The Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for a crucial Monday Night Football showdown in Week 4 of the NFL season. The game kicks off on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. MT (8:15 p.m. ET) at Empower Field at Mile High. For fans looking to catch every play, here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, listen, and live stream the matchup.

A Prime-Time Clash With History

This marks the fourth prime-time meeting between these two franchises, and interestingly, the home team has come out on top in each of the previous three encounters. That trend adds an intriguing layer of drama as the Broncos prepare to defend their turf once again under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.

Defensive Firepower vs. Offensive Struggles

Denver’s defense has been nothing short of relentless. Since the start of the 2024 NFL season, the Broncos lead the league in sacks and quarterback hits. All eyes will be on the matchup between cornerback Patrick Surtain II—the reigning Defensive Player of the Year—and Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who last year claimed the prestigious receiving triple crown. It’s a historic duel, marking the first time these two elite talents face each other in an NFL game.

To make things tougher for Cincinnati, defensive lineman Zach Allen and outside linebacker Nik Bonitto currently rank first and second in the NFL in quarterback hits through Week 3. For Jake Browning, stepping into his second start of the year at quarterback, that’s a nightmare scenario. Can he withstand Denver’s relentless pass rush?

Denver’s Offensive Outlook

While the defense is thriving, the Broncos’ offense has been searching for consistency. Second-year quarterback Bo Nix has shown flashes but hasn’t yet taken the leap many expected. He has thrown five touchdowns against three interceptions, averaging just 5.6 yards per attempt. Still, Monday night offers a chance to rebound against a Bengals defense that has looked vulnerable against both the pass and the run.

Targets like Courtland Sutton—Denver’s leader in receiving yards—and rookie Troy Franklin could play pivotal roles in stretching Cincinnati’s secondary. Meanwhile, running back J.K. Dobbins has already made history, becoming the first Bronco to record 60+ rushing yards and at least one touchdown in each of the season’s first three games. If the ground game clicks, Denver could finally find the balance they’ve been searching for.

Cincinnati’s Uphill Battle Without Burrow

The Bengals (2-1) are navigating unfamiliar territory without star quarterback Joe Burrow. In their first full game without him, Cincinnati’s offense unraveled in a 27-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Jake Browning struggled, completing short, ineffective passes while the team turned the ball over five times. The running game was even worse, with Chase Brown managing just three yards on ten carries.

Now they travel to Denver, where the Broncos’ defense has already proven suffocating at home—holding the Titans to a mere 133 total yards in Week 1. With the Broncos generating pressure on over 40% of opponent dropbacks, Browning will need to deliver the game of his life to keep the Bengals competitive.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Patrick Surtain II vs. Ja’Marr Chase – A clash of two elite talents, sure to be one of the highlights of the NFL season.
• Denver’s pass rush vs. Bengals offensive line – Cincinnati allowed three sacks last week; Denver thrives on collapsing pockets.
• Bo Nix vs. Bengals secondary – Can the young quarterback capitalize on Cincinnati’s defensive lapses?

How to Watch Broncos vs. Bengals Live

Prediction: Can Cincinnati Bounce Back?

Both teams enter this game with questions. The Broncos (1-2) are coming off back-to-back narrow losses, while the Bengals look to regroup after being dismantled without Burrow. The matchup leans heavily in Denver’s favor—between home-field advantage, a ferocious pass rush, and a Bengals offense still finding its identity, the scales tip toward the Broncos.

Expect Denver to control the pace on both sides of the ball. Unless Jake Browning delivers a surprising breakout, this could be a long night for Cincinnati fans.

The Broncos vs. Bengals Monday Night Football matchup isn’t just another Week 4 game—it’s a test of resilience, strategy, and momentum. Denver is fighting to get back to .500, while Cincinnati is desperate to prove it can survive without Joe Burrow. Add in the electric atmosphere of Empower Field, and you have the recipe for a memorable prime-time showdown.

One thing is certain: under the Mile High lights, the stakes will be sky-high.