Full Breakdown
Broncos and Bengals Clash in Week 4: A Look Ahead
9/30/2025, 2:36:42 PM
Key Matchup: Broncos vs. Bengals
In Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season, the Denver Broncos will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. ET. This matchup is particularly significant for both teams, with the Bengals struggling in the absence of quarterback Joe Burrow, who is sidelined due to injury. The Broncos, coming off a narrow loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, aim to capitalize on the Bengals' current turmoil.
Riley Moss: A Player to Watch
Denver's cornerback Riley Moss is under the spotlight as he prepares for a rematch against Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Moss, who had a challenging outing against Cincinnati last season, is eager to redeem himself. In the previous encounter, Higgins recorded 131 yards and three touchdowns against Moss, a performance that has lingered in the young cornerback's mind. Moss's mother, Beth, noted that this game is "circled" in his mind, emphasizing its importance for his career trajectory.
Moss has shown resilience since that game, bouncing back with a solid performance this season, allowing a sub-50% catch rate and maintaining an 80.8 passer rating against. His teammates, including safety JL Skinner, express confidence in Moss's ability to rise to the occasion, highlighting his competitive nature.
Tee Higgins: A Struggling Star
On the other side, Tee Higgins faces his own challenges. After a disappointing performance against the Minnesota Vikings, where he caught just one pass for 15 yards, Higgins's connection with backup quarterback Jake Browning remains uncertain. The Bengals' offense has struggled significantly, managing only 140 passing yards in that game. Despite these setbacks, Higgins remains optimistic, stating, “I know it’s going to come my way. I’ve always been like that.”
With Burrow's absence, Higgins's production has dipped, leading to speculation about his potential performance against the Broncos. Analysts suggest that he may struggle to exceed 52.5 receiving yards, given the current dynamics of the Bengals' offense.
Official Statements & Responses
Riley Moss's teammates have expressed their support, with defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers stating, “We all have his back. We know he gonna bounce back from that.” Conversely, Higgins's performance has been scrutinized, with his mother acknowledging the relentless criticism he faces, regardless of his efforts on the field.
Why It Matters: Implications for Both Teams
This game is crucial for both teams. For the Broncos, a victory would help solidify their position in a competitive AFC West. For the Bengals, who are reeling from a significant loss and dealing with Burrow's injury, a win could restore some confidence and momentum. The outcome will likely hinge on how well Browning can connect with Higgins and how Moss performs against a familiar opponent.
What's Next: Looking Ahead
Following this matchup, the Broncos will continue to build on their season, while the Bengals will need to regroup and find ways to adapt without Burrow. Both teams will face critical challenges in the coming weeks, making this game a pivotal moment in their respective seasons.
