Bengals vs Raiders Betting Odds - Bengals will lose focus, fail to cover at the Black Hole
The Bengals vs Raiders odds won’t have NFL betting fans jumping out of their recliners in excitement but it does offer potential for a surprise. After an uplifting win at Pittsburgh last week, could the 7-2 Bengals get caught looking past Oakland, just as the Eagles did earlier this season?
| Bengals vs Raiders Betting Odds: Bengals -9 (Total: 36) |
| WHAT: NFL betting |
| WHEN: Sunday, November 22, 4:15 p.m. ET |
| WHERE: Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CA |
| KEY STAT: Bengals are 0-3 against the spread as favorites this season |
| PICK: Raiders +9 |
Bengals vs Raiders betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Bengals are officially legit after sweeping their four games against divisional rivals Baltimore and Pittsburgh and ascending to first in the AFC North. The question is whether or not they’ll lose focus against a team with little to play for.
Bengals vs Raiders betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Bengals haven’t been flashy offensively – most of Carson Palmer’s damage came in his one huge game against Chicago – but they do enough to back up their steady defense. Chad Ochocinco has re-emerged as a reliable target; star runner Cedric Benson may not play this week but Bernard Scott is capable enough to fill the void for a week.
The Raiders have little to offer offensively; Bruce Gradkowski gets the nod over JaMarcus Russell at quarterback this week but likely won’t do much better. The Raiders’ 118.6 passing yards and 222 total yards per game are beyond anemic.
Betting Edge: Bengals
Bengals vs Raiders betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Bengals are a highly competent defensive squad for the first time in years. Their 16.3 points allowed per game ranks second-lowest in the NFL, as does their 83.4 rushing yards allowed. The “D” is the main reason for Cincy’s sports betting success so far this season. They haven’t rushed the passer as well since losing Antwan Odom to injury but Gradkowski, who likes to scramble and hold onto the ball, may hand himself over on a silver platter.
The Raiders aren’t nearly as bad defensively as you’d think based on their record. They rank 30th in the league in run defense but are actually in the top half in pass defense, allowing a respectable 211.6 yards per game. They’re not an easy matchup aerially for the Bengals; Nnamdi Asomugha could shut down Ochocinco. The Bengals still have the superior defense, however.
Betting Edge: Bengals
Bengals vs Raiders betting odds for total: 36
The 36-point total is already low but I think this game still falls under. The Raiders just don’t score many points and even the 7-2 Bengals score just 22 points per game. Since the Bengals tend to win tight games and the Raiders struggle to mount any offense, betting under the total at your sportsbook is pretty safe.
Pick: Under 36
Bengals vs Raiders betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Bengals are dealing with plenty of injuries. Odom is long gone, Cedric Benson’s hip may limit him this week, linebacker Keith Rivers is probably out with a calf injury and guard Evan Mathis likely won’t play due to an ankle injury. Aside from return man Nick Miller’s injury, the Raiders don’t have any new maladies to report this week.
Betting Edge: Raiders
Bengals vs Raiders betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Bengals will probably win on Sunday but they’re entering a fluffy patch in their schedule that will test their focus. Consecutive games against the Raiders, Browns and Lions are delightful matchups but the Bengals seem to play better when they’re expected to lose and don’t play under any pressure. I think they take their foot off the gas this week, struggle to pass the ball, and let the Raiders stay close longer than they should. Pick the Bengals to win outright but the Raiders to cover in what should be a low-scoring affair.
STAN’S PICK: Bengals to win; Raiders +9 to cover
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