Much like the no-contest in Week 17, the divisional round showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills feels like an impossible game to pick.
On one side, an MVP-level quarterback with a strong set of weapons and elite defense. On the other, an MVP-level quarterback with a strong set of weapons and elite defense.
It feels like a true 50-50 and as the picks from experts keep rolling in, it’s almost landing that way in the predictions realm.
At NFL Pick Watch, which compiles the picks of experts everywhere, 64 percent have selected the Bengals as of this writing. But that number shoots to 67 percent in favor of the Bengals if the experts pick against the spread.
Making the game even harder to predict — regardless of venue — is the fact both teams struggled in the wild card round against division rivals in third meetings. Not unexpected, but near-upsets have a way of muddying the outlook.
Even so, it’s hard to blame anyone who falls on either side of the prediction going into the game. One of Josh Allen or Joe Burrow getting the ball last might outright be the only thing that decides the game.
The Bengals have been excellent against the spread this year, for what it’s worth and remain underdogs on the road.
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