Cincinnati Bengals Vs Cleveland Browns Predictions, Picks, Odds And Betting Preview – NFL Week 16 – December 23 2018

Hue Jackson will meet his former team for the last time this season, as the Cincinnati Bengals travel to The Land for a road game against the Cleveland Browns, who are still in the hunt for a seat in the playoffs. Will the Bengals avenge their earlier loss to Cleveland and turn into dust the Browns’ playoff dreams? Or will the Browns sweep the Bengals in their regular season series?

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Betting Preview for the Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns NFL Week 16 Game on December 23, 2018

Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland

When: Sunday, December 23, 2018, 1:00 PM ET

Line: Cincinnati Bengals (+6.5) vs Cleveland Browns (-6.5) – view all 2018 NFL lines

TV Broadcast: CBS

Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)

The Bengals are merely trying to complete their schedule, as they have nothing to play for this late in the season. But that does not mean there’s a lack of things to get motivated for Marvin Lewis and the Bengals ahead of their upcoming rematch with Cleveland. For one, the Bengals want to avenge their 35-20 home loss to the Browns back in Week 12, though, they will have to try to beat Cleveland this time without Andy Dalton, who’s since been placed on the injured reserve. Instead, it’ll be Jeff Driskel under center this coming weekend for Cincinnati. Driskel is far from the quality of Dalton, but he’s got running back Joe Mixon to cover up for his bland play. Mixon was the only shining offensive player for the Bengals in their 30-16 home win over the Oakland Raiders in Week 15, as he finished with 129 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. With a mediocre quarterback and a receiving corps that might just have lost another player in Tyler Boyd, the Bengals might go run heavy against the Browns again. Mixon had 89 rushing yards in the first meeting with Cleveland, while Boyd could sit out Week 16 due to a knee injury he sustained in the Raiders game.

The Bengals are 3-1 ATS in their last four road games.

Injury Updates

Injury woes continue to haunt the Bengals, who will again miss Andy Dalton. Additionally, wide receiver Tyler Boyd remains questionable, potentially sidelining a valuable target.

For the Browns, defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi is nursing a bicep injury but is expected to play. These adjustments could dramatically affect team dynamics.

Betting on the Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)

It’s surprising, of not refreshing, to see the Browns still in a playoff hunt this late in the season, but that’s where they are, thanks in large part to the ever-improving play of rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield. The first-year pro out of Oklahoma passed for only 88 yards and had an interception on 18-of-31 completions in last week’s 17-16 road win over the Denver Broncos, but he had two touchdowns, one to Breshad Perriman and another to Antonio Callaway. Mayfield, however, could have a much better and productive performance against the Bengals’ defense he just carved up not too long ago. In the first meeting with Cincy, Mayfield threw for 258 yards and four touchdowns with zero interceptions on 19-of-26 completions. The Bengals are have one of the worst stop units in the game. They are allowing 29.5 points and 413.0 total yards per game, 31st and 32nd in the NFL. Rookie running back Nick Chubb could shine again, too, as he rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown in the previous date with Cincinnati.

The Browns are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games.

Head-to-head History

Historically, the Bengals and Browns have shared a fierce rivalry, with meetings often important in shaping divisional standings.

Over the last five matchups, the Browns have held the upper hand, winning three times. Their recent Week 12 victory, a 35-20 thrashing, showcased Cleveland's defensive dominance. This recent success adds to the psychological edge the Browns carry into Week 16.

Key Matchups to Watch

Keep an eye on the duel between Bengals' Joe Mixon and the Browns' defensive front. Mixon's ability to break through could define Cincinnati’s offensive outcomes.

Similarly, Baker Mayfield versus the Bengals' secondary will be telling. Mayfield's quick release and accurate throws could exploit Cincinnati's defensive gaps, setting up a fascinating tactical battle.

Recent Performance Patterns

Both the Bengals and Browns have seen their fortunes rise and fall in recent weeks.

The Bengals, without their starting quarterback, have struggled offensively, placing greater pressure on Joe Mixon and the running game.

Meanwhile, the Browns have shown resilience, capitalizing on Baker Mayfield's developing chemistry with his receivers. In their last three games, Mayfield has thrown for over 800 yards, helping to sustain Cleveland's playoff aspirations. Such performances underline the essential roles these key players will have in the upcoming match.

Writer’s Prediction

Cleveland wins, 27-20.