The 2025 season hasn’t started off how either the Denver Broncos or the Cincinnati Bengals would have hoped. The Broncos, trying to take the next step into a perennial contender in the AFC, have looked far from world beaters, with the offense and potential franchise quarterback Bo Nix struggling throughout the season. For the Bengals, the worry is of a different kind.
Despite a 2-1 start, the loss of Joe Burrow to a Grade-3 turf toe injury, likely to keep him out for nearly three months, has jeopardized their entire season. In his stead, Jake Browning will try to hold down the fort. But the season could quickly go awry for a team that wanted to flip its narrative after missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons. With two desperate teams locked in battle on Monday Night, who will be the referee to try to maintain order between the sides?
Who Are The Referees For Bengals vs. Broncos?
The loss of Burrow is going to hang heavy over the Bengals’ season, until and unless Browning can somehow keep them above water. His work in a game and a half has been a complete mixed bag.
Against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, he led Cincinnati to victory. But his performance in Week 3 was about as bad as any quarterback this season. On the other hand, the Broncos have failed to emerge as a true contender in the AFC West.
As a result, both teams are going to be fighting tooth and nail to secure a victory on Monday. The NFL, however, is taking a major chance with the game, giving the opportunity to Alex Moore and his crew in a headline spot.
A football veteran, Moore has played at the collegiate level in the American Athletic and Southeastern Conference, with some high-profile spots like the 2019 Rose Bowl, where he was the side judge.
From the collegiate season, he joined the USFL, where he was a referee for the entire 2022 season. He even got the nod for the Championship Game that season. That year, he finally got the NFL nod, taking over as an umpire.
Serving under veterans like Bill Vinovich and Shawn Smith, he was quickly promoted to the referee position. The 2025 season was his first year with a crew of his own.
His crew includes:
- Umpire: Terry Killens
- Down Judge: Dana McKenzie
- Line Judge: Tom Eaton
- Field Judge:Â Mearl Robinson
- Side Judge: Anthony Jefferies
- Back Judge:Â Terrence Miles
- Replay Official: Tyler Cerimeli
- Replay Assistant: Desiree Abrams
With the Broncos and Bengals desperate for a win, Monday night’s game is a crucial test for two teams trying to salvage their seasons. The officiating will be under a microscope, as rookie referee Alex Moore and his crew take the field for this high-stakes primetime matchup.
