Despite showing immense heart before the holidays and still coming up short, the Cincinnati Bengals are home underdogs to close the season against the Cleveland Browns.
It’s at least a little perplexing the Browns stand as favorites by 2.5 points, according to BetMGM. Especially considering the Bengals rattled off 23 fourth-quarter points to force overtime in an eventual loss to Miami. That leaves the record at 1-14 with one to go…but the outburst was worth noting.
The Browns haven’t exactly looked interested in fighting down the stretch, not with consecutive losses to Arizona and Baltimore.
It’s worth noting, though, these two met in Week 14 and the Browns cruised to a 27-19 decision. Baker Mayfield and Andy Dalton combined for no touchdowns and two interceptions and both Joe Mixon and Nick Chubb went off for 106 or more rushing yards.
The difference there? Cincinnati could only convert on three of 12 third-down chances on over 34 minutes of possession. And while the defense might have picked off two passes, Dalton’s lone interception went back for a Browns touchdown.
Betting with the Bengals here seems to lean into the idea the fourth quarter in Miami can translate to a new week and override the immense problems moving the chains the offense has suffered from all year.
Seems unlikely, yet don’t forget the chaotic nature of the Browns. They’re an underachieving mess, which is likely why this line could end up moving to favor the Bengals by kickoff. Like last week against Miami, now isn’t a terrible time to roll with the underdog Bengals.
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