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Andy Dalton and the Bengals defense face their toughest challenge so far this season against Von Miller and the Broncos. The Bengals are the home team for the first time this season, and the Broncos are also making their road debut. Vegas likes the home team over Broncos and the inexperienced Siemian, favoring the Bengals by 3.5 according to OddsShark.com.
These teams met last year in Denver, with the Broncos winning 20-17 in overtime. In that game, between backups AJ McCarron and Brock Osweiler, the Broncos got a late touchdown on a huge run from CJ Anderson. If they want to remain undefeated on Sunday, they’ll need a steady diet of Anderson against a Bengals defense that has struggled. The Bengals are last in rushing yards allowed, having surrendered 438 yards on the ground through two weeks.
The Bengals have problems in the run game, and it’s not just on defense. They’re 31st in rushing offense, and that’s a bad omen for Sunday’s home opener. If the Bengals get into obvious passing downs because of their struggling run game, the Broncos blitz will put Andy Dalton in real trouble. Dalton’s already been sacked eight times this season.
That makes Andy Dalton the most important player in Sunday’s game. Dalton is the reason the Bengals are favored, completing over 60 percent of passes with 732 total yards. The majority of those yards have gone to A.J. Green, who has 218 yards to open the season.
While Green can catch the jump ball, Denver’s pressure will likely suffocate the Bengals offense. The only concern is, as usual, the offense and their ability to stay on the field. If Siemian and Anderson can keep the defense fresh, they should demolish a struggling Bengals line.
Heavy’s Pick: Broncos 23 Bengals 9. Broncos +3.5. Under on the point total.