The Cleveland Browns could not have had a worse showing in Week 6 but are primed for a bounce-back against a soft Cincinnati Bengals defense getting trampled by opposing running backs. The Browns (4-2 SU, 3-3 ATS) face a second straight divisional opponent in what is close to a must-win game against an inferior team in Cincinnati (1-4-1 SU, 4-1-1 ATS).
- Date/Time: October 25, 1 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Paul Brown Stadium
- TV Coverage: CBS
- Sportsbook Odds: Browns -3 | O/U 49.5 (Line History)
- Browns vs Bengals Matchup Report
Sportsbook Odds Analysis
The game opened with the Browns as favorites at -3 and the line has been steady at that number at many sportsbooks and has moved to -3.5 at others. The total opened at 49.5 and has risen to anywhere between 51 and 52 depending on the book.
Cleveland News & Notes
The Cleveland Browns took a real step back with their Week 6 loss to Pittsburgh. While many pundits were ready to announce the Browns as ready to compete with the top clubs, the Browns showed why it was too soon to crown them. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was injured and then benched in the third quarter with Cleveland down 31-7. Mayfield’s status is uncertain right now, but it seems likely he will start in Week 7.
The Browns lead the league in rushing attempts and are clearly dead set on establishing a running game as the basis of any success they might have. With running back Nick Chubb on IR, Kareem Hunt has been shouldering the load for the Browns. Look for Hunt and the Browns to do to a soft Cincy run defense what they couldn’t against Pittsburgh – get Hunt the ball, a lot.
Cincinnati News & Notes
It probably was not part of the Cincinnati coaches’ plans, but rookie first overall pick Joe Burrow leads the league in pass attempts through six weeks. Unfortunately for the Bengals, Burrow’s prolific passing has not been the recipe for success as he has just six touchdowns on the year, has a bottom-three QBR and has been sacked more than any player not named Carson Wentz.
It is tough to expect the rookie to play efficiently when he is forced into poor game scripts, but it doesn’t look like there is any other option for Cincy right now as the defense has struggled mightily and the offensive line can’t block.
On defense, the Bengals have allowed the third-most yards on the ground this season and opposing running backs are averaging 5.1 yards per rush.
Betting Pick: Browns -3.5
Cleveland runs the ball more than anyone. Cincinnati can’t stop the run. It’s a bad matchup for the Bengals in a game in which they are a home underdog to a team that just benched its starting quarterback the previous week. We don’t like Cincy’s chances.
- The Bengals are 2-22-1 SU in their last 25 games as underdogs.
- The Browns are 1-8 SU and ATS in their last 9 games on the road.
- The Bengals are 1-12 SU in their last 13 divisional games.
