Browns vs. Bengals Pick
Can the Cincinnati Bengals figure out their offensive struggles this week in order to cover a double-digit spread against the Cleveland Browns?
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Bengals are the clear favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -10 points against the Browns. The over/under total for this game has been set at 45.5 points. Cincinnati has won three straight meetings over the Bengals and covered the spread in all three wins.
The Bengals are in a bit of a funk, losing to the Patriots last week 35-17. They have lost two straight and four of their last five to fall to 2-4 on the season. They are also just 2-4 against the spread this season. Cincy is putting up just 18.2 points per game despite averaging 382.7 yards per contest. The team is having red zone struggles, especially without tight end Tyler Eifert playing this season. He is listed as questionable to make his season debut this week after dealing with back and ankle injuries. Andy Dalton has thrown for 1,757 yards and six touchdowns this season while A.J. Green has 42 receptions for 606 yards and two scores. Cincy could use more from its run game, as it is putting up just 89.8 yards per contest. When it comes to defense, the Bengals are giving up 24.2 points and 366.8 yards per game.
Cleveland is coming off a 28-26 loss to the Titans last week to fall to 0-6 on the season. The Browns did cover in the loss to move to 2-4 against the spread in 2016. Cleveland has struggled on offense due to numerous injuries at the QB position. Cleveland is averaging just 18.8 points and 367 yards per game in 2016. Josh McCown is still recovering from a collarbone injury, but he is questionable to return this week. If he can’t go, Cody Kessler will remain the starter. He has thrown for 865 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. Along with injuries to the QB, Cleveland also has some injuries on defense that has allowed it to struggle as well. The Browns are giving up 29.3 points and 413.3 yards per game. Joe Haden is questionable with a groin injury that forced him out of last game. The Browns are allowing 295.3 passing yards per game this season. The unit has six interceptions, but just nine sacks.
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Even though Cleveland has struggled on defense, the Browns have still been able to be competitive this season. Three of the six losses have been by one score. Cincinnati has just one win by double figures this season and the red zone concerns are legitimate. I don’t see the Bengals being able to give 10 points to anyone right now. Look for the Browns to play tough enough to keep the game interesting.
NFL WEEK 7 PICK: CLEVELAND BROWNS +10