The NFL season is heating up as we approach the end of December, and this weekend’s matchup between the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals promises to be a thrilling contest. Set to kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH, fans can catch all the action live on CBS.
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
The betting lines have been set, and the Bengals are favored by 7 points across major sportsbooks like DraftKings, Bet365, and BetMGM. The over/under for this game is pegged at 48 points. With the Bengals fighting for a playoff spot and the Browns struggling this season, these odds reflect the current dynamics of both teams.
Season Record
The Cleveland Browns have had a challenging season, sitting at the bottom of the AFC North with a 3-11 record. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals are in third place in the same division with a 6-8 record. Despite their struggles, the Bengals are still in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, making this game crucial for their playoff hopes.
Recent Form
The Browns are coming off a tough home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, where they were defeated 21-7. Jameis Winston, the Browns’ quarterback, had a rough outing, completing 16 of 25 passes for 146 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions. On the other hand, the Bengals secured a victory on the road against the Tennessee Titans, winning 37-27. Joe Burrow led the charge with 271 passing yards and three touchdowns, despite throwing two interceptions.
Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals Preview and Analysis
The Browns have struggled this season, both at home and on the road. With a 3-11 record, they find themselves at the bottom of the AFC North. Their offense, led by Jameis Winston, has shown flashes of brilliance but has been plagued by turnovers. In contrast, the Bengals have had a rollercoaster season. With a 6-8 record, they boast one of the league’s best offenses but also one of the most porous defenses. Their recent win against the Titans showcased their offensive prowess, but defensive lapses remain a concern.
Browns vs Bengals Prediction
Given the current betting odds, the Bengals are expected to cover the 7-point spread. Their potent offense, combined with the Browns’ turnover issues, gives Cincinnati an edge. The Bengals are in playoff mode, fighting to keep their season alive, while the Browns are playing for pride. Expect the Bengals to capitalize on any mistakes and outscore the Browns. Our prediction for this matchup is a Bengals victory, 34-20.
NFL Betting Trends
The Browns have struggled against teams with strong passing games, going 6-11 ATS against such opponents. They are also 2-8 ATS on turf and have a tendency to go over the total as road underdogs. The Bengals, on the other hand, have been strong favorites, going 13-6 ATS when favored by 3.5 to 9.5 points. They also perform well after high-scoring games, with an 11-3 ATS record after scoring 30 or more points.
Key Injuries
Injuries could play a significant role in this game. The Browns have several key players listed as questionable or out, including K. Hudson, D. Njoku, and C. Tillman. The Bengals also have notable injuries, with B. Hill, J. Ossai, and T. Hendrickson among those sidelined or questionable.
Notable Quotes
Browns’ head coach Kevin Stefanski emphasized the importance of ball security after their loss to the Chiefs, stating, “You cannot turn the ball over six times and expect to win. At any level.” Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow, reflecting on their win against the Titans, said, “We know the chances are very slim. What I’m focused on right now is playing as good as we can play myself, playing up to my standard.”
Starting Lineups
For the Browns, the starting lineup includes WRs Michael Woods II, Elijah Moore, and Jerry Jeudy, with Jameis Winston at QB and Jerome Ford at RB. The Bengals will feature WRs Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas, with Joe Burrow leading the offense as QB and Chase Brown as RB.
Statistical Leaders
Jameis Winston leads the Browns in passing yards with 2,121, while Jerome Ford is the top rusher with 451 yards. Jerry Jeudy is the leading receiver with 1,052 yards. For the Bengals, Joe Burrow has thrown for 3,977 yards, Chase Brown has rushed for 832 yards, and Ja’Marr Chase has 1,413 receiving yards along with 15 touchdowns.
As the Browns and Bengals face off, fans and bettors alike will be watching closely to see if Cincinnati can keep their playoff dreams alive or if Cleveland will play spoiler.
