Browns Look to Sweep 2018's Battles of Ohio
This is actually a competitive rivalry once again, so throw out the record books.
Cleveland's Browns were looking for magic spells this weekend, but they didn't happen. Instead, they're back to their original goal of achieving a winning season.
The Cincinnati Bengals' motivation will be revenge after the Brownies drubbed them, 35-20, at Paul Brown Stadium back on Sun 25 Nov.
The Bengals have already been eliminated from the playoffs, so their incentive -- splitting the season series -- is to extinguish Cleveland's of finishing over .500.
The line on this game opened at the Browns by a touchdown, but Bovada now has it as Cleveland -10 with a total of 44. The moneyline is now Cincinnati +325 and Cleveland -450.
Why bet on Cleveland ...
Cleveland’s been playing lights out, going 4-1 straight up and against the spread in their last five. One of those covers was that victory over the Bengals. A stronger defense has helped, as only the Chiefs and Texans have put more than 20 points on them.
Baker Mayfield's been playing like a first-overall draft pick, completing 71.1% of his passes for 1297 yards with 11 TDs and 4 picks during current hot streak. As well, since becoming the featured RB in Week 7, Nick Chubb's averaging 85.88 yards while adding 6 TDs.
Why bet on Cincinnati ...
The Browns are the only club to stiffen on defense Cincinnati’s turned it up, too. In Week 14, the Chargers only managed 26 points in a Bengals loss. Dudes held Oakland to 16 points in a 30-16 win.
Crucially, Cincinnati's been banged up badly and hasn't had the depth to compensate. The lone bright spot offensively during this rough stretch is RB Joe Mixon, who's averaged 109.17 all-purpose yards and has run in 4 TDs.
Instant analysis ...
Cleveland's much improved and deserves to be favored, but Cincinnati’s getting points on the road. The Bengals are 4-2 against the spread away from home this season.
ATS pick: Cincinnati +10
Result: Cleveland 26 Cincinnati 18 ... Bengals cover
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Sportbet Columnist: Josh Bailey
Aspiring to become the Mark Twain of sportswriting, Josh has been labelled as the up-&-coming sportswriter of the year by absolutely nobody and the new heavy hitter in sports handicapping by his mother.