Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) reacts after making a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

Cincinnati Bengals Have Golden Opportunity on Monday Night Football vs Denver Broncos

Originally posted on Cincinnati Bengals on SI
By James Rapien | Last updated Sep 29, 2025 2:54 PM ET

DENVER — Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow may be out until late December, but Cincinnati has a golden opportunity on Monday night.

The Bengals have a chance to improve to 3-1 for the first time since 2021. Not only would a win over the Broncos keep them tied with the Steelers for first place in the AFC North, but it would give them a two game lead over the Baltimore Ravens.

Jake Browning, Ja'Marr Chase and the Bengals could put themselves in an advantageous position with a win.

The Ravens were considered the favorites to win the AFC North coming into the season. Not only have they started 1-3, but they're dealing with multiple injuries.

Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Baltimore's Week 4 loss to the Chiefs and could miss time. Star pass rusher Nnamdi Madubuike is out for the season due to a neck injury and cornerback Marlon Humphrey is expected to be out for multiple weeks due to a calf injury.

The Bengals may not have Burrow, but the AFC is wide open. If they can find a way to beat the Broncos, they would put themselves in an advantageous position entering the month of October.

Upcoming Schedule

Getting to 3-1 would also give the Bengals a little wiggle room with some tough games on the schedule. Detroit comes to town to play the Bengals in Week 5. The Lions are 8.5-point favorites.

The Bengals go back on the road to play the Packers in Week 6 and then they play the Steelers on Thursday Night Football in Week 7 at Paycor Stadium.

Entering that stretch with a 3-1 record would be ideal. It'll be much easier said than done of course. The Denver Broncos are 1-2 on the season and need a win to avoid their second 1-3 start under head coach Sean Payton.