It's not often that you lose a Hall of Famer, replace him with an untested rookie and don't miss a beat.
That's exactly what's happened for the undefeated Denver Broncos so far this season, as their elite defense and more-than-capable offense led by rookie quarterback Trevor Siemian and running back C.J. Anderson has thrust them into the No. 2 spot in the CBS Sports Power Rankings -- despite the retirement of Peyton Manning.
That vaunted defense kept the Colts and Andrew Luck in check last week, and will look to do the same on Sunday against Andy Dalton and the Bengals, who are 1-1 and coming off a loss to the Steelers. Dalton threw for 366 yards last week, but largely dumped off to running backs and tight ends as the Steelers paid heavy attention to standout receiver A.J. Green.
Yards will be tougher to come by against the Broncos but -- if the Bengals defense can keep Denver out of the end zone -- one or two big plays might just earn them a huge early season home win.
How to Watch
- What: Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals
- When: Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m. ET
- Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
- TV: CBS
- Online: NFL Game Pass
- Odds: The Bengals are currently a -3 favorite, according to Bovada.
Injury Report
Broncos
- Bennie Fowler, WR - Questionable
- Corey Nelson, ILB - Questionable
- Justin Simmons, S - Questionable
- Dekoda Watson, OLB - Questionable
- Virgil Green, TE - Out
- Donald Stephenson, T - Out
- DeMarcus Ware, OLB - Out
Bengals
- Darqueze Dennard, CB - Questionable
- Eric Winston, G - Questionable
- Tyler Eifert, TE - Doubtful
Prisco's Pick
The Bengals are home for the first time this season. It won't be easy. They face the Super Bowl champs, but I think their defense will smother Trevor Siemian in his first road start. Bengals take it.
Pick: Bengals 23, Broncos 17