The stakes will be high this Sunday as a pair of in-state divisional rivals collide in the Queen City. Both the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals swallowed tough losses last weekend. Only one side will be able to get back on track in Week 9. Along with bragging rights within the state of Ohio, this game is critical in the crowded AFC North Division race. The NFL betting odds have dubbed the home side as a short favorite ahead of this Browns vs Bengals matchup.
The following Browns vs Bengals NFL betting preview will give you the current odds, betting trends and picks for the Week 9 matchup, along with a stream link to watch games all season long.
Browns vs Bengals Week 9 NFL Betting Preview
NFL Regular Season — Week 9
Cleveland Browns (4-4, 1-2 Away) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (5-3, 2-1 Home)
Date: Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021
Time: 1 p.m. EST
Venue: Paul Brown Stadium — Cincinnati, OH
Coverage: Click here for the stream
Cleveland Browns Preview
The Browns come into this NFL betting showdown having lost three of their last four games. This also marks the second straight divisional opponent for Cleveland following a 15-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. Baker Mayfield was back under center last Sunday, and Nick Chubb was also back serving as the Browns’ lead ball-carrier. None of that mattered against the stingy Steelers defense. The Browns barely cracked the 300-yard threshold and also lost the turnover battle last week.
While the Bengals defense projects to have more give than Pittsburgh’s nothing figures to come easy for the Browns again on Sunday. The passing game has struggled mightily since losing a shootout out west a few weeks ago. Knowing that Mayfield is playing through a shoulder injury leads one to believe that that trend could continue. With Odell Beckham Jr.’s father now taking shots at Mayfield, perhaps there are more chemistry issues than originally thought as well. Defensively, the Browns rank third in adjusted efficiency against the run according to Football Outsiders. However, they are one of the worst in the NFL when it comes to defending the pass. It will be paramount for star pass-rushers Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney to get home.
Cincinnati Bengals Preview
The Bengals were riding high after shocking the NFL betting world with a convincing road win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens two weeks ago. Then, in a very Bengals-like fashion, Cincinnati came crashing back down to Earth with a loss to backup QB Mike White and the New York Jets last Sunday. After falling victim to the trap game, Zac Taylor’s squad now must regroup ahead of yet another crucial AFC North contest. A win would mean that the Bengals have beaten all three of their divisional foes in the respective first head-to-head meetings.
So long as the Bengals’ shaky offensive line can hold up, Joe Burrow and the array of talented pass-catchers should be able to do some serious damage against the vulnerable Browns secondary. Last week’s loss was no fault of Burrow’s. He finished with three touchdowns and 259 yards passing. Tee Higgins was Cincinnati’s leading receiver in terms of yards while both Tyler Boyd and running back Joe Mixon hauled in TD receptions. The Bengals did allow the Jets pass rush to get home for three sacks though. Cincinnati’s pass protection could prove to be the X-factor in this NFL betting matchup.
Browns vs Bengals Odds and Spread
NFL betting odds for Browns vs Bengals are taken from BetMGM Sportsbook.
Moneyline: CLE: (+115) | CIN: (-135)
Spread: CLE: +2.5 (-105) | CIN: -2.5 (-115)
Total: 46.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting via Action Network: CLE: (33%) | CIN: (67%)
Browns vs Bengals NFL Betting Trends
– The total has gone under in four of the Browns’ last six games.
– Browns are 4-1 ATS in their last five road games.
– Five of the Bengals’ last seven games have gone under the total.
– Bengals are just 2-5 ATS in their last seven games as an NFL betting favorite.
– Bengals are 11-2 ATS in their last 13 head-to-head matchups against the Browns.
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Browns vs Bengals Stats
– Cleveland is averaging 22.9 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 19 in the NFL).
– Cleveland is surrendering 22.5 PPG this season (No. 13 in the NFL).
– Cincinnati is averaging 27.5 PPG this season (No. 7 in the NFL).
– Cincinnati is surrendering 20.2 PPG this season (No. 6 in the NFL).
Browns vs Bengals Prediction
The Browns vs Bengals NFL betting prediction uses the ESPN Football Power Index.
Browns: 46.8%
Bengals: 52.8%
Tie: 0.4%
