NFL Week 18 Browns vs. Bengals predictions: Odds preview, betting picks, best ways to bet
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One team is headed to the playoffs as a Wild Card and one plays for pride when the Cleveland Browns visit the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Game time is slated for noon CT.
Below, we showcase our top betting selections for the game and discuss the most effective strategies for placing bets.
The Browns, boasting an impressive 11-5 record, are set to face a Bengals team which stands at a balanced 8-8. Fueled by the remarkable performance of quarterback Joe Flacco, Cleveland has secured its playoff spot following a decisive victory over the New York Jets last week, marking a fourth consecutive win.
This streak has firmly established the Browns as a formidable contender in the postseason. When the playoffs begin, Cleveland will visit the AFC South champion, which will be Jacksonville, Houston, or Indianapolis.
The Browns’ recent triumph, a 37-20 win against the Jets, was spearheaded by Flacco’s stellar play, with the quarterback throwing for three touchdowns and amassing 309 passing yards.
In contrast, the Bengals have faced a challenging season, culminating in a disheartening elimination from playoff contention after a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The regular season’s final game against the Browns now holds no hope for their postseason aspirations. Cincinnati’s recent defeat in Kansas City witnessed quarterback Jake Browning’s mixed performance, contributing one passing and one rushing touchdown. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, despite battling injuries, showed resilience, though Higgins’s participation in the upcoming game remains uncertain.
As the Browns prepare for their playoff journey, their final regular season encounter with the Bengals might see them balancing the momentum with strategic player management.
The Browns, averaging 23.9 points per game, have a robust offense capable of reaching the end zone frequently, though that might be hampered by the team’s plans to manage their starting lineup as they look forward to the postseason. Defensively, they rank 11th, conceding 20.7 points per game.
On the other hand, the Bengals, with an average of 20.9 points per game, rank 20th in the league in scoring. Their defense, ranked 22nd, allows 23.1 points per game, indicating vulnerability that can lead to high-scoring matches.
Statistically, both teams have a history of crossing the over line in their games this season. Both teams have seen nine of their respective 16 games exceed the total points line, with the Bengals’ home games averaging 44.4 points and the Browns’ away trips averaging 39.0 points, both higher than the 37.5 points over/under for this matchup.
In their 16 games, the Bengals have successfully covered the spread in six of the contests. Entering the final week of the regular season, their ambitions have shifted from playoff aspirations to a demonstration of resilience and team spirit. This game is a testament to their determination and grit, with the Bengals motivated to finish the season on a high note.
The Browns’ decision to preserve their main squad for the playoffs means that their less experienced backups must handle the intense atmosphere of a rivalry game. Such a scenario could be particularly challenging as the game is more about maintaining team pride than advancing in the playoffs. The Bengals, backed by the enthusiasm of their home supporters, can use this opportunity to their advantage. This game, though seemingly less critical in the grand scheme of the playoffs, is a moment for the Bengals to assert their capabilities and end their season on a high.
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