Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Matchup

In this week 16 NFL regular season preview between Browns and Bengals, see who like to win the game and cover the spread.

The Browns and Bengals will kick off at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. The Bengals are the heavy favorite with a money line of -331, and the Browns' money line is +262. On the point spread, the Bengals are -7 point favorites. You can catch this week 16 AFC North matchup on CBS. The over/under line is set at 48 points.

Browns vs. Bengals Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NFL
Teams: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Where: Cincinnati at Paycor Stadium
Date: Sunday, December 22nd
Betting Odds CIN -7, CLE +262 | CIN -331 O/U 48

Browns Preview:

With a 3-11 record, the Browns are on a three-game losing streak, including a 21-7 loss to the Chiefs in week 15. Cleveland ranks 25th in our power rankings and has no chance of making the playoffs. They are 4-10 against the spread and have also dropped three straight ATS. This includes failing to cover as 4-point underdogs against Kansas City.

So far, the Browns have an O/U record of 6-8, with the under hitting in their last two games. Their matchups have averaged 42.5 points, while the O/U line has been 41.2.

Browns Offense Breakdown

Heading into week 16, the Browns are 31st in our offensive power rankings, averaging 17.1 points per game (27th) and 309.6 yards per game (22nd). They lead the NFL in passing attempts but rank 17th in passing yards per game with 217.5. On the ground, they are 25th in rushing attempts and 27th in rushing yards per game, averaging 92.1. Cleveland has struggled on third down, converting just 28.6% of their attempts, ranking 30th in the league. However, they have been efficient in the red zone, leading the NFL with a 64.3% conversion rate.

In week 15, Jameis Winston threw for 146 yards and 3 interceptions against the Chiefs, completing 16 of 25 passes. Jerome Ford led the team with 84 rushing yards on 7 carries, while Jerry Jeudy had 11 receptions for 108 yards. The Browns scored 7 points in the 3rd quarter but were shut out in the other three quarters.

Browns Team Defense

In their 21-7 loss to the Chiefs, the Browns' defense allowed just 179 passing yards but gave up two passing touchdowns. They held Kansas City to 4.5 yards per attempt in the passing game and to 52.5% completions. However, the Browns struggled to defend the run, allowing 132 yards on 35 attempts.

Cleveland's defense didn't record any sacks in the game and lost the tackles for loss differential by -3. They also allowed the Chiefs to convert on 38.9% of their third down attempts.

Bengals Preview:

After dropping four straight, the Bengals have bounced back with two consecutive wins, including a 37-27 victory over the Titans in week 15. Cincinnati was a 6-point favorite in this game and covered the spread, improving their ATS record to 8-6. They rank 17th in our NFL power rankings and have a +0.9 scoring margin this season. Their O/U record is 10-4, with their games averaging 56.1 points.

Heading into week 16, the Bengals are 6-8 and have a 6% chance of making the playoffs. They are 1-5 at home and 5-3 on the road. In division games, they are 1-3, putting them 3rd in the AFC North. They are 10th in the AFC standings.

Bengals Offense Breakdown

Joe Burrow has been on a tear, throwing for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns in week 15, following a 369-yard performance in week 14 and a 309-yard game in week 13. He posted a passer rating of 95 against the Titans in week 15, completing 26 of 37 passes, though he did have 2 interceptions. Burrow has been well-protected, with his sack total decreasing from 4 in week 13 to just 1 in week 15.

Ja'Marr Chase had 9 catches for 94 yards in week 15, after a 177-yard, 2-touchdown game in week 14. Chase Brown led the rushing attack with 97 yards on 25 carries in week 15. The Bengals' offense ranks 6th in our power rankings, averaging 28.5 points per game, which is 5th in the NFL.

Bengals Team Defense

In their 37-27 win over the Titans, the Bengals' defense gave up 291 passing yards on 29 completions. Despite allowing 2 passing touchdowns, they came up with 4 interceptions, making life difficult for Tennessee. The Titans had a 76.3% completion percentage and converted 62.5% of their third down attempts.

Cincinnati's run defense was solid, allowing just 83 yards on 26 attempts (3.2 yards per attempt). They also had 1 sack and won the tackles for loss battle with a differential of +4.

Browns vs Bengals Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last five road contests, the Browns offense has averaged 17 points per game while allowing an average of 31. Cleveland posted an overall record of 0-5 while going 1-4 ATS.
When looking at their past three matchups at home, Cincinnati has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 30 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Browns have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 1-4.
Spanning across their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Bengals have gone 6-4 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 6-4.