Browns vs. Bengals Point Spread: NFL Week 9 Odds, Prediction
After an ugly 15-10 loss to Pittsburgh last week, the Cleveland Browns are headed to Cincinnati to take on a Bengals team that was upset by the Jets 34-31 in Week 8.
There’s a big question mark surrounding this game as the status of Cleveland’s Odell Beckham Jr. is unclear. There are rumours the disgruntled wide receiver has played his last game in a Browns uniform after Beckham was told not to attend Wednesday’s practice, following comments his father made on social media that were highly critical of quarterback Baker Mayfield.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Cincinnati enters as a 2.5-point favourite to win on the NFL odds, with a total of 46.5. Keep in mind those numbers could shift significantly if Beckham is officially ruled in or out.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Bengals are one of the few teams Cleveland has had success against in recent years. The Browns swept last year’s season series and they’ve won five of the last six games in this head-to-head. Despite that record, Cincinnati is receiving 68 per cent of the early betting action. It makes sense that 84 per cent of bettors are taking the Over, as six of the last seven games in this series have gone above the number, with the one miss being a push.
Cleveland is an even 4-4 on the year and they’ve dropped two of their three road games. They’re also 4-4 against the spread, but they’ve failed to cover in 11 of their last 13 games against the Bengals. The total has gone Under in four of the Browns’ last six games.
With a 5-3 record, Cincinnati has a chance to take over the AFC North division lead this week. They’ve been an average cover option at 4-4 ATS and they’ve only covered in two of their last seven games as a favourite. The total has gone Under in five of the Bengals’ last seven home games.
Cleveland Browns
Clearly the biggest storyline for Cleveland right now is the status of Beckham, whose representation has been meeting with general manager Andrew Berry on how to go forward. Beckham is signed for another two years, but he has no guaranteed money left on his deal, so there’s a very real possibility he will sit out the rest of the year and be released in the off-season. He only had one catch last week for six yards. A lot of fingers are pointed at Mayfield, who hasn’t been consistent and finished the game with 225 passing yards and no touchdowns. However this situation ends, it doesn’t look good for Beckham to be in the lineup on Sunday.
Someone joining Beckham on the sidelines is right tackle Jack Conklin. Conklin is due to miss multiple weeks after dislocating his elbow against the Jets. Safety John Johnson III also left the game early as he dealt with a neck issue. There’s been no update on Johnson’s status. Running back Nick Chubb returned after missing the previous two games with a calf injury. Chubb finished with 61 rushing yards on 16 carries and had one reception for eight yards. Fellow running back Kareem Hunt remains out with his own calf injury and won’t be ready for Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals
After crushing the Ravens in Week 7, it was a bit shocking to see Cincinnati blow what should have been an easy game against the Jets. Even more embarrassing for the Bengals was losing to backup quarterback Mike White, making his first career start in place of injured rookie Zach Wilson. The offence has looked strong for Cincinnati, though. Joe Burrow threw for 259 yards, three touchdowns and an interception, with Tee Higgins picking up 97 receiving yards. The biggest issue was the defence, which allowed White to throw for 405 yards and three TDs.
Rookie right guard Jackson Carman was carted off the field in the fourth quarter with a back injury. It wasn’t as serious as first though though, and Carman was able to practice this week. The injury is considered day-to-day, so there’s a good chance Carman is in the lineup on Sunday.
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