Stick here for live updates and analysis as Denver takes on the Bengals in Cincinnati. Live updates Pre-game updates Scouting report (10 a.m.): Check out how the Broncos match up with the Bengals in Ryan McFadden’s scouting report. Game predictions Parker Gabriel, beat writer: Bengals 24, Broncos 20 Denver’s first chance to clinch a postseason spot went begging in Los Angeles. Now its second comes against a desperate, high-powered offense on the road. That’s tough duty. Can Sean Payton’s team win in Cincinnati? Sure. Will it? Not without playing perhaps its most complete game of the season. Ryan McFadden, beat writer: Bengals 28, Broncos 27 The Bengals have had their fair share of struggles. However, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have been playing at a high level while Denver’s defense has been inconsistent in recent weeks. This game should come down to the wire, but Nix and company won’t be able to keep up with Cincinnati in the end. Troy Renck, columnist: Broncos 30, Bengals 29 The reverse lock theory is a baseball axiom where you pick the team that has no business winning based on the matchup. The Broncos have defied expectations this season and played their best when people expect the least of them. Bo Nix will throw for 300 yards and Pat Surtain II will make a late play in coverage to secure the upset and Denver’s first playoff berth since 2015. Sean Keeler, columnist: Broncos 28, Bengals 26 Joe Burrow’s so hot right now, he just bought all of his offensive linemen authentic Japanese katanas. But that sword cuts both ways, my friend, as the Bengals are 0-7 this season against teams with a winning record. Riley Moss could be a massive boost — but it’s up to Bo Nix and this offense to score 28 or more, on the road, to become the Grinch that steals Cincy’s playoff hopes. Broncos-Bengals NFL Week 17: Must-reads Broncos’ inside-out build has worked so far, but playoff hopes ride on leaning in further: “It always comes down to blocking” Related Articles Denver Broncos | Broncos’ inside-out build has worked so far, but playoff hopes ride on leaning in further: “It always comes down to blocking” Denver Broncos | Renck & File: Sean Payton as Santa Claus? Broncos coach will be in his bag vs. Bengals Denver Broncos | Broncos Journal: Jim Leonhard on Denver’s talented young cornerbacks: “They’re only scratching the surface” Denver Broncos | NFL Picks: Lamar Jackson should win his third MVP. There’s no need to think twice about it Denver Broncos | Broncos scouting report: How Denver matches up with Bengals and predictions This is what the Broncos are built to do. It’s what head coach Sean Payton set out to forge from the day he took the job two years ago. And now comes a critical juncture at which Denver will put its eight-year playoff drought on the line and its inside-out building project to the test against a Cincinnati team that’s got real problems on both lines but terrific perimeter talent. “That’s what this group has prepared for,” Meinerz told The Denver Post. “It’s what we’ve built on from Day 1 when this staff came in is being ready for the big moments. We talk about the moment of truth all the time and that’s these type of games. That’s these type of two-minute drills. That’s these type of end-of-game, end-of-half scenarios that we’ve been training for for two years now at this point.” Read Parker Gabriel’s full story. Broncos’ Pat Surtain II vs. Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase provides must-watch theater: “Both those guys, man, they’re something” There’s good-on-good in the NFL. Then there’s Pat Surtain II vs. Ja’Marr Chase. The Denver cornerback and Cincinnati wide receiver could see each other often Saturday afternoon when their teams collide in a game with major playoff implications. Each has authored a dominant start to his professional career. And each is putting together his most dominant work yet this fall. Read Parker Gabriel’s full story. Renck: Get to 10 requires gifts from 10. Broncos’ Bo Nix primed to deliver vs. Bengals. Merry Nixmas. And Happy New Year? Bo Nix and the Broncos have exceeded expectations, posting their first winning season since 2016. But the joy they have brought Broncos Country also makes them prisoners of their success. We are a society defined by instant gratification. Puzzles and government bonds were not under the tree Wednesday. More like drones and Teenage Mutant Ninja Mayhem Pizzafire Delivery Vans. Read Troy Renck’s column. Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.