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It may not be the quarterback matchup anyone expected, but it's the one they'll get when the Denver Broncos take on the Cincinnati Bengals on "Monday Night Football." (Follow Jets vs. Dolphins live updates.)
The Bengals were forced to make a quarterback change after Joe Burrow's injury with Jake Browning assuming the starting job. His performances in Weeks 2 and 3 didn't inspire much confidence that the Bengals can tread water without their QB1. Browning has already thrown five interceptions in 59 passing attempts, continuing a concerning trend for the backup that stems back to prior relief appearances.
Bo Nix also hasn't had much fortune in his second season. The sophomore gunslinger has thrown three picks through three games, but it's been more about the overthrows and misses than the ones that have landed in opponents' hands.
Still, the Bengals and Broncos are two teams expected to vie for an AFC wild-card spot, and jockeying position could prove vital in this matchup, even if it's only Week 4.
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USA TODAY Sports will provide updates, highlights and more for the "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Broncos and Bengals below. All times are Eastern.
Broncos vs. Bengals live score
The Broncos lead the Bengals 14-3 in the second quarter.
Bengals go three-and-out
Three straight Browning incompletions limited Cincinnati's possession to just three plays after the Broncos extended their lead to 11 points.
A terrific 69-yard punt by Ryan Rehkow pushed Denver to its own 30-yard line to begin its drive with just over eight minutes left in the half.
Broncos extend lead with Marvin Mims' 16-yard rush
The Denver receiver took the handoff on a jet sweep and raced down the left sideline to get in the end zone for the Broncos' second rushing touchdown of the game. Mims' 16 yards rushing are the most of any Broncos player so far on Monday night.
The Broncos' lead is up to 14-3 with 8:48 to go in the first half.
Penalty-ridden Bengals drive ends with a punt
Cincinnati had a couple of bright moments in its drive to open the second quarter, but multiple penalties -- an illegal formation, false start and back-to-back delay of game calls -- killed the possession in Bengals territory. Ryan Rehkow punted the ball away after his delay of game penalty, and his kick sailed into the end zone for a touchback.
The Broncos will take over on their own 20-yard line with a 7-3 lead and 11:52 remaining in the half.
Jake Browning's best throw of the night called back
Browning made a picture-perfect toss to Higgins down the sideline for what looked like a 36-yard gain, but an illegal formation penalty on Amarius Mims nixed the big gain. Referees flagged a second straight penalty before the following first down play when left guard Dylan Fairchild flinched for a false start.
Instead of having the ball in the red zone, the Bengals face a 1st-and-20 on their own 39-yard line.
End of first quarter: Broncos 7, Bengals 3
Two long scoring drives book-ended a couple of short ones that ended in punts. Denver's score was for seven points though after Nix's scramble, and they lead as the second quarter begins.
The Bengals have the ball at their own 36-yard line to begin the second period.
Bo Nix takes off with scramble TD
Nix gave the Broncos the lead when he scrambled to his right for a six-yard touchdown run. It was the second-year quarterback's first rushing score of the season and capped off a nine-play, 64-yard drive.
Denver now leads, 7-3, with 17 seconds left in the first quarter.
Refs make questionable call on fourth down
On a 4th-and-2 play just shy of midfield, quarterback Jake Browning appeared to draw a Broncos defensive lineman offsides with a hard count. Instead, the referees announced a false start penalty on Bengals center Ted Karras, pushing Cincinnati back five yards and forcing them to punt.
ESPN's rules analyst, Russell Yurk, chimed in on the broadcast to say he disagreed with the call, noting Karras did lift his head while saying it wasn't "abrupt."
What is the 5280 on Broncos helmets?
The Broncos play at elevation thanks to Denver's geographic location in the Rocky Mountains. The 5,280 on the team's helmets reflects the 5,280 feet -- the equivalent of one mile -- that Empower Field at Mile High's altitude above sea level is.
Broncos go 3-and-out on first possession
Denver's first possession was over quickly. Three plays and eight yards after the Broncos' offense took the field, the punt team entered to boot the ball back to Cincinnati.
Broncos vs Bengals score: Bengals take the lead first
Cincinnati marched the ball 62 yards down the field on the first possession of the game, but its offense stalled in the red zone. After quarterback Jake Browning's fade attempt to Tee Higgins fell incomplete, Evan McPherson knocked through a 26-yard field goal.
It's 3-0 Bengals after six minutes, and the Broncos' offense is preparing to take the field for their first drive.
Where to watch Broncos vs. Bengals
With ESPN broadcasting the New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins matchup, Broncos vs. Bengals will air on ABC. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will have the call.
When will Joe Burrow return?
Burrow's absence is expected to be of the long-term variety. The Bengals quarterback is dealing with a Grade 3 turf toe injury that will keep him out a minimum of three months.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor revealed Burrow would require surgery to repair the injury. The 42-year-old coach declined to provide a further update about when – or if – the quarterback would be able to return to action.
That said, the reported timeline would put Burrow on track to return at some point in December at the earliest – barring any setbacks.
Burrow's potential return could also depend on whether the Bengals can remain in the AFC playoff race in his absence. - Jacob Camenker
What time is Denver Broncos game today vs. Bengals?
The Broncos and Bengals are set for kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday night. The Bengals travel to Empower Field at Mile High for the tilt.
What happened to Joe Burrow?
The Bengals superstar passer suffered Grade 3 turf toe in Week 2 and subsequently underwent surgery to repair the ailment following Week 2.
Is Joe Burrow out for the season?
The Bengals quarterback has been placed on Injured Reserve, but has not been ruled out for the 2025 season. There is a slim window for the passer to return in late December, should his rehab go accordingly.
Who are the 'Monday Night Football' announcers for ESPN?
ESPN's main crew is on the call in Denver tonight. Joe Buck (play-by-play) and Troy Aikman (analyst) will be in the broadcast booth for ESPN, with Lisa Salters (sideline) and Laura Rutledge (sideline) and Russell Yurk (rules analyst) providing additional coverage.
ESPN's secondary broadcast crew of Chris Fowler (play-by-play), Louis Riddick (game analyst), Dan Orlovsky (game analyst), Peter Schrager (sideline reporter) and Katie George (sideline reporter) is calling the Jets vs. Dolphins game.
Bengals inactives vs Broncos
Broncos inactives vs. Bengals
Who's the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals?
Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, who has stepped in for the injured Joe Burrow, has played in 14 career games, starting eight, and has a 4-4 record overall. His first starts came in 2023, when he started seven games.
In two games for the Bengals this season, he’s completed 67.8% of his passes for 381 yards, 3 TDs and 5 INTs for a passer rating of 67.1. In a Week 3 loss to the Vikings, Browning completed 19 of 27 passes (70.4%) for 140 yards, a TD, and two INTs for a 63.8 passer rating.
Over his three-year career, Browning has completed 69.9% of his passes for 2,317 yards, 15TDs and 12 INTs.
Ja'Marr Chase stats
Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase has recorded 21 catches on 27 targets for 241 yards (80.3 per game) and a touchdown.
What channel is Broncos vs Bengals game on tonight?
- TV channel: ABC
How long is Joe Burrow out?
Burrow is expected to miss a minimum of three months because of a turf toe injury, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. The star quarterback will have surgery to repair the ailment.
Bengals QB depth chart
The Bengals have three quarterbacks in their organization at present:
- Jake Browning
- Brett Rypien
- Sean Clifford (Practice squad)
- Mike White (Practice squad)
Broncos break out new uniform combination for ‘MNF’
The Dolphins weren’t the only team that literally looked different Monday night. Denver’s second season with QB Bo Nix coincides with its second season in its new-ish uniforms. But the Broncos will wear a monochrome “Midnight Navy” combination for the first time against Cincinnati. Denver wore its dark jerseys just once in 2024, topped with an alternate white helmet, in a memorable Monday night victory over Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns on Dec. 2.
Bengals vs. Broncos point spread, odds
Monday Night Football schedule
There are two "Monday Night Football" matchups on Monday to close out Week 4. The Jets travel to Miami to face the Dolphins, while the Bengals travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.
- 7:15 p.m. ET: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
- 8:15 p.m. ET: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Is Joe Burrow playing vs. Broncos?
No. Bengals superstar quarterback Joe Burrow suffered Grade 3 turf toe in Week 2 and subsequently underwent surgery to repair the ailment following Week 2.
Joe Burrow injury update
Burrow will be out for a minimum of three months, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported last week. Burrow has been placed on injured reserve, but has not been ruled out for the 2025 season. There is a slim window for the passer to return in late December, should his rehab go accordingly.
Broncos vs. Bengals prediction
The Broncos defense hasn't quite played up to standard so far this season, with their coverage grade ranking amongst the lowest in the NFL, per PFF. That could mean one of two things: Their defense will get right against Jake Browning, who has been relatively careless with the ball or Browning will take advantage of a bad coverage unit with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The vote here is for the former.
Prediction: Broncos 23, Bengals 13
Jake Browning stats
Over his three-year career, Browning has completed 69.9% of his passes for 2,317 yards, 15TDs and 12 INTs.
Jake Browning passing yards last game
In a Week 3 loss to the Vikings, Browning competed 19 of 27 passes (70.4%) for 140 yards, a TD and two INTs for a 63.8 passer rating.
Bo Nix stats
The second-year passer has looked like a second-year passer through three starts so far this season: 535 passing yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs, 64.2% completion rate, 83.4 passer rating.
Bo Nix passing yards last game
In a Week 3 loss to the Chargers, Nix completed just 56% of his passes (14 of 25) for 153 yards and a touchdown.
Marvin Mims stats
Broncos wideout Marvin Mims has gotten off to a slow start this season as he looks to build on his promising 2024 season. The Broncos pass catcher has tallied the following: Six catches (10 targets), 40 yards, one TD, 13.3 yards per game.
Courtland Sutton stats
The Denver Broncos receiver and No. 1 target of Bo Nix has again been a favorite target early this season.
- 13 receptions (21 targets)
- 185 yards
- 2 touchdowns
- 61.7 yards per game
Broncos uniforms tonight vs. Bengals
Denver is wearing midnight navy uniforms at home against Cincinnati.
Where to watch New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins
Jets vs. Dolphins will air on ESPN. Chris Fowler, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick will be on the call for the broadcast.
Broncos vs. Bengals live stream
- Live stream: Fubo
Those looking to live stream the game can look to Fubo. Fubo carries ABC, as well as CBS, Fox, NBC, NFL Network and the ESPN family of networks, meaning you'll get to catch NFL action all season long.
Watch "Monday Night Football" with Fubo (free trial)
Is there a Manningcast tonight?
No, there will not be a Manningcast broadcast in Week 4. Peyton and Eli Manning will return to screens in Week 5, when they broadcast the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars.
What happened to Joe Burrow?
The Bengals superstar passer suffered Grade 3 turf toe in Week 2 and subsequently underwent surgery to repair the ailment following Week 2.
Broncos defense ranking
The Broncos defense is ranked ninth in the NFL in passing yards allowed (728) and sixth in rushing yards allowed (334).
Denver Broncos' record
The Broncos enter their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals at 1-2. They started off the 2025 season with a win over the Tennessee Titans, but followed that up with losses to the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers.
What is the Cincinnati Bengals' record?
The Bengals enter their matchup with the Broncos at 2-1. They opened the season with wins over the Browns and Bengals, but were trounced by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3.
Broncos vs. Bengals injury report
Broncos schedule 2025
Bengals schedule 2025
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Who owns the Denver Broncos?
Greg Penner is in his fourth season as owner and chief executive officer of the Denver Broncos in 2025. He is designated as controlling owner of the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which was unanimously approved by the NFL to purchase the Broncos on Aug. 9, 2022 for a then-record $4.65 billion.
AFC West standings
The Broncos enter "Monday Night Football" in third place in the AFC West. Here's how the division stacks up:
- Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)
- Kansas City Chiefs (2-2)
- Denver Broncos (2-1)
- Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
AFC North standings
The Bengals look to climb the divisional standings and stay ahead of the 1-3 Ravens and Browns.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
- Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
- Baltimore Ravens (1-3)
- Cleveland Browns (1-3)
Rudi Johnson, former Bengals player, dies at 45
Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson died on Sept. 23.
Johnson was 45.
"Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us," Bengals owner and team president Mike Brown said in a statement. "He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing."
The 100th overall pick of the 2001 NFL Draft played eight seasons in the NFL, seven of them with the Bengals and one with the Detroit Lions. In 95 career games, he compiled 1,517 carries for 5,979 yards and 49 touchdowns. His 5,742 yards with Cincinnati are the fourth-most in the franchise's history. His 48 rushing touchdowns with the Bengals are second-most.
Latest Super Bowl odds
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NFL Week 4 scores
Thursday, Sept. 25
- Seattle Seahawks 23, Arizona Cardinals 20
Sunday, Sept. 28
- Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Minnesota Vikings 21 (Dublin game)
- Houston Texans 26, Tennessee Titans 0
- New York Giants 21, Los Angeles Chargers 18
- Atlanta Falcons 34, Washington Commanders 27
- Buffalo Bills 31, New Orleans Saints 19
- Philadelphia Eagles 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25
- Detroit Lions 34, Cleveland Browns 10
- New England Patriots 42, Carolina Panthers 13
- Jacksonville Jaguars 26, San Francisco 49ers 21
- Los Angeles Rams 27, Indianapolis Colts 20
- Kansas City Chiefs 37, Baltimore Ravens 20
- Chicago Bears 25, Las Vegas Raiders 24
- Dallas Cowboys 40, Green Bay Packers 40 (Sunday Night Football)
Monday, Sept. 29
- 7:15 p.m. ET: Miami Dolphins at New York Jets
- 8:15 p.m. ET: Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Broncos vs. Bengals live updates: Monday Night Football game score, highlights, stats
Reporting by Joe Rivera, Tom Viera and Jack McKessy, USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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