Despite the Cincinnati Bengals’ dramatic turnaround last season, they simply cannot beat the Cleveland Browns with five consecutive losses. Cleveland (5-7) will pay a visit to the Bengals (8-4) on Sunday. Can Cincinnati finally get over the hump with a win over the Browns?
The Bengals are on a four-game winning streak and 4-0 against the spread (ATS) since Week 9. The Browns have won and covered two in a row.
Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for the Browns vs Bengals. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 14 picks for you to consider.
Browns vs Bengals Betting Lines
Cleveland Needs Exceptional Defense
The Cleveland Browns are a long shot to make the playoffs at +700. They would need to win out and hit the 10-win mark for a chance. With an inconsistent defense and uncertainty at quarterback, making the playoffs is just a dream at this point.
However, the Browns still have plenty to play for. First, Cleveland always plays well in this matchup. In addition, Deshaun Watson will be the Browns’ franchise quarterback going forward. He showed rust in his return from suspension. Watson returning to form would be a great building block for next season.
In Cleveland’s last matchup against the Bengals, the defense had its best game of the season, holding Cincinnati to 229 yards. Plus, the Browns rushed for more than 170 yards. They must play great defense and run the ball once again to come out with a win. When Cleveland holds its opponents to fewer than 20 points, it has won every game and is 4-0 ATS.
Scoop on Free Play from the Locker Room
Bengals Blistering Hot
Following the 32-13 loss to the Browns in Week 8, many questioned the Cincinnati Bengals. Would they even make the playoffs? Surely Cincy was no longer a Super Bowl contender. Since then, the Bengals have flipped a switch.
The offense is averaging 31.5 points over the last four games. Cincinnati is now a near-lock to make the playoffs with -1000 odds. Winning the Super Bowl is priced at +1200 after Week 13’s win over the Kansas City Chiefs (27-24). The driving force has been quarterback Joe Burrow’s lights-out play. He is the third favorite to win the MVP award at +700.
In the embarrassing Week 8 loss to Cleveland, Cincinnati totaled only 36 rushing yards and surrendered 278 passing yards. In Week 13, the Bengals had 152 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per carry and held quarterback Patrick Mahomes to a 59.3% completion percentage.
For Sunday, running back Joe Mixon is questionable (concussion) and tight end Hayden Hurst is doubtful (calf). Last week, backup RB Samaje Perine tallied over 150 scrimmage yards, and Burrow had 286 passing yards with Hurst out for most of the game.
#Chiefs Safety Justin Reid spent the week leading up to the Cincy game claiming he’ll look down #Bengals players. That led to a war of words with star WR Ja’Marr Chase.
On Sunday, Samaje Perine treated Reid like a ragdoll throughout the Week 13 win.pic.twitter.com/Da5F2IQZ7c
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 5, 2022
Browns vs Bengals Game Injuries
Browns vs Bengals Head-to-Head
The Browns have won five consecutive games and eight of the last nine against the Bengals. Over the last three matchups, Cleveland has won by a margin of 16.3 points per game.
In recent games, Cleveland has enjoyed great QB play in the matchup while forcing turnovers. In Cincinnati’s last four home games against the Browns, it is 1-3 and 2-2 ATS.
Browns vs Bengals Game Information
- Game: Browns vs Bengals
- Date/Time: Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Browns vs Bengals Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Browns vs Bengals Game Weather Conditions
Sunday will be a perfect day for football with a high of 50°F, a 9% chance of rain, and low 7 mph winds.
Browns vs Bengals Picks & Prediction
Predicted Score: Bengals 34, Browns 20
- Worth Betting on Moneyline?
As seen in the predicted score, I like the Bengals big this week. Over the last two seasons, the Browns have not faced Cincinnati at its peak. Even with good defensive games over the last two weeks, Cleveland ranks 27th in allowed points per game and 26th in allowed yards per carry.
Meanwhile, the Bengals’ offense has been nearly unstoppable with Burrow posting a passer rating of more than 100 in three of the last four. Also, the offensive line has improved, paving the way for a solid run game. Cincinnati is -260 on the moneyline. If you are siding with the Bengals, opt for betting on the spread, total, or props.
- Worth Betting on ATS?
As seven-point favorites, the Bengals are priced at +115 to cover. Cleveland’s defense will not be able to hold up in this one.
In the last matchup, Cincinnati rarely ran the rock against one of the NFL’s worst run defenses. The Bengals won’t make the same mistake behind an improved offensive line. They just ran for 152 yards against the Chiefs, who rank sixth in run defense. Also, Cincinnati defensive tackle D.J. Reader, one of the league’s best-run stuffers, was out in the last matchup. Cleveland will have a more difficult time running the ball.
- Worth Betting on the Totals?
The Browns have gone over in seven of 12 games, and the Bengals rank seventh in points per game. Also, both teams rank in the top-six of yards per game. Take the over; plenty of points should be scored.
The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.
