MOST INTRIGUING MATCHUP- WEEK 15

Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos

A pair of 3rd place teams, both entering at 7-6, come into Week 15 looking to gain an advantage in the AFC playoff race as the Bengals travel to Mile High to face the Broncos. The Bengals lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the 49ers last week and squandered a chance to sit atop the standings of the AFC North. The Bengals have played well as of late but haven’t really put it all together on offense in order to have the passing game and rushing attack flourish simultaneously. It has either been the Joe Burrow or Joe Mixon show, but not both. This team is too talented on offense to not figure it out, and I expect them to put it all together this week in a game they absolutely need to win to keep them in the playoff hunt. Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase have stepped up in a big way and have produced one of the best young wide receiver duos in the NFL in their 2nd and 1st NFL seasons respectively. For the Broncos, they have won 4 of their last 6 and have done so by playing stellar defense and running the ball. During that 6-game stretch, the Broncos are averaging 142 yards on the ground per game led by veteran Melvin Gordon III and outstanding rookie Javonte Williams. Both players have been viable fantasy options throughout their last six games, and with the next few games on their schedule, I expect that production to continue. Teddy Bridgewater is doing enough in these games to not lose them for the Broncos, but if you are relying on any Broncos pass catcher in your fantasy playoffs, I wish you luck. Bridgewater has thrown for over 250 yards just four times on the season, which isn’t the best recipe for fantasy production when it comes to his pass catchers. I ultimately expect this game to be close until the 4th quarter. At that point, I see the Bengals pulling ahead to win by a two-score margin and continue their quest for the AFC North title.