Plus, Head Coach Sean Payton reflects on the impact cornerback Riley Moss has made this season.

Next-Day Notebook: Broncos Maintain Sense of Urgency as They Turn Page to Week 17 Game vs. Bengals

After a hard-fought victory in Week 16, the Denver Broncos are shifting their focus to their crucial Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With their playoff hopes on the line, the team is maintaining a sense of urgency as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.

Staying Focused on the Task at Hand

Despite their 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, Broncos players and coaches are fully aware that the job isn’t finished. While the victory was important, it only set the stage for what is now an even bigger challenge. The team knows that every game from here on out is a must-win if they want to secure a playoff spot.

“We’ve got to keep the momentum going,” said head coach Sean Payton. “We’ve had a solid stretch of games, but our focus right now is entirely on Cincinnati. It’s important to stay locked in and take it one game at a time. No distractions.”

Quarterback Russell Wilson echoed the sentiment, stressing the need for a laser focus. “We’ve got a lot of football left to play,” Wilson said. “Cincinnati is a tough team, and we have to be at our best. It’s all about execution now. Our goal is to keep climbing and make sure we’re in a good position when the playoffs start.”

Injury Updates and Recovery

As the Broncos head into Week 17, injury recovery remains a key focus. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who has been dealing with a nagging knee issue, was seen limping off the field in the second half of the Chiefs game. However, initial reports indicate that Jeudy is expected to play against the Bengals, though his participation in practice leading up to the game will be closely monitored.

Meanwhile, cornerback Patrick Surtain II, who left the game briefly with a shoulder injury, was seen going through light rehab sessions and is expected to be available for the Week 17 showdown. Surtain’s presence in the secondary will be crucial, especially against the Bengals’ potent passing attack led by quarterback Joe Burrow.

Game Plan for the Bengals

The Broncos know they will face a difficult opponent in the Bengals, who have been firing on all cylinders offensively. Burrow, along with star wideouts Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, presents a formidable challenge for Denver’s defense.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is preparing for a balanced attack, one that mixes the deep passing game with a solid run game featuring Joe Mixon. “We need to be disciplined and not let them hit big plays down the field,” Joseph said. “Burrow is a top-tier quarterback, and he’s capable of making any throw. Our goal is to make him uncomfortable in the pocket.”

Offensively, the Broncos will look to build on their recent success in the running game. Running back Javonte Williams has been a key contributor, and the Broncos’ offensive line has been creating more consistent holes in recent weeks. Wilson and the passing game will need to continue to complement the ground attack, especially against a Bengals defense that has shown vulnerability to big plays.

Mentality Heading into Week 17

As the Broncos enter the final stretch of the season, the team’s mindset is one of collective resilience. With several key players stepping up and a defense that has been opportunistic, Denver is entering Week 17 with a clear understanding of what’s at stake.

“This is the most important game of the season,” linebacker Alex Singleton said. “We’ve worked hard to get to this point, but we can’t relax. Every week is a playoff game now, and we’re treating it that way.”

With the Bengals coming to town, the Broncos are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive, knowing that each victory from here on out will bring them one step closer to securing a spot in the postseason.

Looking Ahead

As the week progresses, all eyes will be on how the Broncos handle the pressure and whether they can keep their momentum rolling against the Bengals. With playoff implications on the line, Denver will need to stay sharp, execute under pressure, and continue to play with the urgency that’s defined their recent success.

The Broncos know that it’s now or never, and with their playoff fate hanging in the balance, every game from here on out will be crucial.