The final week of the preseason includes a matchup between the 2 participants in Super Bowl 56 six months ago, the Los Angeles Rams (1-1) and Cincinnati Bengals (0-2). They’ll square off at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Rams vs. Bengals odds, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Rams went 0-3 in the preseason last year, but they come into this game 1-1 after beating the Los Angeles Chargers in the opener 29-22 and losing to the Houston Texans 24-20 in Week 2. Their record should be taken with a grain of salt because they haven’t played any of their starters – nor will they on Saturday against the Bengals.
The Bengals are 0-2 after losing 25-22 to the New York Giants and 36-23 to the Arizona Cardinals. Like the Rams, they’ve taken a cautious approach to the preseason, only playing their backups and protecting their top players from injury. That’ll be the case on Saturday, too, especially after they got in 2 days of practice with the Rams on Wednesday and Thursday.
Rams at Bengals odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 3:21 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Rams +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Bengals -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Rams +2.5 (-103) | Bengals -2.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): 37.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!
Rams at Bengals picks and predictions
Prediction
Rams 23, Bengals 20
Money line
Aside from some poor play up front, the Rams offense has actually looked pretty good in the preseason, especially with QB Bryce Perkins under center. QB John Wolford‘s status is unclear after he suffered a thumbnail injury on his right hand, so it could be Perkins getting every snap.
If that’s the case, I like the RAMS (+115) to win outright against the Bengals.
Against the spread
Preseason games have been fairly close this year, and the Rams have played 2 games that were decided by 1 possession. The Bengals were beaten handily by the Giants in Week 2, and while I don’t expect another lopsided game in this one, I do think it’ll be the Rams coming out on top.
Getting 2.5 points, I like the RAMS +2.5 (-103) to cover and at least keep the score close – even if the Bengals wind up winning.
[the_huddle]
Over/Under
The total has gone Over in each of the Rams and Bengals’ first 4 games of the preseason. Even without starters playing in this one, I expect both teams to put up enough points to push the total over the 37.5-point line.
Perkins provides a spark for the Rams and Brandon Allen is a capable quarterback in Cincinnati – even if he isn’t overly aggressive.
Bet the OVER (-115).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @camdasilva on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1367]