Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Picks and Predictions December 22nd 2024

Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns December 22nd 2024

The Bengals are favored at -331 on the money line as they host the Browns at 1:00 ET on Sunday, December 22nd. The Browns are +262 on the money line, and the point spread has the Bengals -7. The over/under line is sitting at 48 points. This week 16 AFC North matchup is being televised on CBS.

Cleveland vs. Cincinnati Key Information

With a 3-11 record, the Browns sit 25th in our power rankings and have a 0.0% chance of making the playoffs. Cleveland is 2-2 in the AFC North and 3-6 in conference play, putting them 4th in the division. They have lost three straight games, including a 21-7 loss to the Chiefs in week 15.

Against the spread, the Browns are 4-10 and have failed to cover in three consecutive games. They are 0-4 as favorites and 4-6 as underdogs. Their O/U record is 6-8, with the under hitting in two straight games.

Heading into week 16, the Browns rank 31st in our offensive power rankings. They lead the NFL in passing attempts per game (39) but are 17th in passing yards, averaging 217.5 per game. Jameis Winston has struggled with turnovers, throwing 3 interceptions in week 15 against the Chiefs, finishing with 146 yards on 16/25 passing. Jerry Jeudy had 11 catches for 108 yards in that game.

On the ground, Cleveland ranks 25th in rushing attempts and 27th in rushing yards, averaging 92.1 per game. Jerome Ford had 84 yards on 7 carries in week 15. The Browns are 30th in the NFL in 3rd-down conversions, with a 28.6% success rate.

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The Browns’ defense allowed just 179 passing yards in their most recent game against the Chiefs, but they did give up two passing touchdowns. They struggled to stop the run, allowing 132 yards on 35 attempts, and overall, they gave up 311 yards of total offense in their 21-7 loss. Cleveland’s defense was unable to generate any sacks in the game.

Opposing quarterbacks completed just 52.5% of their passes against Cleveland, and the Browns held the Chiefs to a 38.9% third-down conversion rate. Despite this, they still allowed two passing touchdowns and struggled to stop the run, allowing 132 yards on 35 attempts.

The Bengals have won two in a row, improving to 6-8 on the season. After a week 13 loss to the Steelers, Cincinnati bounced back with road wins over the Cowboys (27-20) and Titans (37-27). They were favored in both games and covered the spread in each, including a 10-point win over Tennessee as 6-point favorites.

Heading into week 16, the Bengals have a +0.9 scoring margin and are 8-6 against the spread. Their O/U record is 10-4, with their games averaging 56.1 points. Cincinnati ranks 17th in our power rankings and has a 6.0% chance of making the playoffs.

Joe Burrow has been on fire for the Bengals, throwing for 271 yards and 3 touchdowns in week 15 against the Titans, following his 369-yard performance in week 14 and 309 yards in week 13. He has posted passer ratings of 95, 112, and 112 over the last three games. Ja’Marr Chase had 9 catches for 94 yards in week 15, after his 177-yard, 2-touchdown game in week 14. Chase Brown rushed for 97 yards on 25 carries in week 15.

Cincinnati ranks 5th in the NFL in scoring, averaging 28.5 points per game, and they lead the league in passing yards per game with 271.4. They are 4th in 3rd-down conversions, with a 47.5% success rate. However, they rank 24th in red zone conversion percentage.

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The Bengals’ defense came up with four interceptions in their 37-27 win over the Titans, despite allowing Tennessee to convert on 62.5% of their third down attempts. They gave up 291 passing yards on 29 completions, with Tennessee finishing with a 76.3% completion rate. Cincinnati’s run defense was solid, allowing just 83 yards on 26 attempts.

Although they allowed 291 passing yards, the Bengals’ defense made key plays in the passing game, intercepting four passes. They also forced Tennessee into a 76.3% completion rate and came up with one sack. Despite their success in the passing game, the Bengals’ defense struggled on third downs, allowing Tennessee to convert on 62.5% of their third down attempts.

Our pick vs. the spread in this week 16 matchup between the Browns and Bengals is to take the Browns to cover as road underdogs. The point spread has the Browns at +7, and we have them winning by a score of 29-24.

For the over/under, with the line sitting at 48 points, we are leaning towards taking the over, with a projected combined score of 53 points.

Bengals Aim to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive Against Struggling Browns

The Cincinnati Bengals will try to extend their winning streak to three games and stay in the playoff race when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The matchup presents an opportunity for the Bengals to sweep their Ohio rivals for the first time since 2017, adding extra stakes to an otherwise disappointing season for both teams.

Bengals Riding Momentum Into Key Divisional Game

Cincinnati (6-8) is coming off back-to-back road wins against the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. Last week’s 37-27 victory over the Titans was highlighted by quarterback Joe Burrow’s record-breaking performance. Burrow set a Bengals single-season record with his 36th touchdown pass and continues to lead the league in multiple passing categories, including completions (361), yards (3,977), and touchdowns (36).

Burrow has thrown for at least 250 yards and three touchdowns in six consecutive games, a feat matched only by Tom Brady in NFL history. His connection with Ja’Marr Chase has been electric, with Chase leading the league in receptions (102), receiving yards (1,413), and touchdowns (15).

While the Bengals’ offense has been prolific, penalties and turnovers remain a concern. Cincinnati committed 14 penalties and turned the ball over four times against Tennessee, prompting head coach Zac Taylor to call for improvement.

“The 14 penalties is not us. We addressed every single one of those,” Taylor said. “There’s a lot of really good stuff to build on, but we have to clean up the mistakes.”

Browns Turn to Thompson-Robinson Amid Struggles

The Browns (3-11) are in the midst of a three-game losing streak and will start rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson against Cincinnati. Head coach Kevin Stefanski made the change after benching Jameis Winston, who threw 12 interceptions during the skid.

“A young player that’s really gotten better in every area,” Stefanski said of Thompson-Robinson. “He’s done a very, very good job of keeping himself prepared for when a moment comes.”

Thompson-Robinson, who started three games as a rookie in 2023, has struggled in limited action this season, completing 15 of 34 passes for 100 yards and three interceptions. He will face a Bengals defense that forced six turnovers against Tennessee.

The Browns’ offense has been hit hard by injuries, with star running back Nick Chubb (foot) and quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) out for the season. Jerome Ford will take over in the backfield, while the Browns also face questions in their receiving corps, with Jerry Jeudy (knee) and Cedric Tillman (concussion) limited in practice.

Injury Report

The Bengals are dealing with injuries to key players, including left tackle Orlando Brown (fibula), who missed Wednesday’s practice, and Joe Burrow, who was limited with wrist and knee issues. Defensive linemen Sam Hubbard (knee), Kris Jenkins (illness), and Sheldon Rankins (illness) also sat out.

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For Cleveland, cornerback Martin Emerson (concussion) and defensive end Shelby Harris (elbow) did not participate in practice.

Bengals Seek Redemption Against Division Rival

Cincinnati won the first meeting between these teams in Week 7, a 21-14 victory in Cleveland. Burrow threw two touchdown passes in the third quarter, and the Bengals’ defense held the Browns to just 77 rushing yards. A win on Sunday would not only complete the sweep but also keep the Bengals’ slim playoff hopes alive.

While the Browns look to evaluate young talent like Thompson-Robinson, the Bengals remain focused on finishing the season strong. With Burrow and Chase firing on all cylinders, Cincinnati has the firepower to secure a crucial divisional win and keep their postseason dreams alive.