The Cincinnati Bengals have secured the top overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft, so a win this coming weekend won’t hurt their aspirations to get the best talent in the 2020 draft. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns will be looking to end the 2019 NFL season on a positive note after a slew of disappointments this year. Going into the game, the sportsbook favors the visiting team by slightly less than a field goal.
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Betting Preview for the Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals NFL Regular Season Week 17 Game on December 29, 2019
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
When: Sunday, December 29, 2019, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Cleveland Browns (-2.5) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (+2.5) – view all 2019 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: CBS
Betting on the Cleveland Browns (6-9)
It just keeps on getting worse for the Browns, who have successfully transformed their immense preseason hype into a soaring disappointment. The Browns are now on a two-game losing skid following a 31-15 home loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. Baker Mayfield went 20 for 33 for a pair of touchdowns and an interception. It was a forgettable outing for Mayfield, but what his protection had done in that game shouldn’t be ignored, as the quarterback was not sacked in the game. The Browns’ pass protection has been one of the few consistent bright spots on the team. Mayfield hasn’t been sacked more than one time in each of the Browns’ last five games. The same offensive line will take care of run-blocking for Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt this coming Sunday. Chubb was nightmare for Cincinnati in Week 14, when he collected 106 rushing yards on justs 15 carries. Chubb and Hunt should be able to have their way against Cincinnati’s run defense that’s ranked worst in the NFL.
The over is 2-1 in the Browns’ last three games.
Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals (1-14)
At least the Bengals tried. That’s one thing to describe how the Bengals fared in a 38-35 home loss to the Miami Dolphins. The loss came despite Andy Dalton throwing for four touchdowns and zero interceptions. However, he also had a lost fumble in the game. Dalton will have to come up with a cleaner performance in the rematch with Cleveland. Dalton went 22 for 38 with an interception in the recent meeting with the Browns. Meanwhile, running back Joe Mixon has the key in the backfield, and it’s hard to think someone will take over his position, especially when considering the fact that he ripped Cleveland’s defense for 146 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 rushing attempts. The Browns’ rushing defense has been appalling this season, as they are 30th in the NFL with 142.4 rushing yards allowed per game and 30th also in rushing yards surrendered per carry (5.0)
The under is 2-1 in the Bengals’ last three home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Browns win, 30-21.
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