Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons odds, picks and predictions

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The Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) take on the Atlanta Falcons (1-0) in Week 2 preseason action Friday. Kickoff from Mercedes-Benz Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bengals vs. Falcons odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Bengals suffered an ugly 36-19 defeat to the Green Bay Packers in their preseason opener. QBs Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning both played and both were unimpressive, with neither throwing for a TD and both throwing INTs. Both QBs will face Atlanta with starting QB Joe Burrow still sidelined.

Atlanta cruised to a 19-3 win at the Miami Dolphins last week as RB Godwin Igwebuike ran for 70 yards and a TD on 13 carries. The Falcons also saw production from the defense and special teams units, scoring on a 79-yard punt return TD and a 26-yard INT return for a TD.

Atlanta coach Arthur Smith intends to start 2nd-year QB Desmond Ridder. All indications are that rookie RB Bijan Robinson will see little-to-no playing time vs. Cincinnati. Last year’s starting RB, Cordarrelle Patterson, is sidelined for the remainder of the preseason with an undisclosed injury.

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Bengals at Falcons odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 10:16 a.m. ET,

Moneyline (ML): Bengals +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Falcons -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bengals +6.5 (-110) | Falcons -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 38.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Bengals at Falcons picks and predictions

Prediction

Falcons 21, Bengals 12

Moneyline

PASS.

I like the Falcons to win here because they will be playing more starters than the Bengals and will likely see production from their offense, defense, and special teams as they did vs. Miami. However, at (-250) this line is far too risky, so bet on the spread and/or O/U instead.

Against the spread

LEAN FALCONS -6.5 (-110).

With the lack of offense the Bengals had against Green Bay, I expect Cincinnati to have similar troubles here. In Week 1, the Bengals scored 12 of their points on field goals and had a 43-yard Pick Six, meaning the offense wasn’t what was producing points for Cincinnati. Neither QB for Cincinnati was able to muster much of anything and both turned the ball over, and I expect more of the same vs. Atlanta.

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Over/Under

BET UNDER 38.5 (-110).

The Bengals have not seen production from either of their backup QB’s and there’s nothing to indicate a change vs. a Falcons defense that has already proven they can force turnovers. I like that the Falcons are starting Ridder, but I don’t trust either of these preseason offenses to generate a lot of points.

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