Browns Bengals Betting – Bengals Look To Get Back On Track In Third Straight Divisional Contest

Browns Bengals Betting – Bengals Look To Get Back On Track In Third Straight Divisional Contest

In order to make the playoffs in the NFL, it is important to win the games that you are expected to win. Even after consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, the Cincinnati Bengals are still in position to clinch a spot in this year’s postseason heading in to this weekend’s game against the Cleveland Browns for exactly that reason. Cincinnati has managed to win the games that they have been expected to win, and will need to continue that sports betting trend to get back on track this week.

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals

While Cleveland represents another one of those opponents that they are expected to beat, the Bengals will have to approach this game with caution after a couple of emotional losses in which they gave it everything they had. The Browns can still move to within just one game of Cincinnati with a win, and will have plenty of incentive as this division rivalry is renewed.

Browns Bengals Betting Preview: Cleveland Browns

A tough home loss to the St. Louis Rams will prevent the Browns from moving in to a tie with Cincinnati should they win this game, and also has them below .500 entering this game. While running back Peyton Hillis has been a shadow of the force he was a year ago, Chris Ogbonnaya has shown flashes and quarterback Colt McCoy has progressed with every passing week. Cleveland’s true strength is on defense, where they rank first in the NFL and should be able to cause some problems for Bengals’ quarterback Andy Dalton. However, it must be noted that the Browns rank 29th against the run, as opponents have chosen to take the easier route against a team with holes up front.

Browns Bengals Betting Preview: Cincinnati Bengals

Many felt that the Bengals had yet to prove themselves even with six wins through their first eight games, and while they were competitive against both the Steelers and Ravens, they have yet to beat a team that is in the playoff hunt. That said, Cincinnati cannot be faulted for a relatively easy schedule, with the chance to now capitalize and have a shot at the postseason in a year where nearly everyone had written them off. The Bengals will open this best online sportsbook game by giving running back Cedric Benson a ton of carries against one of the league’s worst rushing defenses, and that should open some space for the rookie Dalton. On the other side of the ball Cincinnati ranks third against the run, and sixth in total defense.

Browns Bengals Betting Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the Browns should keep this one interesting early on, it is only a matter of time before Cincinnati breaks away. The Bengals’ defense will have a much easier time slowing down McCoy and company this week, while Benson should get a ton of carries to move the ball and help open things up for Dalton and the passing game.