Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/22/2024 1:00 PM EST

We have your Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Cleveland Browns hit the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Cleveland Browns +310 (BetMGM) / Cincinnati Bengals -400 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -7.5 - Cleveland Browns -110 (bet365) / Cincinnati Bengals -105 (BetMGM)
Best Total Odds: 47.0 - Under -110 (Caesars) / 46.5 - Over -115 (FanDuel)

Game Info

Date: 12/22/2024
Time: 1:00 PM EST
Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
TV: CBS

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

Over the past two seasons, the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have faced each other three times. In these matchups, the Bengals have emerged victorious twice, while the Browns have secured one win. The home team has generally had the upper hand, winning two out of the three games. In terms of betting, the Bengals have covered the spread twice, whereas the Browns have done so once. The games have tended to be low-scoring, with the total score going under the set over-under line in two of the three contests. The only game that went over was the January 7, 2024, matchup, which ended with a total score of 45 points.

The most recent encounter between these two teams took place on October 20, 2024, with the Bengals defeating the Browns 21-14. The Bengals were the favorites with a closing spread of -5.5 and successfully covered the spread. The game started with a bang as Cincinnati's Charlie Jones returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Browns responded with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by Nick Chubb just before halftime, but they missed the extra point, leaving the score at 7-6. In the third quarter, Joe Burrow connected with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins for two touchdown passes, extending the Bengals' lead to 21-6. The Browns managed to narrow the gap in the fourth quarter with a touchdown pass from Jameis Winston to David Njoku and a successful two-point conversion, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit. The game ended with a total score of 35, falling under the closing over-under line of 42.5.

In terms of statistics, the Bengals accumulated 223 total yards and 12 first downs, while the Browns outgained them with 336 total yards and 18 first downs. However, turnovers proved costly for Cleveland, as they threw two interceptions, whereas Cincinnati maintained a clean sheet in that regard. The Bengals' defense was effective, recording four sacks and two interceptions. On the other hand, the Browns' defense also managed to sack Joe Burrow three times but couldn't force any turnovers. Penalties were a factor, with the Browns committing 10 penalties for 80 yards compared to the Bengals' three penalties for 37 yards. Despite the Browns' higher yardage and possession time, the Bengals' efficient scoring and special teams play secured their victory.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Preview

The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are set to clash in a pivotal Week 16 matchup at Paycor Stadium, with both teams facing significant stakes. The Bengals, clinging to their playoff hopes, are eager to capitalize on their recent momentum, having won two consecutive games. Meanwhile, the Browns are navigating a turbulent season marked by quarterback instability following Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury.

For the Browns, the spotlight is on Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who has been named the starter after Jameis Winston's struggles with turnovers. Winston's tenure as the starting quarterback has been marred by inconsistency, highlighted by 12 interceptions in seven games. Thompson-Robinson, a second-year player, will be tasked with steadying the Browns' offense, which has shown flashes of potential but has been hampered by mistakes. His previous outings have been a mixed bag, and he will need to elevate his game to give Cleveland a fighting chance against a Bengals defense that has shown resilience.

The Bengals, on the other hand, are looking to sweep the Browns for the first time since 2017. They have been buoyed by a strong defensive performance, which will be crucial against a Browns team that has struggled to protect the football. Cincinnati's defense has been opportunistic, and their ability to pressure the quarterback could be a decisive factor in this contest. Offensively, the Bengals will rely on the leadership of Joe Burrow, who has been instrumental in their recent successes. The connection between Burrow and his receiving corps, including Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, will be pivotal as they aim to exploit a Browns defense that has shown vulnerability.

Adding to the intrigue is the Bengals' attempt to "Stripe the Jungle," a fan-driven initiative to create a visually striking atmosphere at the stadium. This game, originally scheduled for Thursday night, has been flexed to a Sunday afternoon slot on CBS, underscoring its importance in the playoff picture. With the Bengals donning their black jerseys and orange pants, they hope to break their losing streak in this uniform combination and energize their home crowd.

As the Browns and Bengals prepare to renew their rivalry, the stakes could not be higher. The Bengals are determined to keep their postseason dreams alive, while the Browns are eager to play spoiler and build momentum for the future. This matchup promises to be a compelling chapter in the storied Battle of Ohio.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Pick: Cincinnati Bengals Moneyline

The Cincinnati Bengals are poised to secure a crucial victory against the Cleveland Browns in this Week 16 matchup, and the moneyline pick strongly favors the home team. The Bengals have been riding a wave of momentum, having won two consecutive games, and they are determined to keep their playoff hopes alive. Their recent performances have been bolstered by a resilient defense that has shown the ability to capitalize on opponents' mistakes, a factor that could prove decisive against a Browns team struggling with quarterback instability.

With Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepping in as the Browns' starting quarterback, the Bengals have an opportunity to exploit his inexperience. Thompson-Robinson has shown potential but has also been prone to errors, as evidenced by his previous outings where he completed only 51.4% of his passes with three interceptions in four appearances this season. The Bengals' defense, which has been effective in pressuring quarterbacks and forcing turnovers, will look to disrupt Thompson-Robinson's rhythm and capitalize on any mistakes.

Offensively, the Bengals are led by Joe Burrow, whose leadership and connection with his receiving corps, including stars like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, have been instrumental in their recent successes. The Bengals' ability to strike quickly and efficiently, as demonstrated in their previous 21-14 victory over the Browns, where they scored on a 100-yard kickoff return and two touchdown passes, underscores their offensive prowess.

Moreover, the Bengals have the added advantage of playing at home, where they have historically performed well against the Browns. The "Stripe the Jungle" initiative is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere at Paycor Stadium, further energizing the team and its fans. The Bengals' black jerseys and orange pants, despite their previous losing streak in this combination, are set to break the trend as they aim to sweep the Browns for the first time since 2017.

Given the Bengals' recent form, their defensive strengths, and the Browns' ongoing quarterback challenges, Cincinnati is well-positioned to secure a victory. The Bengals' focus on maintaining their playoff aspirations and their ability to execute under pressure make them the clear choice for the moneyline pick in this pivotal AFC North showdown.

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Top Player Prop Picks

Joe Burrow Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns -120 (DraftKings)

Joe Burrow has been a pivotal force for the Cincinnati Bengals, especially in their recent victories. His connection with receivers like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins has been instrumental in the Bengals' offensive success. In their last encounter with the Browns, Burrow threw two touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to exploit Cleveland's defensive vulnerabilities. Given the Browns' ongoing struggles with turnovers and defensive lapses, Burrow is well-positioned to surpass 1.5 passing touchdowns, making this a strong prop bet.

Dorian Thompson-Robinson Under 220.5 Passing Yards -110 (FanDuel)

Dorian Thompson-Robinson steps into the starting role for the Browns amid a season marked by quarterback instability. His previous performances have been inconsistent, with a completion rate of just 51.4% and three interceptions in four appearances this season. The Bengals' defense, known for its resilience and ability to pressure quarterbacks, will likely challenge Thompson-Robinson's ability to move the ball effectively. With limited experience and a formidable Cincinnati defense, Thompson-Robinson may struggle to reach 220.5 passing yards.

Ja'Marr Chase Over 75.5 Receiving Yards -115 (Caesars)

Ja'Marr Chase has been a standout performer for the Bengals, consistently delivering big plays and racking up significant yardage. In their previous matchup against the Browns, Chase was a key target for Burrow, contributing to the Bengals' offensive success. With the Browns' defense showing vulnerabilities, particularly in the secondary, Chase is poised to have another productive outing. His chemistry with Burrow and ability to exploit defensive gaps make the over on 75.5 receiving yards a compelling prop bet.