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Predicting the Final Score of Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals

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By @JordanWevers

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The Denver Broncos‘ (11-3) Peyton Manning has not been himself in recent weeks. Many have linked decreased arm strength, and thus overall career success with the future Hall of Famer, to cold weather games. The forecast for their MNF game against the Cincinnati Bengals (9-4-1) spells a chance of showers and a low of 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heading into Super Bowl XLVIII, Manning had a record of 8-11 playing in outdoor games where the temperature was below 40 degrees. Alternatively, he was 85-35 in outdoor games with a temperature greater than 40 degrees. The thermometer last year in the Broncos’ final game of the season with the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium read 49 degrees at kickoff, yet Denver was embarrassed by a score of 43-8.

The Bengals have more to play for in this particular game. Denver is fighting for home-field advantage, while Cincinnati is clawing for a postseason berth. The AFC North is extremely tight right now, with only the Bengals’ tie separating them from the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-5) and Baltimore Ravens (9-5).

Manning has thrown only three touchdowns to two interceptions in his last three games. Bengals QB Andy Dalton has not been much better, with a 3:3 ratio over his last three tilts. Both teams also boast very apt running games, though, with C.J. Anderson shouldering the load for Denver. He has 478 yards and four rushing touchdowns dating back to Nov. 23.

The Bengals’ backfield has breakout rookie Jeremy Hill, who has three times gone over 150 yards rushing in a game this season, despite mostly being in a timeshare with talented sophomore back Giovani Bernard.

On defense, if CB Aqib Talib can limit WR A.J. Green to an insignificant line, that could be the difference maker. Manning obviously has many more weapons in the passing game than does Dalton. So even if it means checking down to the likes of Anderson, Wes Welker or Emmanuel Sanders in the passing game, the Broncos should have an edge.

This should be a close game in the fourth quarter. Even if the Broncos trail late, Manning is no stranger to a game-winning drive. Vontaze Burfict is pessimistic about suiting up with his knee injury, while Terence Newman failed to play last week with an ankle injury. Facing one of the more stacked receiving corps in the league, the Bengals will surely desire a healthy secondary in this one.

Prediction: Broncos 27, Bengals 21

Jordan Wevers is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JordanWevers, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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