Monday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions: Bengals vs. Browns (Week 8)
An AFC North battle will serve as the Monday night game this week, as the 4-3 Bengals take on the 2-5 Browns in a spot schedule makers certainly saw arriving at differently. With a loss for the Browns all but sealing their fate for hopes of the postseason, and a win for the Bengals putting them right in the mix for the division let’s take a closer look at how this one might play out in Cleveland.
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NFL Week 8 Monday Night Football Odds, Picks & Predictions (Bengals vs. Browns)
(Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook)
Details
- Opening Line: Browns +3 | O/U 47
- Current Line: Browns +3.5 | O/U 45.5
- Last meeting: January 9, 2022 – Bengals 16, Browns 21
Overview
Starting with the Browns, quarterback Deshaun Watson is still suspended, as NFL journeyman Jacoby Brissett has been left to pick up the pieces. In his place, Brissett has been inconsistent at best, throwing for 1,584 yards through seven games but with a TD:INT ratio of 6:5. His QBR has also been in the toilet, arriving to this game with a mark of 82.3.
The rushing attack has largely carried this offense, with 12 touchdowns on the year and spearheaded by a running back in Nick Chubb, who has 740 yards through the first seven weeks. The Browns’ offense was dealt a blow last week in the loss of tight end David Njoku, who is expected to miss at least a month with an ankle injury.
Following an 0-2 start, which included bad losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas, I think it’s safe to say the Super Bowl hangover is officially over for Joe Burrow and company. Winning four of five since, the Bengals have put up 30+ points of offense in two straight games now, winning the passing game in all five contests. In their week seven win over the Falcons (35-17), Burrow threw for a season-best 459 yards season.
The Bengals’ defense has also risen to the occasion, allowing just 18.9 points per game to this point as their front seven continues to improve each and every week.
Bottom Line
The Bengals’ offense improving over the last few weeks should spell disaster for Brown’s defensive unit, now allowing 26.6 points per game to rank 29th in the league. To make matters worst, they will also be without cornerback Denzel Ward, who is out with a concussion this week.
I haven’t seen anything from this Browns’ offense that says they’ll be able to move the ball in this spot. Despite being a divisional game on the road, I think the Bengals get the win and cover.
Pick: Bengals -3.5
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