If rookie quarterback Andy Dalton isn't healthy enough to play, the Cincinnati Bengals have no doubt that Bruce Gradkowski can lead them to a victory.

If Kyle Orton doesn't produce a win soon, more questions about his ability to guide the Denver Broncos will likely be raised.

The Bengals go for their first victory in Denver since 1975 as the Broncos try to avoid their first 0-2 start in 12 years.

A second-round pick out of TCU, Dalton is questionable after taking a helmet to his right wrist late in the first half of last Sunday's 27-17 victory at Cleveland.

Dalton, who completed 10 of 15 passes for 81 yards and threw a 2-yard touchdown to Jermaine Gresham, saw a specialist Monday and said he's "hopeful" of starting.

Gradkowski, who started eight games for Oakland over the last two seasons, played the entire second half Sunday. The veteran went 5 for 12 for 92 yards, including a 41-yard, go-ahead TD in the fourth quarter to first-round pick A.J. Green on a quick snap that caught the Browns off-guard.

"He's a guy we know we can count on," offensive coordinator Jay Gruden told the Bengals' official website. "His won-loss record (6-14 as a starter) and passing percentage (53.0) isn't comparable to some of the great quarterbacks. But for what we're asking him to do if Andy goes down, he's a perfect fit.

"He's a great guy to have in the locker room, he's got a lot of input on game day and during the week, and players rally around him."

Orton likely wishes he had that type of support from the Denver community. Walking off the field following Monday's 23-20 home loss to Oakland, Orton was showered with chants of "Tebow! Tebow!"

Orton was sacked five times and completed 24 of 46 passes for 304 yards with an interception, but first-year Broncos coach John Fox has no plans of turning to Tim Tebow or Brady Quinn.

"We came up a little short. There were plenty of reasons why. It wasn't just the quarterback by any stretch," Fox said. "Kyle is our starting quarterback and I don't think too many guys are firing all their guys because their team happened to lose in Week 1."

Orton, though, could face another hostile Denver crowd as his favorite receiver, Brandon Lloyd, is questionable after injuring his groin Monday.

Starting tailback Knowshon Moreno (hamstring), who had 22 of Denver's 38 rushing yards, also might not be available.

With Bengals running back Cedric Benson coming off a 121-yard effort, the Broncos' rush defense needs to step up after allowing the Raiders to run for 190.

"If we don't stop the run, it's going to be a long season," said 10-time Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey, who is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Second overall pick Von Miller made an immediate impact for Denver, causing a fumble on his first professional snap, but Cincinnati might not see much of defensive end Elvis Dumervil after he aggravated a left shoulder injury in the opener.

"It could be worse," said Dumervil, who missed all of 2010 with a torn chest muscle. "At least, I have a chance of recovering, so that's a good thing."

The Broncos, who haven't dropped their first two since an 0-4 start in 1999, have won eight straight over Cincinnati in Denver since a 17-16 loss Nov. 9, 1975.

The last time these teams met in the Mile High City, Denver won 24-23 on Dec. 24, 2006, when the Bengals' 2-point rush failed in the final minute.

The Broncos won 12-7 in Cincinnati on Sept. 13, 2009, as Brandon Stokley caught a deflected Orton pass and went 87 yards for a score with 11 seconds left.