The Cleveland Browns (4-12) and Cincinnati Bengals (6-10) meet in NFL Week 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The game will broadcast live on CBS.
The Bengals are 9.5-point favorites on the spread (Bengals -9.5); the game total is 46. Cincinnati is a -450 favorite on the moneyline, while Cleveland is +350 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Browns vs Bengals prediction for today's AFC North game.
Browns vs Bengals Predictions, Picks
- Browns vs Bengals pick: Bengals -7.5 (-110)
My Browns vs Bengals best bet is on Cincinnati to cover the spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Browns vs Bengals Odds
| Browns Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 46 -110o / -110u | +350 |
| Bengals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 46 -110o / -110u | -450 |
Browns vs Bengals Preview
The Browns really aren't all that difficult to figure out.
At home, the Browns have covered the spread at a 62% rate over the past three years, one of the best teams in the NFL. Meanwhile, on the road, they are the worst by far at 6-18 against the spread (ATS) over the past three years (25%), failing to cover by nearly a touchdown per game.
The Browns defense is not as good on the road, and the Bengals offense is rolling.
Joe Burrow will start at QB for the Bengals in their season finale. Their offensive line is playing better, so Burrow should be able to score points.
The big question: can Cleveland's offense keep up? I don't think they will be able to for several reasons.
First, the offense is quite bad, and Shedeur Sanders hasn't elevated them, despite what the media may lead you to believe. The focal point of the offense is getting the ball to rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr., who pulled his groin last week.
Fannin will not be active for this game, nor will their other tight end, David Njoku.
I don't see how the Browns will be able to keep up with the Bengals, and there's also an emotional aspect for Cleveland since last week's win over the Steelers was basically its Super Bowl.
The Browns have always been bad on the road, but they are in a bit of an emotional letdown spot as well. They really have nothing to play for here. The Browns just want Myles Garrett to break the sack record, and once that happens, the rest is gravy.
The Bengals' defense, however, is underrated right now. Over the first 10 weeks of the season, they were historically bad, one of the all-time worst.
But since Week 11, they've been significantly better. They have a new defensive coordinator, Al Golden, and he has figured out some things schematically.
Cincinnati also has two rookie starting linebackers who were as bad as I've ever seen over the first 10 weeks, and they're finally starting to play better. So not great, but playing better.
One of the tweaks that Golden made was to change their alignments up front. T.J. Slaton Jr. is really thriving, especially against the run. They're getting something from Myles Murphy. And then, one of the biggest adjustments Golden made was letting Jalen Davis take over in the slot, which is what enabled Dax Hill to kick out outside. Since that change, he's been one of the best corners in the league.
Golden seems to have a much better idea of how to utilize the Bengals' defensive personnel, and they're playing much better. It's not like they've played clowns, either: Ravens (twice), Bills, Pats, Dolphins and Cardinals.
Browns vs Bengals Predictions, Betting Analysis
Entering this matchup, the Bengals have beaten the Browns outright in four straight matchups since the calendar flipped to 2024, including three straight home wins for Cincinnati over Cleveland.
Burrow won’t be disturbed by Garrett's chase for the sack record. Burrow has beaten Cleveland in three straight meetings. Burrow is 3-1 ATS in the first half at home vs. Browns, according to Evan Abrams.
Meanwhile, Sanders is probably going to turn it over a couple of times, and then it's lights out. The Browns can’t keep up, they can't play from behind.
Pick: Bengals -7.5 (-110)
Browns vs Bengals Betting Trends
Browns vs Bengals Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Paycor Stadium |
| Date: | Sunday, Jan. 4 |
| Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | CBS |
Browns vs Bengals Inactives
Browns Inactives
- TE Harold Fannin Jr.
- TE David Njoku
- T Jeremiah Byers
- C Kingsley Eguakun
- WR Jamari Thrash
- DT Sam Kamara
Bengals Inactives
- QB Jake Browning (3rd QB)
- WR Charlie Jones
- CB Josh Newton
- S Daijahn Anthony
- DE Joseph Ossai
- TE Cam Grandy
- DT Jordan Jefferson
