The Denver Broncos and Cincinnati Bengals collide in the biggest game of Week 16. This game features the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the AFC, so it has huge implications on the standings and playoff hopes.

Denver Broncos (10-4)

The Broncos are in a little slump right now, having lost their last two games in a row. Peyton Manning's return remains a mystery, and the Broncos' offense is cooling down. Right now the Broncos are the No. 3 seed, just one game behind the Bengals. That means if they win this game, they will automatically take over the No. 2 seed with a bye week in the first round.

Having a bye week is critical for the Broncos so they can get Manning healthy.

The Broncos aren't just fighting for the No. 2 seed and a bye week. They are also fighting for a playoff spot. The surging Kansas City Chiefs have won their last nine consecutive games. If the Broncos lose this game, the Chiefs will take over first place in the AFC West. Brock Osweiler has eight touchdowns and four interceptions this season.

Defensively, the Broncos have been the best team all year long. The Broncos rank first in total defense, run defense and even pass defense. Unfortunately, offense and scoring are becoming bigger concerns. The Broncos aren't running the ball very effectively, and they now rank 29th in points scored.

The Broncos play the San Diego Chargers next week.

Cincinnati Bengals (11-3)

At 11-3, the Bengals control their own destiny for a first round bye in the postseason. They have already clinched the AFC North title, but they've got a long way to go if they finally want to win a playoff game.

Andy Dalton is still out nursing a thumb injury, but AJ McCarron is a quality backup to have. Meanwhile, A.J. Green is listed as "probable" to start in this game. Everything revolves around Green, who is going to have to have a huge game because Tyler Eifert is out with a concussion. Now is also the time for Marvin Jones to step up. 

The Bengals have the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL, so this is a matchup of elite offense against elite defense. Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill have provided a solid running game all year long, and that's critical because the Bengals can control the clock very well.

The Bengals play the Baltimore Ravens next week.

Schedule

The Bengals and Broncos will play each other on Monday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. The game will be played at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. You can watch a live game stream here.

Prediction

It's a battle of the backup quarterbacks in this one. We should be in for a relatively low scoring game. I don't know what it is about the Bengals with prime-time games, but that's when they seem to play at their worst. The Broncos can't lose this game and give up the AFC West lead.

Broncos win, 21-17

Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1