The Cincinnati Bengals may be without star quarterback Joe Burrow until late December at the absolute soonest, but Monday night presents a golden opportunity to reshape the AFC North standings.

A win over the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football would move the Bengals to 3-1 for the first time since 2021. More importantly, it would keep them tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the division and give them a two-game edge over the injury-plagued Baltimore Ravens.

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Despite Burrow’s absence, Jake Browning, Ja’Marr Chase, and the Bengals are in position to take command of their division.

Ravens Sliding as Injuries Mount

Baltimore entered the season as the favorite to win the AFC North, but through four weeks, nothing has gone to plan. The Ravens are just 1-3 and now face serious injury concerns:

• Lamar Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and could miss time.

• Nnamdi Madubuike, a top pass rusher, is out for the season with a neck injury.

• Marlon Humphrey, the Ravens’ All-Pro cornerback, is expected to miss multiple weeks with a calf injury.

With Baltimore vulnerable, the AFC North suddenly looks wide open—and Cincinnati is in position to capitalize.

Crucial Stretch Begins Now

Securing a win against Denver could give the Bengals critical breathing room ahead of a challenging three-game stretch:

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Upcoming Schedule

• Week 5: vs. Detroit Lions (The Lions are early 8.5-point favorites)

• Week 6: at Green Bay Packers

• Week 7: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Thursday Night Football)

Entering that stretch at 3-1 would give the Bengals valuable wiggle room. At 2-2, the margin for error tightens significantly.

Broncos Desperate to Bounce Back

The Broncos (1-2) are also facing pressure. Head coach Sean Payton is trying to avoid his second 1-3 start in as many years in Denver. That desperation makes them a dangerous opponent, even with their own inconsistencies.

Still, Cincinnati has the chance to take a significant step forward in the AFC playoff race—and they don’t need Joe Burrow on the field to do it.

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Bottom Line

If the Bengals can beat the Broncos on Monday night, they’ll not only boost their record—they’ll take control of their season. With the Ravens wounded and the division up for grabs, this is a moment Cincinnati can’t afford to miss.