Broncos seize a 21-3 halftime edge behind a standout rookie moment from Demetrius Knight Jr., whose end-zone interception and six tackles anchor Denver’s stout first half. Cincinnati’s offense sputters after an opening field goal, Browning at 8-of-15 for 66 yards as penalties mount. Knight’s play jolts Denver’s defense, while the Bengals must tidy their penalties and spark both the run and pass to reclaim momentum in Denver.

Key Bengals targets like Chase and Higgins are quiet, Chase Brown adds 30 rushing yards, and the unit faces a tall second-half climb. If Denver sustains the pressure and Cincinnati cleans up execution, the game could hinge on whether the Bengals can translate discipline and rhythm into points after the break.