Cleveland vs Cincinnati (CIN -9 , 46.5)
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Cleveland vs Cincinnati | Sunday, December 22, 2024
Dorian Thompson-Robinson and the Cleveland Browns will take on Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in an AFC North rivalry game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. After the Bengal's week 15 win over the Tennessee Titans, they are currently listed as +700 underdogs to make a playoff appearance. If they want any shot at the postseason, this weekend's matchup with their division rival is a must-win. Although the Brown's playoff chances are long gone, sitting fourth in the AFC North with a 3-11 record, they still have a shot at spoiling their rival's playoff chances and snapping a three-game losing streak.
The Brown's three consecutive losses have all come to AFC opponents, including their division rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Their defense has been extremely subpar, allowing opponents an average of 29.6 points per game over their three-game skid. While they have allowed just 212.7 passing yards per game this season, 11th in the NFL, they have allowed 128.2 yards per rush, 23rd in the NFL. The Browns have allowed 25.4 points per game in 2024, ranking at 26 in the NFL in that category, and allow an unsettling 3.1 touchdowns per game to opposing offenses.
If the Cleveland defense hits the field this Sunday with that same level of incompetence, they're going to have a rough day trying to stop an explosive Bengals offense.
The Joe Burrow-led passing game has been tremendous this season, although Cincinnati only has a 6-8 record to show for it. The Bengals lead the NFL in passing yards per game with 271.4 and rank fifth in the NFL with 28.5 points per game. A huge thank you for these numbers can be made to superstar Ja'Marr Chase, who has been the clear-cut WR1 in the entire NFL this season. Chase currently leads all wide receivers in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,413), and touchdowns (15).
The Bengals running game, led by second-year back Chase Brown, has been solid this year, too. Although the Bengals only run the ball an average of 22.1 times a game, third-least in the NFL, Brown has rushed for 832 yards on the season, 17th in the NFL, and is responsible for seven touchdowns on the ground. Brown has also been efficient out of the backfield as a receiver this season, catching 47 balls for 318 yards and four touchdowns.
Unfortunately for Cleveland, they don't seem to have the offensive firepower to put up enough points to compete with the Bengals. Cleveland averages just 17.1 points per game, third worst in the entire league, and has the second-worst completion percentage on offense at just 60.99%. They haven't been incredibly effective on the ground either, averaging just 92.1 rushing yards per game, 29th in the NFL.
The Bengals open up as heavy favorites at home (-7.5) this Sunday, and barring a Thompson-Robinson miracle, have an excellent chance at improving their playoff hopes with a win.
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Joe Burrow Over 1.5 TD Passes