Week 14 brings us the second installment in the Battle for Ohio of the 2022 NFL schedule. AFC division rivals, the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals will meet in Cincinnati six weeks after the Browns beat the Browns 32-13 back in Week 8.
Do the Bengals have what it takes to get their revenge, or will Watson lead his new team to a win over their biggest rival in his second start in the orange and brown?
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Matchup Info
The Cleveland Browns have a shot at playing spoiler to the Bengals’ hopes of winning the AFC North, as both Cincinnati and Baltimore are sitting at the top of the division with 8-4 records.
With the season rapidly coming to an end, every game matters now more than ever, and the Bengals need to take care of business if they want to host a playoff game this year.
This is one of the greatest NFL matchups any time of year, but add in the elevated stakes, and this is a must-watch game.
Cleveland Browns Performance Recap and Analysis
The Browns may have played the worst game of their season last week and were just fortunate that they were playing the Texans to avoid yet another loss on the year.
This is extra concerning given the fact that it was Watson’s first game for Cleveland, and to say he didn’t live up to the expectations would be an understatement.
The first half in the game against the Texans may be the worst 30 minutes of football the Browns played all year offensively, saved only by a Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return for a TD to avoid a pointless half.
The Cleveland Browns’ stats on defense, however, were absolutely phenomenal. The defense held the Texans to only 82 rushing yards and only allowed the Texans’ offense to convert a single 3rd down all game.
Even more impressive were the four turnovers earned by the Browns, two via interception. If the defense keeps this level of play up, it’ll be up to Watson to improve to do his part on offense after putting up unheroic NFL player stats, going 12/22 for 131 yards and an INT putting his QBR at 28.6.
Key Injuries
David Njoku remains out on the NFL injury report, which is a shame as the tight end is sure to become one of Watson’s favorite targets.
Betting Trends to Know
The Browns are 6-6 against the spread this season.
Cincinnati Bengals Performance Recap and Analysis
The Bengals are coming off a major high after beating the Chiefs 27-24. The Bengals did everything they knew they’d have to in order to win, which included getting off to a quick start and being able to hold the Chiefs’ offense in the 4th quarter.
Both occurred, giving the Bengals another crucial win in their race against Baltimore for first place in the AFC North in the NFL standings.
When looking at the Bengals’ NFL team stats, they are a very solid team across the board—putting up the 7th most points while earning the 5th most yards.
Defensively the Bengals are 13th in the league in points allowed and 12th in the league in yards allowed. This is contributed in large part by the defense’s glaring weakness, which is its inability to get off the field on 3rd down as they rank 22nd in the league on 3rd down.
Key Injuries
Joe Mixon being out will be a huge gut punch to this Bengals offense, as Mixon is one of the best backs in the NFL right now.
Betting Trends to Know
The Bengals are 9-3 against the spread this season.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds
The NFL odds have the Browns as 5.5-point underdogs, with their money line being set at +200. While the Bengals’ odds sit at -240. The point total has been set at 48 points.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Betting Picks
Moneyline (CIN -240)
I didn’t see anything from the Cleveland offense that makes me believe that Watson is going to succeed there. Add in the crazy atmosphere and hatred that the Cincinnati Bengals fans have for the Browns, and my Browns vs Bengals prediction is that it will be a long day for Watson and company.
Over/Under (U 48)
The Bengal’s offense is good, but so is the Cleveland defense. Add in the miscues for the Browns’ offense, and in my Browns vs Bengals prediction, this game goes under 48 points.
Spread (CIN -5.5)
The struggles that Cleveland had against Houston, the worst team in football, just makes me believe that this team is outmatched at every level in this game.
I do think that the emotions of the game make it closer. However, I just don’t see Cleveland being able to keep up with Cincinnati.
Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals Score Prediction
My Browns vs Bengals prediction is that Watson continues to struggle while the Bengals continue their campaign for the playoffs. I have the Bengals winning this one 24-13.
NFL Pick: CIN -240, U 48, CIN -5.5
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