When the Browns host the Bengals in Cleveland to finish Week 8 of the 2022 NfL season on “Monday Night Football” (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN2), they will be trying to stay in the AFC North race against their instate rivals.
Cincinnati comes into the latest “Battle of Ohio” at 4-3, trying to match Baltimore’s division-leading record at 5-3. Cleveland is 2-5 and is on the verge of not being playoff-relevant by the time Deshaun Watson returns.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow will be operating without top wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (hip). Browns fill-in QB Jacoby Brissett will be down two key members of his supporting cast, right guard Wyatt Teller (calf) and tight end David Njoku (ankle).
There also are some defensive injuries of note each side.
Here’s everything to know about betting on Browns vs. Bengals in Week 8, including updated odds, trends and our expert’s prediction for “Monday Night Football.”
LIVE: Follow Bengals vs. Browns on ‘Monday Night Football’
Browns vs. Bengals odds for Thursday Night Football
- Spread: Bengals by 3
- Over/under: 45
- Moneyline: Bengals -165, Browns +140
The Bengals have been steady field-goal favorites since the initial lines. The total has hovered in the same spot as well.
(betting odds per Caesars Sportsbook)
Browns vs. Bengals all-time series
The Bengals still have the lead, 51-46. But the Browns have won four consecutive games in the series and seven of eight. The Bengals last won in December 2019 so they’ll be hungry to put their rivals back in place and reverse the trend again.
Three trends to know
—72 percent of spread bettors are liking the Bengals to take care of the small number while still playing in Ohio.
—64 percent of over/under bettors feel good about the total going over based on the offensive firepower of the Bengals even without chase and the presence of Nick Chubb in the Browns’ run-heavy attack.
—The Bengals are 5-2 against the spread this season with 2 of their games going over. The Browns are 3-4 ATS this season with 5 of their games going over.
Three things to watch
Browns WR Amari Cooper vs. Bengals CB Chidobe Awuzie
The two former Cowboys should see plenty of each other in the game. Awuzie has gone into shadow coverage of late and Eli Apple (hamstring) won’t be out there for the Bengals. Awuzie and Lou Anuramo’s schemes and can make sure Cooper is a limited factor with no Njoku.
Burrow without Chase
Chase won’t play but neither will the Browns’ top cornerback Denzel Ward, missing another game with a concussion. No. 2 corner Greg Newsome (oblique) is also hurting. Burrow will simply pivot to using Tee Higgins as his go-to guy outside with an expanded role for Tyler Boyd in the slot, as well as tight end Hayden Hurst. The Browns will still have their hands full in coverage.
Chubb vs. the Bengals’ run defense
The Browns will no doubt pound Chubb as much as possible in the power rushing attack to wear down the Bengals and also work to keep Burrow off the field. The Bengals are No. 19 in run defense (giving up on average 119 rushing yards per game). Chubb will be the obvious key to the upset so if he can off, the Browns should win.
Stat that matters
135.6. That’s how many average rushing yards per game the Browns are giving up, No. 24 in the league. They’ve been gashed often with shaky interior front seven play and linebacker disappointment. With no Chase and the Browns playing to protect their secondary vs. Burrow. Joe Mixon could see big rushing lanes for his potential biggest rushing performance of the season.
Browns vs. Bengals prediction
The Browns will try to stay in with Chubb and big-play preventing defense. But eventually the Bengals’ passing game and pass defense playmaking will take over and help them win comfortably. A red-hot Burrow vs. a facing Brissett is no true offensive contest.
Bengals 30, Browns 23
