CINCINNATI — Before the last play of the game, when Joe Flacco’s 37th and final pass fell incomplete and the Cincinnati Bengals’ comeback hopes were officially put to bed, Mike Vrabel stood on the sideline in his old linebacker’s stance, away from the rest of the New England Patriots, to get the best view possible.

After returning to the playoffs last year, the Broncos now have eight wins before December, with their latest an overtime victory over the Washington Commanders. Denver is tied for the best record in the NFL at 10-2, and currently sits in the drivers seat for the AFC West crown and a first-round bye.

The bad news is that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have lost three straight games. The good news is they still have half a game lead in the NFC South. With that bein