Last Updated on September 10, 2023 10:59 am by Anthony Rome
Bengals vs. Browns Prediction
AFC North rivals clash in Cleveland on Sunday when the Browns host the Bengals at 1:00 p.m. ET. With Joe Burrow set to play, are the Bengals the smart bet as a slight road favorite or is there a better play on the board today in Cleveland?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
457 Cincinnati Bengals (-2) at 458 Cleveland Browns (+2); o/u 47.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, September 10, 2023
Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
TV: CBS
Bengals at Browns Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 59% of public bettors are currently backing the Bengals when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Cincinnati Bengals DFS Spin
Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said Joe Burrow (calf) will start Week 1 against the Browns. Burrow, for now the highest paid quarterback in the NFL, is seemingly recovered from his August calf injury and ready to roll for the season opener after practicing all week. He sets up as a locked-in fantasy QB1 against a beatable Cleveland coverage unit. The Bengals-Browns game has sneaky shootout appeal.
Cleveland Browns DFS Spin
Browns CB Denzel Ward cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 1 against the Bengals. Ward was limited in practice earlier in the week, but is now fully cleared and ready to go for the season opener. The Browns corner will be needed when his team plays host to the NFL’s richest man, Joe Burrow, and his cast of elite receivers. Ward had arguably his worst season as a pro in 2022, allowing 35 receptions for 543 yards and three touchdowns while posting a PFF coverage grade of 60.4 — a career low. He’ll look to rebound from last year’s struggles this season.
Bengals at Browns Betting Trends
Cincinnati is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games
Cincinnati is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Cincinnati
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Cleveland’s last 7 games
Bengals at Browns Prediction:
Give me Cleveland. I think Deshaun Watson is going to have a decent second season for the Browns. Due to off-field issues in Houston, he missed an entire season for the Texans, then missed the first two-plus months of the season last year because of suspension. He looked rusty upon his return but now that he’s had another full offseason in Cleveland, I expect him to rebound. Remember, this was once a top-10 quarterback. The ability is there and so is a strong running game thanks to Nick Chubb, as well as a good set of receivers, highlighted by Amari Cooper. Cleveland’s front seven is also better than most realize and what is the health status of Joe Burrow? He got a nice new contract but is he healthy ahead of Week 1?
NFL WEEK 1 PREDICTION: CLEVELAND BROWNS +2