Bengals vs Broncos Expert's Take: Joe Burrow needs to be on high alert against Denver's defense

Saturday afternoon will have all the makings of a playoff game in the Queen City. A national audience will tune in to find out if the Cincinnati Bengals (7-8) can keep their slim playoff chances alive by defeating the Denver Broncos (9-6). 

Only one of these teams can make the postseason. If the Bengals win, they still need plenty of help from other teams to secure their spot. If the Broncos come out on top, they'll lock in a playoff spot. 

To best prepare for Cincinnati's final home game of the year, we turned to A to Z Sports AFC West writer Justin Churchill to learn more about what Denver will bring to Paycor Stadium.

JS: As a contender for Rookie of the Year, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is certainly better than what many expected him to be as a rookie. How has Sean Payton’s offense helped him transition into the NFL so quickly?

JC: I think Payton's offense has helped Nix so well because he has literally taken things from Oregon, and the offense that Nix ran there, and implemented things into his scheme that make Nix comfortable. And, as a rookie, that has to be something that gives Nix the ultimate confidence. It also helps that his play calling has been much better, and he's getting a large amount of yards after the catch from some of his receivers in the screen game.

JS: Denver has a pass rushing unit that makes the Bengals very jealous. Out of Nik Bonitto, Johnathon Cooper, John Franklin-Myers, and Zach Allen, which one is most valuable and which one is the most under-appreciated in your mind?

JC: Bonitto has to be a guy that isn't getting quite the national love he should be. The guy has two pick sixes as well, although one is registered as a fumble recovery because of it being a backward pass by a wide receiver. He's reading the game at an elite level, and has made such a huge jump this year. Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph has a bunch of guys whom the casual fan doesn't know cooking.