The online NFL betting season is in full swing, and one of the biggest takeaways from what we’ve seen is that the NFL’s ratings have taken a serious blow, especially on Monday night. There’re plenty of reasons for the drop, stemming from increasingly boring matchups, all the way to player’s protest of the anthem. But it’s getting to the point where the drop is no longer negligible and it’s up to the league, more specifically the commissioner, to do something about the drop. In Week 10, the Giants and the Bengals will be facing off to try and save Monday Night Football’s flailing ratings. Are most football betting sites predicting an entertaining game, or a boring contest?
NFL Odds – Week 10 – Monday, November 14th
Cincinnati Bengals +1 (-105) 47 (-105) +105
New York Giants -1 (-115) 47 (-115) -125
No bombshells here, the online NFL betting odds have sided with the team with the better record. Heading into Monday night, the Bengals will be coming in at 3-4-1 after tying with the Washington Redskins in Week 8. Cincinnati finds itself in 3rd place within the AFC North but since they’re only a game behind the Ravens, a win would certainly thrust them back into the playoff conversation. On the other hand, the New York Giants will be coming into Monday’s contest at 5-3 as well as in 2nd place within the NFC East. The Cowboys lead the East at 7-1 so the Giants best playoff hopes are clinching a Wild Card berth.
Obviously a win over the Bengals would be the best way to accomplish that. But looking over both these teams’ numbers, it’s clear that the Giants might have their hands full on Monday night. New York will be coming into this contest with the 23rd worst total defense, and the 25th worst pass defense in the NFL. Against the run the Giants are the 9th best team, which could help them neutralize the Bengals running game, but at the same time, Cincinnati has no qualms about throwing the football. Why should they when they have the 4th best passing offense in the league. The Bengals might have no problem moving the ball through the air, but they might not have such an easy time scoring. The Giants defense is the 10th best in the NFL in points allowed, and the Bengals the 21st least amount of points in the league. If Big Blue can put some points on the board early in the game, they might have this one in the bag.
Looking over the Bengals defense, it’s clear that Eli Manning and the Giants offense should have no problem finding the end zone. The Bengals defense ranks in the bottom half of the league, and they’re also allowing the 20th most points per game. With that in mind it’s surprising to see the online NFL betting odds not favor New York more heavily.
