and the best may be yet to come. Legwold is exactly right: The Broncos made an excellent choice with the re-signing of Harris.

John Breech: Bengals Will Pull the Upset on 'Monday Night Football'

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Citing reasons such as Andy Dalton never losing the game before Christmas and the Bengals' 9-3 record in December since 2012, John Breech of CBSSports.com feels they can pull the upset over Denver.

Breech has the game finishing 23-20 in Cincinnati's favor.

Though Breech brings up some good stats, he failed to mention the fact that the Broncos are 11-1 in December since 2012. Six of those 10 wins have come on the road.

In those games, the Broncos have averaged 31.08 points per game.

Though the Bengals currently sit atop the AFC North and will present a tough road challenge for the Broncos, there's nothing to suggest that the Bengals will win this game other than Breech's own hunch.