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The New England Patriots (10-3) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (1-12) at Paul Brown Stadium Sunday, Dec. 15, with kickoff scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET. We analyze the Patriots-Bengals odds and betting lines, providing actionable sports betting tips and advice around this Week 15 matchup.
Patriots at Bengals: Week 15 preview, betting trends and notes
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- The Patriots are coming off back-to-back losses following last weekend’s 23-16 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro.
- The Bengals dropped their 12th game of the year in a 27-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns last weekend. The No. 1 NFL Draft pick in 2020 appears in their future.
- Patriots QB Tom Brady is struggling; whether it be lack of confidence in targets not named Julian Edelman or James White, predictable play calling, no running game or age (or all of the above), the offense just hasn’t been able to find a groove. Brady hit just 54.6% of his passes in the last six weeks. He’s thrown 8 touchdowns and 3 picks in that period, averaging 237.2 yards per game.
- Bengals QB Andy Dalton makes his third starter after returning from the bench. He’s thrown just one touchdown in his past two starts.
- The Patriots allow 264.8 YPG and 12.9 points per game, both best in the league. They lead the league with 21 interceptions, while also recording 10 fumble recoveries.
- The Bengals rank 25th in the league with 312.5 YPG and 31st with 15.2 PPG.
- The Bengals allow 25.0 PPG and are 31st in the league while allowing 399.5 YPG.
- New England averages 26.0 PPG (8th best) and 354.4 YPG (15th best) offensively.
Patriots at Bengals: Key injuries
Edelman (knee/shoulder) didn’t practice Wednesday; while WR Mohamed Sanu Sr. (ankle) and CB Jason McCourty (groin) were limited.
The A.J. Green (ankle) watch in Cincinnati continues. He didn’t practice Wednesday and it would be a surprise to see him suit up. One of my toilet-bowl bound fantasy football teams appreciates his year on the pine… TE Tyler Eifert (non-injury) and WR John Ross III (foot) were limited Wednesday.
Patriots at Bengals: Odds, betting lines and prediction
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 4 p.m. ET.
Prediction
Patriots 25, Bengals 10
Moneyline (?)
The oddsmakers aren’t saying there’s much of a chance of the Patriots (-500) losing three in a row. The Bengals (+360) aren’t worth the gamble.
New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Patriots to win outright returns just a $2.00 profit. This juice isn’t worth the squeeze.
Against the Spread (?)
A 9.5-point spread separates these two, which had me pause for a minute. The Patriots offense hasn’t been able to close out opponents, even when they’re milking a late lead. However, four of the Bengals’ 12 losses have been by 10 or more points …
The Bengals are 5-8 ATS, but just 1-5 at home. The Patriots are 7-6 ATS, 4-3 on the road. The PATRIOTS (-9.5, -110) are worth a small-unit wager, where a $10 bet returns a $9.09 profit with a victory of 10 or more points.
Over/Under (?)
Two anemic offenses and one stellar defense in play leads to a 40.5 line, one of the lowest on the Week 15 slate. This should be the game the Pats offense shows up vs. an inferior opponent; a 20-plus point showing isn’t asking for too much against a team allowing 25 PPG. The Bengals are 3-3-0 at home against the O/U and 4-9-0 overall. Nine of the Patriots’ games have hit the Under this year, and they’re 2-5-0 on the road. Ride the UNDER (40.5, +110).
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Ryan’s NFL Picks: 30-15
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