Browns vs Bengals Picks & Odds: Rivals Meet in Game With Playoff Implications

The Cincinnati Bengals (8-4 SU, 9-3 ATS) host the Cleveland Browns (5-7, 6-6) this week in a matchup of AFC North rivals on hot streaks. Since falling to Cleveland in Week 9, the Bengals have rattled off four straight wins and will have revenge on their minds Sunday afternoon at Paycor Stadium.

Bet On Browns vs Bengals Here

Browns vs Bengals Sportsbook Odds 

The Bengals opened as 4.5-point favorites and have been bet up to 6-point chalk following their victory over the powerhouse Kansas City Chiefs for their third straight win. Commanding more than 80 percent of the tickets, the Joe Burrow-led Bengals are on a roll and welcomed the return of Ja’Marr Chase last week to an already stacked offense.

Get the best Browns vs Bengals odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Watson’s First Big Test as Browns Quarterback Comes on Road in Cincinnati

Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Browns have won back-to-back games after dropping hard-fought battles to the Dolphins and Bills. Now 5-7, the Browns remain on the outskirts of the playoff picture but are not without a chance with five games remaining.

Deshaun Watson produced middling numbers in his debut as Cleveland’s signal-caller, completing 12 of 22 passes for 131 yards and an interception as the Browns downed the sad-sack Houston Texans 27-14. Watson will need to be much better if the Browns hope to pull off the road upset against the defending AFC champions.

The Browns will likely rely on their two-headed monster in the backfield. Nick Chubb carried the ball 17 times for 80 yards against Houston while Kareem Hunt added 56 yards on nine carries and Watson gained 21 yards on seven totes. The ground attack will play a crucial role in keeping this contest close as the Browns rank second in the NFL in offensive plays and third in time of possession. The key to stopping Joe Burrow is simple – keep him off the field.

Bengals Look to Win Fifth Straight Game and Keep Pace With Ravens in AFC North

Joe Burrow just has Patrick Mahomes’ number, it seems. The former Heisman Trophy Sportsbook continues to look better by the week, beating the Chiefs last Sunday for the third straight time – all in less than a year.

With his favorite target Ja’Marr Chase returning, Burrow looked unstoppable in the 27-24 win, going 25-for-31 with 286 yards and two touchdowns. Seven of those completions were hauled in by Chase, who finished with 97 receiving yards. The Bengals also made hay on the ground against the Chiefs as Samaje Perine carried the ball 21 times for 106 yards and Burrow added 46 yards and a score on the ground.

With a top-five offense and a top-15 defense, the Bengals look primed to make another serious postseason run. They’re also hoping to exact revenge on the Browns, who beat the Bengals 32-13 when the squads met October 31 in Cleveland.

Browns: Keys to Win

A hefty dose of Nick Chubb will be needed for Cleveland. The Browns jumped out to a 25-0 lead through three quarters in their previous meeting and if they’re able to get out in front again, the running attack will be able to wear down the Cincinnati defense and keep Burrow on the sidelines.

Bengals: Keys to Win

Get short passes to Tee Higgins and Chase in the game script early and often, then add in the running game. The offense was stagnant in the first matchup but has averaged 31.5 points in the four games since. Once out of the gates, we have seen many times before that these Bengals can run with the best of them.

NFL Computer Pick: Bengals -6

Check out more of our signature NFL computer picks, plus our favorite sportsbooks that serve football customers. 

Join A Top-Tier NFL Betting Site Now