The regular-season battle isn’t over yet for the Cincinnati Bengals, who still have a slim shot at becoming the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a little help. The Cleveland Browns, on the other hand, have been eliminated from playoff contention this past week but will have a chance to spoil their neighboring division rivals’ lofty postseason goals.

NitroBetting is ready to equip its bettors with all the latest previews and odds for Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season. This time, we look at the compelling NFC North matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns. Find out more about the teams and the key players, event information, the latest NFL odds, and of course, helpful betting trends and expert betting predictions.

Bengals vs. Browns Information

Under the Bright Lights. #BeWhoYouAre pic.twitter.com/gOeFqL5txv

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) January 4, 2022

• When: Sunday, January 9, 2022, 1:00 PM ET
• Where: FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland, OH
• TV: FOX
• Radio: WLW-AM 700 (Bengals) / WKNR 850 AM (Browns)
• Live Stream:NFL Network, NFL League Pass
• NFL Odds: Bengals (+3) / Browns (-3)

READ MORE: Packers vs. Lions 2021 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview, & Pick

Why Bet on the Cincinnati Bengals?

There’s no bigger win in recent memory for Cincinnati Bengals fans than their team’s amazing 34-31 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs this past Sunday. With the win, the Bengals clinched the NFC North title for the first time since 2015 and also denied the Chiefs from having a stranglehold on the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoff picture.

Joe Burrow played the best game in his young NFL career, throwing for 446 yards and four touchdowns on 30 of 39 passing. Burrow connected with his former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase 11 times with the stellar wideout finishing with 266 receiving yards (a new single-game franchise record) and three receiving TDs. Cincy’s top tandem has been phenomenal all season long and the two are in line to possibly break even more records in Week 18.

Cincinnati’s three-game win streak gives them plenty of momentum heading into their season finale. However, they’d best not take Cleveland lightly, as the Browns did just hand them a lopsided 25-point loss back in Week 9.

Why Bet on the Cleveland Browns?

There’s no denying that the Cleveland Browns have been deflated by their elimination from playoff contention before their Monday night game against the Pittsburgh Steelers even kicked off. It certainly showed that evening, as the Browns dropped their third straight game with the Steelers earning a 26-14 win in what could be Ben Roethlisberger’s final home game in Heinz Field.

Cleveland continued to push the limits of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who’s dealing with a bummed shoulder which was apparent during the contest. Mayfield completed just 16 of 38 pass attempts for 185 yards, two touchdowns, and a couple of interceptions. The former first-overall draft pick now has 10 picks over his last six starts, further impeding his progress from the previous season.

The Browns have to realize that their running game will open up the passing game for Mayfield. Stud back Nick Chubb had just 12 carries for 58 rushing yards versus the Steelers; a far cry from his 40 combined carries for 217 rushing yards and two scores over the past two weeks. A bad offensive line has something to do with the lack of a strong run game as well, especially after that unit gave up nine sacks to Pittsburgh (four from DPOY candidate T.J. Watt alone).

Bengals vs. Browns Betting Trends

• The Bengals are 5-1 over their last six road games (SU/ATS).
• The Bengals are just 1-6 in their last seven meetings against Cleveland (4-3 ATS).
• The totals went over in all but one of those seven most recent Bengals-Browns matchups.
• The Browns are 5-3 at home this season (3-5 ATS).
• The Browns are 2-3 against their AFC North rivals this season (1-4 ATS).
• The totals went under in four of Cleveland’s last five homestands.

Bengals vs. Browns Expert Betting Predictions

As of this writing, the Browns are currently slightly favored to win despite all momentum being in the Bengals’ favor. However, we have to anticipate that Cincinnati may opt to rest most of its starters in the final game of the season instead, considering the team being a long shot to steal the top seed in the AFC. In turn, Cleveland’s odds of ending its lackluster campaign on a high note is indeed better than expected.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.