Broncos Favored; Dobbins to Lead vs Bengals

Monday’s Monday Night Football matchup in Denver is pivotal as the Broncos (1-2) host the Bengals (2-1), with both teams seeking momentum. Denver’s defense has been dominant up front — an NFL-leading 12 sacks — and the run game is expected to be a focal point, led by J.K. Dobbins, who had a recent three-touchdown game and owns a 5.26 career yards-per-carry average. Questions remain about how Sean Payton’s offense will fit quarterback Bo Nix against stronger AFC opponents. Cincinnati’s roster includes three former Broncos — Noah Fant, Dalton Risner and Samaje Perine — but Fant (concussion) and defensive lineman Shemar Stewart (ankle) are out, Cam Taylor-Britt (hamstring) is questionable but expected to play, and Risner and Perine are available. The matchup — the 35th between the teams with Denver leading the all-time series — kicks off on ESPN and carries extra weight after recent close losses and Cincinnati’s lopsided defeat last week.