The Atlanta Falcons are banged up on defence, but oddsmakers have them set as 5-point favourites in this weekend's date with the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Atlanta Falcons are missing multiple defensive starters, but they’re still sizable favourites this weekend at home against the Cincinnati Bengals. Matt Ryan and Co. will have to be firing on all cylinders again for the Falcons to cover the spread against Cincy.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 25 Sep 1:07pm | CIN | -6 -110 | O +51.5 -110 |
| Closing 30 Sep 4:50pm | CIN | -3.5 +100 | O +52.5 -110 |
Sports Interaction opened with the Falcons as 5.5-point home faves and moved the spread up to -6 earlier this week. That proved to be too high in the eyes of bettors and the spread dropped back a full point to Atlanta -5.
The Bengals are 15-6-2 against the spread in their last 23 September games and 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games overall. The Falcons are 0-5 ATS in their last five games following an outing where they allowed 250 or more passing yards. But Atlanta is also 4-1 ATS in its last five games coming off a loss, including this season when the team bounced back from a Week 1 defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The total opened 48 but has been bet all the way up to 51.5. That’s a large move for an NFL total. Cincinnati and Atlanta rank 26th and 27th in the total defence.
The Over is a combined 5-1 in the two clubs’ games this season and 4-0 in the Bengals’ last four games overall. The Over is also 15-6 in Atlanta’s last 21 home games.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals star receiver A.J. Green was limited in practice this week because of pain in both of his hips. The seven-time Pro Bowl player leads Cincinnati with 16 catches and four touchdowns this season. The Bengals are already down No. 1 running back Joe Mixon.
The second year player out of Oklahoma missed last week’s game against the Baltimore Ravens because of a knee injury. Mixon is listed as questionable but Cincy beat reporters consider the tailback to be a long shot to play on Sunday.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons’ defensive starters are dropping like flies. Atlanta already lost Pro Bowlers Deion Jones (MLB) and Keanu Neal (FS) to long-term injuries. The club learned earlier this week it will have to now get by without defensive leader and starting strong safety Ricardo Allen. To make matters worse, starting defensive end is questionable to play against the Bengals because of a groin strain.
It’s not all bad news for Dirty Bird backers. Rookie wideout Calvin Ridley is coming off a breakout performance last weekend (seven catches for 146 yards and three TDs) and could be an X-factor again this week.
Weather
| condition | dome |
Injuries
Malik Jefferson (LB)
Tyler Boyd (WR)
KeiVarae Russell (CB)
Tony McRae (CB)
Mark Walton (RB)
Joe Mixon (HB)
Josh Malone (WR)
Alex Redmond (G)
A.J. Green (WR)
Jake Fisher (T)
Wes Schweitzer (G)
Tevin Coleman (RB)
Terrell McClain (DT)
Ito Smith (RB)
Austin Hooper (TE)
Logan Paulsen (TE)
Julio Jones (WR)
Foyesade Oluokun (LB)
Sharrod Neasman (S)
Kemal Ishmael (S)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malik Jefferson (LB) | I-R | Foot - 18 / 12 / 18 | 2-0 | 0-0-2 | + - |
|
Jefferson is on injured reserve with a foot injury. |
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| Tyler Boyd (WR) | I-R | Knee - 16 / 12 / 18 | 3-0 | 0-1-2 | + - |
|
Boyd suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee and has been placed on injured reserve. |
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| KeiVarae Russell (CB) | Ques Sun | Finger - 12 / 12 / 18 | 3-0 | 0-1-2 | + - |
|
Russell has missed the last two games with a finger injury and his status for Sunday against the Steelers is up in the air. |
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| Tony McRae (CB) | Ques Sun | Concussion - 25 / 11 / 18 | 4-2 | 2-2-2 | + - |
|
McRae has sat out the last two games due to a concussion it is uncertain if he will pass protocol in time for Sunday's contest against the Raiders. |
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| Mark Walton (RB) | Ques Sun | Illness - 21 / 11 / 18 | 4-2 | 2-2-2 | + - |
|
Walton is ailing from an illness and it is unknown if the symptoms will subside in time for Sunday's game against the Browns. |
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| Joe Mixon (HB) | Prob Sun | Knee - 15 / 11 / 18 | 4-3 | 3-2-2 | + - |
|
Mixon was confined to a limited role in practice due to a knee injury but is expected to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Ravens. |
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| Josh Malone (WR) | Out indefinitely | Hamstring - 08 / 11 / 18 | 4-4 | 4-2-2 | + - |
|
Malone is sidelined with a hamstring injury and there is no timetable for recovery. |
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| Alex Redmond (G) | Ques Sun | Hamstring - 07 / 11 / 18 | 4-4 | 4-2-2 | + - |
|
Redmond missed the last game hobbled by a hamstring injury, leaving his status clouded for Sunday's contest against the Ravens. |
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| A.J. Green (WR) | Prob Sun | Toe - 30 / 10 / 18 | 4-4 | 4-2-2 | + - |
|
Green sustained a toe injury on his right foot but it is likely he will return to action Sunday against the Broncos. |
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| Jake Fisher (T) | Prob Sun | Back - 24 / 10 / 18 | 4-5 | 4-3-2 | + - |
|
Fisher is dealing with a back injury but it is not expected to hinder his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers. |
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| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wes Schweitzer (G) | Out Sun | Back - 27 / 12 / 18 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Schweitzer is suffering from a back injury and will not be available for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers. |
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| Tevin Coleman (RB) | Prob Sun | Groin - 24 / 12 / 18 | 1-0 | 0-1 | + - |
|
Coleman suffered a groin injury in the last game but is likely to return Sunday against the Buccaneers. |
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| Terrell McClain (DT) | Out Sun | Toe - 12 / 12 / 18 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
McClain has missed the last two game nursing a toe injury and will not be available for Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers. |
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| Ito Smith (RB) | Ques Sun | Neck - 12 / 12 / 18 | 2-1 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Smith is dealing with neck and knee injuries and it is unclear if he will play Sunday against the Cardinals. |
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| Austin Hooper (TE) | Prob Sun | Knee - 09 / 12 / 18 | 2-2 | 2-2 | + - |
|
Hooper departed the last game due to a knee injury but it is likely he will partake in Sunday's contest against the Cardinals. |
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| Logan Paulsen (TE) | Ques Sun | Knee - 05 / 12 / 18 | 2-2 | 2-2 | + - |
|
Paulsen sat out the last game with a knee injury and it is unclear if he will participate in Sunday's contest against the Cardinals. |
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| Julio Jones (WR) | Prob Sun | Foot - 02 / 12 / 18 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Jones has a foot injury but it is likely he will face the Packers on Sunday. |
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| Foyesade Oluokun (LB) | Prob Sun | Knee - 02 / 12 / 18 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Oluokun left the last game due to a knee injury but is expected to be available Sunday against the Packers. |
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| Sharrod Neasman (S) | Ques Sun | Neck - 02 / 12 / 18 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Neasman left the last game with neck and shoulder injuries. It has yet to be established if he will participate in Sunday's matchup with the Packers. |
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| Kemal Ishmael (S) | Ques Sun | Knee - 28 / 11 / 18 | 2-3 | 2-3 | + - |
|
Ishmael is nursing a knee injury and it is uncertain if he will be available against the Ravens on Sunday. |
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Bengals vs. Falcons Prediction
-
CINCINNATI BENGALS
20 -
ATLANTA FALCONS
30
Score
Prediction
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 25 Sep 1:07pm CIN -6 -110 O +51.5 -110 Closing 30 Sep 4:50pm CIN -3.5 +100 O +52.5 -110 -
Weather
condition dome -
Injuries
Malik Jefferson (LB)
I-R Foot - 18 / 12 / 18Tyler Boyd (WR)
I-R Knee - 16 / 12 / 18KeiVarae Russell (CB)
Ques Sun Finger - 12 / 12 / 18Tony McRae (CB)
Ques Sun Concussion - 25 / 11 / 18Mark Walton (RB)
Ques Sun Illness - 21 / 11 / 18Joe Mixon (HB)
Prob Sun Knee - 15 / 11 / 18Josh Malone (WR)
Out indefinitely Hamstring - 08 / 11 / 18Alex Redmond (G)
Ques Sun Hamstring - 07 / 11 / 18A.J. Green (WR)
Prob Sun Toe - 30 / 10 / 18Jake Fisher (T)
Prob Sun Back - 24 / 10 / 18Wes Schweitzer (G)
Out Sun Back - 27 / 12 / 18Tevin Coleman (RB)
Prob Sun Groin - 24 / 12 / 18Terrell McClain (DT)
Out Sun Toe - 12 / 12 / 18Ito Smith (RB)
Ques Sun Neck - 12 / 12 / 18Austin Hooper (TE)
Prob Sun Knee - 09 / 12 / 18Logan Paulsen (TE)
Ques Sun Knee - 05 / 12 / 18Julio Jones (WR)
Prob Sun Foot - 02 / 12 / 18Foyesade Oluokun (LB)
Prob Sun Knee - 02 / 12 / 18Sharrod Neasman (S)
Ques Sun Neck - 02 / 12 / 18Kemal Ishmael (S)
Ques Sun Knee - 28 / 11 / 18Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Malik Jefferson (LB) I-R Foot - 18 / 12 / 18 2-0 0-0-2 + - Jefferson is on injured reserve with a foot injury.
Tyler Boyd (WR) I-R Knee - 16 / 12 / 18 3-0 0-1-2 + - Boyd suffered an MCL sprain in his right knee and has been placed on injured reserve.
KeiVarae Russell (CB) Ques Sun Finger - 12 / 12 / 18 3-0 0-1-2 + - Russell has missed the last two games with a finger injury and his status for Sunday against the Steelers is up in the air.
Tony McRae (CB) Ques Sun Concussion - 25 / 11 / 18 4-2 2-2-2 + - McRae has sat out the last two games due to a concussion it is uncertain if he will pass protocol in time for Sunday's contest against the Raiders.
Mark Walton (RB) Ques Sun Illness - 21 / 11 / 18 4-2 2-2-2 + - Walton is ailing from an illness and it is unknown if the symptoms will subside in time for Sunday's game against the Browns.
Joe Mixon (HB) Prob Sun Knee - 15 / 11 / 18 4-3 3-2-2 + - Mixon was confined to a limited role in practice due to a knee injury but is expected to suit up for Sunday's contest against the Ravens.
Josh Malone (WR) Out indefinitely Hamstring - 08 / 11 / 18 4-4 4-2-2 + - Malone is sidelined with a hamstring injury and there is no timetable for recovery.
Alex Redmond (G) Ques Sun Hamstring - 07 / 11 / 18 4-4 4-2-2 + - Redmond missed the last game hobbled by a hamstring injury, leaving his status clouded for Sunday's contest against the Ravens.
A.J. Green (WR) Prob Sun Toe - 30 / 10 / 18 4-4 4-2-2 + - Green sustained a toe injury on his right foot but it is likely he will return to action Sunday against the Broncos.
Jake Fisher (T) Prob Sun Back - 24 / 10 / 18 4-5 4-3-2 + - Fisher is dealing with a back injury but it is not expected to hinder his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Wes Schweitzer (G) Out Sun Back - 27 / 12 / 18 1-0 0-1 + - Schweitzer is suffering from a back injury and will not be available for Sunday's game against the Buccaneers.
Tevin Coleman (RB) Prob Sun Groin - 24 / 12 / 18 1-0 0-1 + - Coleman suffered a groin injury in the last game but is likely to return Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Terrell McClain (DT) Out Sun Toe - 12 / 12 / 18 2-1 2-1 + - McClain has missed the last two game nursing a toe injury and will not be available for Sunday's matchup with the Buccaneers.
Ito Smith (RB) Ques Sun Neck - 12 / 12 / 18 2-1 2-1 + - Smith is dealing with neck and knee injuries and it is unclear if he will play Sunday against the Cardinals.
Austin Hooper (TE) Prob Sun Knee - 09 / 12 / 18 2-2 2-2 + - Hooper departed the last game due to a knee injury but it is likely he will partake in Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
Logan Paulsen (TE) Ques Sun Knee - 05 / 12 / 18 2-2 2-2 + - Paulsen sat out the last game with a knee injury and it is unclear if he will participate in Sunday's contest against the Cardinals.
Julio Jones (WR) Prob Sun Foot - 02 / 12 / 18 2-3 2-3 + - Jones has a foot injury but it is likely he will face the Packers on Sunday.
Foyesade Oluokun (LB) Prob Sun Knee - 02 / 12 / 18 2-3 2-3 + - Oluokun left the last game due to a knee injury but is expected to be available Sunday against the Packers.
Sharrod Neasman (S) Ques Sun Neck - 02 / 12 / 18 2-3 2-3 + - Neasman left the last game with neck and shoulder injuries. It has yet to be established if he will participate in Sunday's matchup with the Packers.
Kemal Ishmael (S) Ques Sun Knee - 28 / 11 / 18 2-3 2-3 + - Ishmael is nursing a knee injury and it is uncertain if he will be available against the Ravens on Sunday.