Here we are, Broncos Country. Are we on the precipice of an end of an era we’d like nothing more than to forget? It’s been nearly a decade since the Denver Broncos have participated in the NFL’s postseason party. Will they finally get the invite?

Nobody expected these Broncos – a team led by a rookie quarterback and predicted to win just 5.5 games by the wise guys in Vegas – to be the team to end the drought. But they could be the ones to do it –this weekend, if all goes to plan. As it stands, the Broncos still have a great mathematical probability to make the playoffs, but it’s starting to feel pretty tight – nobody in Denver wants to rely on outside help or a season finale against the Chiefs.

Making the story more interesting, is “how” the Broncos got here. The meltdown against the Chargers, which could have guaranteed a spot in the tournament. The opt-in Thursday night game that allowed for more prep time this week, a questionable choice under any circumstance. The dynamic offense of the Bengals, who still has a shot at the postseason.

For better or worse, the table has been set.

So, the question is simple: Will the Broncos beat the Bengals? Why or why not?

For a few of our scribes, Christmas is over. No more gifts. No more bah humbug. Just back to the season at hand. Here’s what they had to say.

Dan Mohrmann
This might be one of the toughest games to judge for the Broncos this season. They have certainly seen their struggles against “good” teams like the Steelers, Ravens and Chargers. I’m not ready to say that the Bengals are a good team overall. The offense is nothing to scoff at, but with Riley Moss seemingly returning, this bodes well for Denver.

Cincinnati’s defense is atrocious. The Bengals are 26th in the league against the pass and they give up 146 rushing yards per game. This could be the game where the Broncos get a much-needed boost from the running backs – assuming that Sean Payton sticks with the run for two full halves.

My gut tells me Sean Payton comes into the game with a bit of a chip on his shoulder because of the way the Broncos lost last week and the backlash he faced as a result. I’m betting that he puts Bo Nix in a position to thrive on Saturday.

I think the Broncos win and clinch a playoff spot.

Mark Knudson
Time. Of. Possession.

That is the key for a Broncos victory.

Back in the ‘90’s Hall of Fame coach Bill Parcells faced a similar dilemma in the Super Bowl. No way his New York Giants could go toe-to-toe in a shootout with Hall of Fame QB Jim Kelly and the Buffalo Bills. Instead, Parcells deployed a ball control offense that ground out yards, ate the clock and kept Kelly & Co on the sidelines.

It worked. The Giants won a low scoring game.

Denver will not win an offensive shootout with the red hot Bengals offense in Cincy. They will win if they control the ball, score every chance they get against a poor Bengals defense, and keep Joe Burrow and Co on the sidelines.

Of course the best way to do that is to run it.

Will Sean Payton – a former Parcells assistant – agree?

Cody Roark
Yes, the Broncos will beat the Bengals. Denver’s young team locks in for the biggest moment of the year and rises to the occasion, proving that they belong in the conversation. A win here gives the Broncos increased validity.