Tee Higgins has emerged as an essential player for the Cincinnati Bengals this season, particularly as they prepare for a critical Week 17 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Bengals have a stark contrast in performance with Higgins on the field, boasting a 6-4 record compared to just 1-4 without him. Despite dealing with knee and ankle injuries, Higgins is expected to play after being initially listed as questionable. His limited practice participation has been a recurring theme since returning from a quad injury earlier in the season.

Higgins has shown resilience, maintaining impressive statistics despite missing five games this season. He has tied his career high in touchdown receptions and is averaging 72.7 receiving yards per game, marking one of his most productive seasons. Over the last six games, he has caught a touchdown in five of them, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.

The Bengals' playoff hopes hinge on their performance against the Broncos, who are vying for a playoff spot themselves. For Cincinnati to secure a postseason berth, they must win their remaining games while relying on the outcomes of other teams, including the Broncos, Dolphins, and Colts. The team will also look to other key players, such as Ja'Marr Chase, Chase Brown, Andrei Iosivas, and Mike Gesicki, to step up in Higgins' potential absence.