Browns vs. Bengals Prediction
Will the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have a shootout when they meet up this Sunday at 1PM ET? Here’s our thoughts on the game.
According to the oddsmakers at BetDSI, the Bengals are the clear favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -10.5 points against the Browns. The over/under total for this game has been set at 44.5 points. Cincinnati has won three straight meetings over the Bengals and the two have hit the under in their last four encounters.
The Bengals have dropped their last two games by double digits to fall to 2-4 on the season. They are 3-3 with the over/under total this season as well. 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. While he has been going through some limited practice, it is still unclear if he will play today. 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. Carlos Dunlap has been leading that unit with 22 tackles and four sacks.
Cleveland is coming off a 28-26 loss to the Titans last week to fall to 0-6 on the season. The Browns are 4-2 with the over this season, likely due to its defense. Cleveland is giving up 29.3 points and 413.3 yards per game this season. The Browns are also allowing nearly 300 passing yards per game. Joe Haden is questionable with a groin injury, so the secondary may not improve much. Cleveland has also struggled on offense, but 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 that has him missing another game. Cody Kessler will remain the starter. He has thrown for 865 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season.
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The Browns are obviously a mess, but they have managed to produce some pretty entertaining games. They have scored at least 20 points in four of their last five games and face a Bengals defense that isn’t all that special. Cleveland also is a mess on defense, giving up at least 25 points in every game. That combined with their 20 point sure in four of their last five is 45 points as is. I expect more points than that.
NFL WEEK 7 PREDICTION: BROWNS/BENGALS OVER 44.5