4. Cincinnati Bengals
Obviously, the Broncos just beat the Bengals on Monday, making this look like a very winnable matchup, but the news about AJ McCarron’s wrist injury makes it all the more appealing.
According to ESPN, McCarron suffered a sprain to his non-throwing wrist on the final play of the game last Monday, placing his Week 17 status in doubt; by all accounts, he should be ready to play come the Bengals first postseason game, but he may not be 100 percent.
Even more important, though, is the question of Andy Dalton. The earliest Dalton is expected to return is in the Division Round of the playoffs, but even then, he would have a difficult time shaking off the rust against this Denver Broncos defense; that may end up being a more-favorable matchup than McCarron. Either way, it’s good news for the Broncos.
I’d also hope that Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips would be able to look at what they did differently in that second half and capitalize on it for a full four quarters. The Bengals will adjust, too, but in the end, the talent of the Broncos defense should come out on top versus the Bengals offense.
HOW THEY MEET: (1) Broncos win and Patriots win, giving Denver the No. 2 seed, and the Bengals win in the Wild Card Round.
