Ricky Dimon
We have 5 days of NFL action in Week 17 and the third one features a trio of games on Saturday, including the Denver Broncos’ visit to the Cincinnati Bengals. It is a crucial contest in the AFC, with both teams fighting for wild-card spots. Denver is in much better shape at 9-6, but Cincinnati (7-8) cannot be entirely counted out.
Here is my Same Game Parlay for the festivities, which get underway at 4:30 pm ET on NFL Network. Also be sure to check out our full Broncos vs Bengals predictions.
Broncos ML (+152)
Courtland Sutton to score a touchdown (+165)
Ja’Marr Chase to score a touchdown (-155)
Parlay odds: +808
Part of the value in a Same Game Parlay, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is some of the plan here, as Denver receiver Courtland Sutton finding the endzone would obviously work well with a win by the Broncos. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is the case with also backing Cincinnati receiver Ja’Marr Chase to score a touchdown. But even if he does, there is no reason why the visitors can’t pull off an upset. Let’s break down each of the 3 legs.
Broncos ML (+152)
The Broncos can wrap up a playoff berth on Saturday. Although they are the underdogs, they should be in a decent spot to accomplish that feat. Having played on Thursday Night Football in Week 16, they have enjoyed extra rest in advance of this contest. Moreover, rookie quarterback Bo Nix should be in line to have a big day at the office. Cincinnati’s defense is ranked #28 in the NFL in scoring defense (26.2 points per game allowed) and #26 in passing defense (231.6 yards per game). Although the Bengals are still in mathematical playoff contention, with a sub-.500 record it’s pretty much a lost cause at this point. No matter how well Joe Burrow plays, it seems like the defense is never good enough to hold up its end of the bargain. When that side of the ball does step up, it’s generally against inept opposing offenses. Denver does not qualify as such. Give me the visitors to win outright.
Courtland Sutton to score a touchdown (+165)
As mentioned above, the Bengals’ defense is horrible – especially against the pass. They have allowed 26 touchdowns through the air; only 4 teams in the league have surrendered more. Sutton can be expected to capitalize on this opportunity. The SMU product has scored 6 TDs this season to go along with 71 receptions (119 targets) and 928 yards. Four of his touchdowns have come in the last 6 outings.
Ja’Marr Chase to score a touchdown (-155)
Chase finding the endzone is almost a given these days, so getting him at -155 odds is more than reasonable. The former LSU standout has 16 touchdowns to his credit this year, including a ridiculous 9 in the last 6 games. Denver’s passing defense is solid but nothing special – and it takes something special to keep Chase in check. There is no reason why he won’t add to his 2024 haul this weekend.
