The Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) host the Cleveland Browns (3-11) in a matchup between AFC North and Ohio rivals. Our Browns vs Bengals prediction is for favored Cincinnati to cover the 9-point spread and that the two teams will score less than 46.5 points.
Head-to-head, the Bengals lead with a record of 54-48. They won the first matchup between the teams in Week 7 by a score of 21-14. In that game, Cleveland’s number one quarterback Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles.
Offshore Odds: Bengals Are Heavily Favored
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | +9 (-113) | +355 | O 46.5 (-105) |
| Bengals | -9 (-107) | -435 | U 46.5 (-115) |
Cleveland is on QB 3 for 2024
Head coach Kevin Stefanski benched quarterback Jameis Winston in favor of Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Thompson-Robinson was the number two QB behind Watson in the first game against the Bengals. He played extensively, completing 11 of 24 passes. The Bengals intercepted him twice before Winston took over.
There is a legitimate justification to bench Winston. He’s had flashes of brilliance but has thrown 12 interceptions in seven starts.
If the benching is due to turnovers, are they expecting better ball security and decision-making from Thompson-Robinson when, in his career, he’s thrown one touchdown and seven picks in 146 career passes?
With Cleveland’s season in tatters and uncertainty about where they go from here, the Thompson-Robinson move could also be due to them trying to get a higher pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Star defensive end Myles Garrett did not practice because of a back issue but is expected to play. Tight end David Njoku is questionable with a hamstring problem.
Two Straight Wins Keep Cincinnati’s Playoff Pulse Beating
The Bengals’ playoff hopes looked dead after Week 13 when they lost their third straight game to fall to 4-8. However, consecutive wins over Dallas and Tennessee gave them new life. While it is very unlikely that they make it to the postseason, it remains possible.
It will be difficult for quarterback Joe Burrow to win the MVP for a .500 team that is probably not going to make the postseason, but his statistics warrant being in the conversation. He’s leading the league in completions, touchdown passes, and yards.
Even if they make the playoffs, they are not getting far with that sieve of a defense. Still, Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase give them a puncher’s chance. And they’ll have nothing to lose.
Cleveland’s one strength this season has been pass defense. They are ranked 11th in yards allowed per game. But the quarterback change makes it appear as if they have capitulated. Cincinnati needs to take advantage.
Browns vs Bengals Prediction: Cincinnati Overwhelms Cleveland
As inconsistent as Winston has been, Cleveland would have a chance to stay with Cincinnati on the scoreboard in a shootout if he were to play. Thompson-Robinson has proven nothing in the NFL. Burrow is going to carve Cleveland up.
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