One of the more interesting NFL games this week pits the San Francisco 49ers up against the Cincinnati Bengals. Both teams remain firmly in the thick of their respective playoff races despite each suffering setbacks last week. This head-to-head matchup looms large for both sides as they try to get back on track. After originally opening with the home team favored, the NFL betting odds have since flipped. The visitors are now laying a small number ahead of this 49ers vs Bengals showdown.
The following 49ers vs Bengals NFL betting preview will give you the current odds, betting trends and picks for the Week 14 matchup, along with a stream link to watch games all season long.
49ers vs Bengals Week 14 NFL Betting Preview
NFL Regular Season — Week 14
San Francisco 49ers (6-6, 4-2 Away) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (7-5, 3-3 Home)
Date: Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021
Time: 4:25 p.m. EST
Venue: Paul Brown Stadium — Cincinnati, OH
Coverage: Click here for the stream
San Francisco 49ers Preview
After winning three straight, it was a major surprise for many NFL betting analysts to see the 49ers lose to a struggling Seattle Seahawks team last week. A two-point halftime advantage failed to hold up as the Niners were shut out over the final 30 minutes. The game ended with San Francisco failing to convert at the goal line on a potential game-tying drive. Now, Kyle Shanahan’s offense must rebound albeit with the never-ending backfield shuffle set to continue. Rookie Elijah Mitchell has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup in Cincinnati. Bettors should expect Jeff Wilson Jr. to lead the way with JaMycal Hasty mixing in on passing downs.
On the bright side, the 49ers’ passing attack should get a boost this week with top wideout Deebo Samuel likely to return from a one-game injury-related absence. Tight end George Kittle stepped up as the preferred target for Jimmy Garoppolo last week and should once again be a factor. Defensively, the suspect 49ers secondary will face a difficult task in trying to stop the Bengals’ star-studded receiving corps. The key to that endeavor figures to lie up front where Nick Bosa and the San Fran pass rush should have a hefty edge against a very bad Cincinnati offensive line.
Cincinnati Bengals Preview
The Bengals dropped their third game in the last five overall by losing in ugly fashion to the Los Angeles Chargers last week. Although Joe Burrow did his best to mount a mid-game comeback after falling behind big early on, he was at the mercy of the poor offensive line in front of him. Cincinnati’s front allowed a whopping six sacks in the game. Burrow was under siege far more often than that. He injured the pinky finger on his throwing hand at one point and struggled to try to play through it in the second half. The Bengals’ offensive line also failed to open running lanes for Joe Mixon against the NFL’s worst adjusted run defense. An even more difficult task awaits in this week’s NFL betting matchup when it comes to trying to run the ball against the 49ers’ defensive front.
The key for the Bengals this week will undoubtedly be Burrow getting the ball out quick to his receivers. Thus, it will be interesting to see just how much rookie sensation Ja’Marr Chase is able to impact Sunday’s game. If Burrow does not have time in the pocket, Chase’s typical role of being a deep threat could be undermined. Tee Higgins, tight end C.J. Uzomah, and even Mixon out of the backfield might ultimately become the more frequented targets in that scenario.
49ers vs Bengals NFL Betting Odds and Spread
NFL betting odds for 49ers vs Bengals are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: SF: (-125) | CIN: (+105)
Spread: SF: -1.5 (-110) | CIN: +1.5 (-110)
Total: 48.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: SF: (48%) | CIN: (52%)
49ers vs Bengals NFL Betting Trends
- 49ers are 4-2 both straight up and ATS in their last six games.
- The total has gone over in five of the 49ers’ last seven games.
- Bengals are just 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.
- The over is 7-0 in the last seven Bengals’ home games following a loss to an AFC opponent.
- NFL betting underdogs are 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight 49ers vs Bengals head-to-head matchups.
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49ers vs Bengals Stats
- San Francisco is averaging 25.3 points per game (PPG) this season (T-No. 13 in the NFL).
- San Francisco is surrendering 23.2 PPG this season (No. 20 in the NFL).
- Cincinnati is averaging 27.6 PPG this season (No. 7 in the NFL).
- Cincinnati is surrendering 22.3 PPG this season (T-No. 12 in the NFL).
49ers vs Bengals Prediction
This 49ers vs Bengals NFL betting prediction uses NumberFire’s game projections. They give San Francisco a 52.8% chance to win this Week 14 matchup.
