The Cincinnati Bengals host the Las Vegas Raiders with the home team still holding out hope for a playoff berth.
Our Raiders vs Bengals prediction is for the teams to combine to score more than 46.5 points.
Las Vegas (2-6) has lost four straight. The remaining questions for them in 2024 are:
- How much involvement will the new minority owner, Tom Brady, have in football operations?
- Will they get the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and who will they select?
Despite their objectively mediocre play, Cincinnati (3-5) still has an outside chance at the playoffs. They have been unlucky. The Raiders are one of several winnable games they have on their schedule.
Head-to-head, the Raiders have won 21 of the teams’ 34 meetings.
Offshore Odds: Bengals Are a Touchdown Favorite at Home
Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Raiders | +7 (-108) | +270 | O 46.5 (-108) |
Bengals | -7 (-112) | -325 | U 46.5 (-112) |
Raiders Look for Positives In Smoldering Season
The only metric in which Las Vegas is somewhat respectable is defending against the pass. They’re seventh in the league. In other categories? Not so good.
They’re 26th in points, 27th in points allowed, 31st in takeaway differential, 18th in passing yards, 31st in rushing yards…in short, it’s bad.
The Raiders have not had many positives, though transcendent rookie tight end Brock Bowers is already a star. Coach Antonio Pierce is trying to change the culture, but that takes time. The team has played hard in its losses. They’re simply outmanned.
The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 5. Expect wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to get plenty of targets in advance of a possible deal to a contender.
Bengals Still Have a Chance for a Playoff Run
It’s difficult to dress up a 3-5 record and make it presentable. However, Cincinnati’s is somewhat misleading. They lost to Kansas City by one point and Washington by 5. Their last game against Philadelphia was their only truly bad loss, getting blown out at home 37-17.
Still, this game will largely dictate the Bengals’ strategy going forward. Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson in particular could be on the trade block if the Bengals lose to Las Vegas.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is having a Pro Bowl season. He has extensive offensive weapons and should exploit the Raiders’ pockmarked defense. To salvage their season, they must win decisively against their weaker opponent.
Raiders vs Bengals Prediction: A High Scoring Clash is Likely
Although the Raiders are bad and playing out the season looking toward the future, the spread is significant enough to be reluctant to give the underdog 7 points. The Bengals’ wins — even against the dregs of the NFL like Carolina — were too close for comfort. The point total is safer.
Our Raiders vs Bengals prediction is for the teams to score more than 46.5.
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