The Cleveland Browns didn’t lose last week so that has to be a positive in a season that has had very few. Of course, they didn’t win either and they are running out of opportunities to get that elusive first win of the season with the odds now in favor of them becoming the second team in NFL history to go 0-16. The Cincinnati Bengals are all but out of the playoff picture, but they don’t want to become “that” team when the clubs hookup in Week 14.
This matchup in Week 14 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 11, 2016, at 1 p.m. ET at FirstEnergy Stadium.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Cincinnati Bengals -5.5
Cleveland Browns +5.5
Over/Under 44
Odds Analysis
Cincinnati covered the 11-point spread when these teams met earlier in the year, winning 31-17. With the Browns at home coming off a bye, the line opened at Cincinnati -5 and has fluctuated wildly since then. The line came down a point before squares wagered it back up to its current number. Cleveland hasn’t confirmed a starting quarterback, but that won’t play into the odds. The teams cashed the over in the first meeting and the total is lower this time around, giving the over some value once again.
Injury Report
Andrew Whitworth – Cincinnati’s offensive line has had its struggles this season, but one constant has been Whitworth. He left Sunday’s game with an injury, but was forced back into action when his replacement, Jake Fisher, sustained a more serious knee injury. The Bengals could be weakened at the blind side protector spot with both players dealing with leg problems.
John Greco – For a Browns offensive line that has struggled all season, Greco is the latest to go down. The team put him on injured reserve during the bye, taking the best and most experienced front line player out of the rotation.
Key Stat
Playing quarterback for the Browns has to be the most dangerous job in all of sports and should require additional hazard pay. The injuries at the position derailed the season before it even started and Hue Jackson has used a revolving door. We’re not sure who will start Sunday’s game, but it likely won’t make a difference. Cody Kessler has been cleared from his concussion, Robert Griffin III resumed practicing, and Josh McCown is still hanging around though he’s dealing with a finger injury.
Kessler has performed well when not getting smacked around and according to Jackson he deserves a longer look as the team looks to 2017. Unfortunately, Kessler and the other QBs have been under constant pressure thanks to an offensive line that has failed to provide adequate protection. Cleveland’s 45 sacks allowed are by far the most in the league and the team lost is top lineman when Greco injured his foot and went on IR. That leaves a big hole up front for a group that surrendered 15 sacks in the last two games.
Free ATS Pick
It took nearly three quarters of the season, but the Bengals finally played like the team many expected when selecting them as a playoff contender at the beginning of the year. You have to hand it to them after looking listless and disinterested during the previous two games, it was a solid effort in a romp over Philadelphia. Though not officially eliminated from postseason contention, it was too little, too late.
The Bengals enjoyed all kinds of success with Jackson as their offensive coordinator, but you know Marvin Lewis isn’t going to get all blurry-eyed over the reunion. Cincinnati handled the Brownies easily when the teams met in Week 7, covering the 11-point spread with a 31-17 win. That was the biggest offensive outburst for Cincy until dropping 32 on the Eagles last weekend. The line is much closer this time around and the Browns are coming off their bye, but their defense is still porous and Andy Dalton shredded a good Philly group after figuring out how to work minus A.J. Green and Giovanni Bernard. Don’t expect much to change this time around with the Bengals getting the cover win on the road.
NFL Odds: Bengals 27, Browns 17
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