Rams vs Bengals Odds - Rams to squeak past hobbled Bengals
The Rams vs Bengals odds matchup will pit two teams that were in the NFL basement last year. While neither will be competing for a Super Bowl, online betting fans should expect both teams to improve. On Thursday, the Bengals are likely to be without starting quarterback Carson Palmer, which should give the Rams the slight edge to win.
Rams vs Bengals odds: Bengals -2.5
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Thursday, August 27th – 7:30 PM ET
- WHERE: Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
- PICK: Rams +2.5
Rams vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Offense Last season, the Rams had all the talent parts of the offense but were lacking a good offensive line. After only one offseason, the Rams are now at the other end of the spectrum. The Rams offensive line has looked very strong this offseason, but the quarterbacking and receiving have been suspect. They’ll have an even matchup against an improving Bengals defense on Thursday. The Bengals will likely be without Carson Palmer for a second consecutive week as he deals with his high ankle sprain. The Bengals offense has moved the ball up and down the field well this preseason, but they haven’t been able to convert those long drives into points. That likely won’t improve without Palmer. Betting Edge: Even
Rams vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Defense The Rams have a very underrated defense, especially now that defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo is running the team. There’s plenty of talent with former first-round picks like Adam Carriker and Chris Long, and newcomers like James Laurinitis and James Butler should also bolster the roster. The Bengals are very similar in the sense that they have a lot of talent that just hasn’t jelled quite yet. They showed some signs, though, when they managed to hold the New England Patriots to just six points on the road. At this point, they get the edge. Betting Edge: Bengals
Rams vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Special Teams NFL betting fans that watched Chad Ochocinco kick an extra point and a kickoff last week may have been impressed, but the reality is that the Bengals are without starting kicker Shayne Graham and are shorthanded at the position. Graham is questionable. Given that injury, the Rams have the edge on special teams. Betting Edge: Rams
Rams vs Bengals odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries As mentioned, the Bengals will likely be without Carson Palmer and Shayne Graham, which is not good news for a team that’s only scored 14 points in the preseason so far. Both of those players directly impact the teams point totals and missing them will be a problem. Betting Edge: Rams
Rams vs Bengals betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick The Bengals are just under a field goal favorite in the sportsbook but the Rams look like the better play as an underdog. The Bengals are without their starting quarterback and placekicker, and they’ve already had trouble scoring in the preseason. Look for the Rams to capitalize as they get by with a win. STAN’S PICK: Rams +2.5
For more fantasy news and analysis on sports betting, check out the betonline.com Betting Edge daily. Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions?
