The penultimate week of the 2014 NFL season draws to a close this evening when the Denver Broncos (11-3) take on the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1).
The Broncos are finishing up another strong season with Peyton Manning at quarterback. However, the All-Pro quarterback has struggled of late. And while some of his games have merely been struggles by Peyton's standards, but in others he has struggled by any standard. Fortunately for the Broncos, 2nd year running back C.J. Anderson has emerged and gained 500 yards over the last four games.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are fighting for their playoff lives. The Bengals have not played well in prime time games, going 2-9 in their 11 prime time games since Andy Dalton became the Bengals' starting quarterback. The Bengals have also enjoyed their own rookie phenom from LSU. While he hasn't produced the fireworks that Odell Beckham has, running back Jeremy Hill has not so quietly become a force for the Bengals.
This game very well could be decided by how Peyton Manning's leg is feeling, and which young running back has the bigger night.
Teams: Denver Broncos (11-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1)
Odds: Denver -3.5
TV: ESPN (Jon Gruden and Mike Tirico commentating)
Time: 8:30 p.m. EST