### **Coaching Staff**
Head coach Sean Payton enters his third season with the Broncos after spending 15 years with the New Orleans Saints. Payton won Super Bowl XLIV with New Orleans and ranks fifth among active coaches and 17th all time with 179 career wins (regular season and playoffs).
Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi came to the Broncos in 2023 with Payton after spending the 2021-22 season as the Chargers' offensive coordinator. Under Lombardi, the Broncos have ranked in the top-10 in interceptions (fifth, 21) and touchdowns (ninth, 58).
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also enters his third year as the Broncos defensive coordinator. This is his second stint with Denver, serving as the team's head coach in 2017 and 2018. After a stint with the Cardinals as their defensive coordinator from 2019-22, Payton brought him back to the Mile High City. Over the past two seasons, Joseph's defense has recorded the second-most sacks (105) and seventh-most takeaways (50) in the NFL.
### **Series History**
The Broncos and Bengals have matched up 34 times. Cincinnati has won the last two meetings, including an overtime thriller in Week 17 last season at Paycor Stadium.
### **What To Watch For**
Surtain II, fresh off his DPOY award, will match up with Triple Crown winner WR [Ja’Marr Chase](https://www.bengals.com/team/players-roster/ja-marr-chase/). In the 2024 rendition, Chase recorded nine receptions for 102 yards, but he had three catches for 27 yards when covered by Surtain. Meanwhile, Barron could potentially see some snaps against WR [Tee Higgins](https://www.bengals.com/team/players-roster/tee-higgins/), who lit Denver up for three touchdowns and 131 yards on 11 catches in 2024.