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The Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns open their 2023 NFL regular seasons at Cleveland Browns Stadium Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Bengals vs. Browns odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.
The Bengals made huge news this week, as the team and QB Joe Burrow agreed to a 5-year, $275 million contract extension, which will keep the Ohio native in stripes. He is also the new highest-paid player in NFL history.
It’s likely Burrow’s career record against the Browns didn’t come into play in the negotiations, as he is just 1-4 against Cleveland in the Battle of Ohio. In the 5 games, he has completed 66.2% of his passes with 10 passing TDs, while going 23-13-1 against all other NFL opponents.
Browns QB Deshaun Watson begins his 1st full season as the starter in Cleveland after starting last season with an 11-game NFL-imposed suspension for off-the-field transgressions. He faced the Bengals in Cincinnati last season, completing 26-of-42 passes for 276 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT with 33 rushing yards in a 23-10 loss at Paycor Stadium Dec. 11.
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Bengals at Browns odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bengals -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Browns +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bengals -2 (-110) | Browns +2 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Bengals at Browns key injuries
Bengals
- DE Joseph Ossal (ankle) out
Browns
- DB Juan Thornhill (calf) questionable
Bengals at Browns picks and predictions
Prediction
Bengals 26, Browns 22
Moneyline
The BENGALS (-130) are a solid play on the moneyline if you’d like to forget about the points and not pay a huge price to do so.
It’s a little scary, as Cincinnati has won just once in the past 6 meetings, including an ugly Halloween night loss in Cleveland last season by a 32-13 score. In fact, the Browns (+110) have won 5 straight meetings at home, with the Bengals winning 31-7 at Cleveland Browns Stadium Oct. 1, 2017.
Against the spread
The BENGALS -2 (-110) are the play, as they just have too many weapons. Throw Cincinnati’s record in Cleveland in recent years out the window, forget about Burrow’s losing record against the Browns +2 (-110).
Cincinnati has a powerful offense with Burrow, RB Joe Mixon, WR Ja’Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins, etc. It’s going to be tough for the Browns to lock everybody down, especially if the offseason acquisition and Super Bowl champ Thornhill is unable to go.
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Over/Under
OVER 47.5 (-110) is the lean, but go very, very lightly. It is likely going to have to take a late score in the fourth quarter to get this one across the finish line.
The Over is always a tricky proposition with a Kevin Stefanski offense, as he likes to go run-heavy, with a lot of play-action situations. Look for RB Nick Chubb to shoulder a huge load, as usual, when Cleveland has the football, especially early on.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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