Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals 1/7/24 – The NFL regular season is reaching its climax in Week 18 with a key matchup as the Cleveland Browns, standing at 11-5, visit the Cincinnati Bengals, who have an even 8-8 record. This game, scheduled for Sunday at Paycor Stadium, holds significant implications for playoff positioning. As fans and analysts make their NFL Week 18 free picks today, all eyes will be on this high-stakes AFC North battle.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals 1/7/24
| When: | Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 1:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Paycor Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | NFL Game Pass |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | +7.5 -113 | o37.5 -105 | +275 |  |
| Bengals | -7.5 -107 | u37.5 -115 | -330 | |
| ||||
Our injury report for the final game of the regular season against the Bengals
📰 » https://t.co/wxaqA6sdlf pic.twitter.com/p1daHv3KHT
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 5, 2024
Joe Flacco QB vs. Jake Browning QB
Joe Flacco has filled in admirably for the Browns this season, compiling 1,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions across just 5 starts. Although lacking elite arm strength at this stage of his career, Flacco offers savvy decision-making and accuracy on short and intermediate routes. He faces a middling Bengals pass defense surrendering 223.4 passing yards per contest.
Jake Browning has kept Cincinnati afloat with 1,780 passing yards, 9 touchdowns and 6 picks across 8 appearances. While he won’t light up the stat sheet, Browning has avoided catastrophic mistakes and managed the Bengals offense effectively. The Browns pass defense has been stingy, giving up just 195.8 yards per game through the air.
Browns’ Rushing and Receiving Threat: Ground and Air Dynamics of Cleveland
Jerome Ford has been an instrumental piece in Cleveland Browns rushing attack this season, amassing 807 yards and 4 touchdowns over 16 games – an average of 4 yards per carry for Cleveland provides them with a strong ground game. Cedric Tillman has displayed immense potential as a receiver, even with just 181 receiving yards through 13 games. His average of 10.1 yards per reception indicates his potential to make impactful plays when targeted.
Bengals’ Offensive Weapons: Balancing the Attack in Cincinnati
Joe Mixon has led the Bengals’ rushing efforts, amassing 923 yards and eight touchdowns over 16 games. His consistent gain of yards and conversion of first downs is an integral component of their offensive strategy. Ja’Marr Chase stands out among the Bengals’ receiver corps with 1197 yards and seven touchdowns through 15 games, an average of 12.5 yards per reception and the ability to create after catch make him an effective threat for Browns’ defense.
NFL Betting Odds: Cincinnati Bengals -260, Over/Under: 38.5
The betting odds favor the Bengals, likely due to their home-field advantage and balanced offense. The over/under set at 38.5 points suggests expectations for a moderately scoring game.
Trends
Cleveland Browns Betting Trends
Cleveland are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 6 games.
Cleveland are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
Browns are 5-13 ATS in their last 18 games against Cincinnati.
Cleveland are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games against Cincinnati.
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Cleveland’s last 5 games on the road.
Cincinnati Bengals Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Cincinnati’s last 5 games.
Cincinnati are 12-3 SU in their last 15 games at home.
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Cincinnati’s last 7 games when playing at home against Cleveland.
Cincinnati are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference conference.
Cincinnati are 0-7 ATS in their last 7 games against an opponent in the American Football Conference North division.
Bengals are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games played in January.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Picks
This matchup presents an intriguing battle of offense and strategy. The Browns, with Flacco’s experience and Ford’s rushing, could challenge the Bengals. However, Cincinnati’s balanced offense and strong home record make them favorites.
For those interested in casino online betting, exploring over bets might be prudent given both teams’ recent scoring trends. Prop bets on key players such as Browning, Mixon, and Chase could offer additional betting excitement. Expect a competitive game with the Bengals leveraging their balanced attack and home advantage to secure a victory in this crucial AFC North showdown.
Score Prediction: Bengals 27, Browns 21
