How about that Joe Flacco? The Cleveland Browns have been down and out, however Flacco emerged from the pile of forgotten free brokers like a phoenix to hold the Browns to the playoffs. In Week 18, the Browns are locked into the AFC’s five-seed. If they win, nice. If they lose, no hurt accomplished. Even with a loss and a Miami Dolphins loss as nicely, the Browns would nonetheless maintain the tiebreaker over Miami with a greater convention document.
Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bengals, they have been eradicated from playoff rivalry per week in the past, that means that whereas the Browns could very nicely relaxation most of their starters, the Bengals can’t capitalize. Still, these are two groups that despise each other. The Bengals formation was invigorated by the Brown’s eponymous Paul Brown being fired. That sort of historical past creates enthralling matchups each time these groups sq. off.
Here’s every part to learn about this Week 18 matchup.
Bitter ending: NFL energy rankings Week 18: Cowboys, Lions nearly tied after controversial end
Browns vs. Bengals predictions:
Sportsbook Wire: Browns (+7)
Simply put, the Browns are an excellent 10-5-1 ATS this season, whereas the Bengals are a poor 6-8-2. While each groups will probably be resting their starters, we have seen what Kevin Stefanski has been capable of do with this Browns workforce with out their high working again, quarterback, and a number of other key offensive linemen.
CBS Sports: Bengals 23, Browns 20
Pete Prisco writes, “The Browns are locked in because the No. 5 seed, which suggests they could relaxation gamers right here. The Bengals are eradicated, however they need to play right here in opposition to their rival within the final sport of the yr. This a troublesome one to choose, however I’ll go together with the Bengals in an in depth one because the Browns might be waiting for extra necessary issues.”
FOX Sports: Cleveland 24, Cincinnati 20
FOX Sports factors out that the Browns are 2-0 ATS when underdogs of six or extra factors going into video games. FOX Sports likes the Browns outright although with neither workforce enjoying for something.
BetMGM: Bengals ML
BetMGM’s mannequin offers the Bengals a 63.5 p.c likelihood of successful this sport outright, however offers the Browns a 53.9 p.c likelihood to cowl. The moneyline is the safer play right here.
How to observe Browns vs. Bengals:
When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 – 1 p.m. ET
Where: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH
Cable TV: CBS
Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, FuboTV
Stream the sport: Watch all NFL Week 18 motion with Fubo
Browns vs. Bengals odds, unfold and features
The Texans are slight favorites to defeat the Colts, based on the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the greatest cellular sports activities betting apps providing NFL betting promos in 2023.
All odds as of Saturday.
- Spread: Bengals (-6)
- Moneyline: Bengals (-275); Browns (+220)
- Over/underneath: 39
Injury News:
Cleveland Browns Injury Report:
Name | Position | Injury | Status |
Mike Ford | CB | Calf | Questionable |
Amari Cooper | WR | Heel | Questionable |
Juan Thornhill | FS | Calf | Questionable |
Myles Garrett- | DE | Shoulder | Questionable |
Anthony Walker | MLB | Knee | Questionable |
Dustin Hopkins- | Ok | Hamstring | Questionable |
Marquise Goodwin | WR | Knee | Questionable |
Elijah Moore- | WR | Concussion | Questionable |
Greg Newsome II- | CB | Knee | Questionable |
Jordan Kunaszyk | ILB | Calf | Questionable |
Corey Bojorquez | P | Quadriceps | Questionable |
Drew Forbes | OT | Back | Questionable |
Dorian Thompson-Robinson | QB | Hip | Injured Reserve |
Grant Delpit | SS | Groin | Injured Reserve |
Maurice Hurst | DT | Pectoral | Injured Reserve |
Jedrick Wills | OT | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Dawand Jones | OT | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Michael Woods II | WR | Achilles | Injured Reserve |
Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report:
Name | Position | Injury | Status |
Tee Higgins | WR | Hamstring | Questionable |
Chidobe Awuzie | CB | Shoulder | Questionable |
Tycen Anderson | SAF | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Jalen Davis | CB | Groin | Questionable |
D.J. Reader | DE | Quadriceps | Injured Reserve |
Joe Burrow | QB | Wrist | Injured Reserve |
Devonnsha Maxwell | DT | Knee | Injured Reserve |
Devin Cochran | OT | Knee | Injured Reserve |
NFL Week 18: Will Texans or Colts full ultimate push into playoffs?
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