It was previously thought that the Cincinnati Bengals would win a Super Bowl. Those hopes have waned by the middle of the season. Their only goal now is to get into the postseason conversation.
The Las Vegas Raiders are far from being a postseason contender, even though they aren’t out. This season, the Raiders (2-6 SU, 4-4 ATS) have surprised one AFC North team on the road, and they urgently need to repeat the feat if they want to qualify for the postseason.
For Sunday’s game at Cincinnati, the Bengals (3-5 SU, 4-4 ATS) are more than a score ahead of the opposition. The kickoff time is set at 1 p.m. EST. These are our top picks and predictions for the Raiders vs. Bengals NFL Week 9.
Raiders vs. Bengals predictions and best bets
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Raiders +7.5:
-115 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
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Joe Burrow passing yards under 263.5:
-110 odds at bet365 Sportsbook
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Brock Bowers receiving yards over 64.5:
-114 odds at FanDuel Sportsbook
Note: To guarantee you receive the best odds, check lines closer to game time. Odds are based on the best value our analysts find as of publication.
Before Sunday’s game, both teams have more shortcomings than strengths.
The Raiders just lost to Kansas City in the most emotional game of the season, which was made worse by being outplayed in every way. How will they bounce back in time to travel to Cincinnati?
For the second consecutive game, the Bengals are probably going to be without wide receiver Tee Higgins due to quadriceps issues. Although Higgins is by no means the league’s top receiver, Cincinnati needs him on the field. When he is absent in the lineup, the offense lacks explosiveness. When Higgins is not playing, the Bengals are 0–3.
Additionally, when laying more than a touchdown, Cincinnati has not won, much less covered. The Bengals were 7.5-point favorites when they fell to the Patriots in Week 1 and to the Commanders in Week 3.
It’s difficult to see the Bengals winning by more than seven points, but perhaps Cincinnati won’t fall to the Raiders completely. It would require a level of play that hasn’t been observed this season.
Higgins’ absence will have an impact on Burrow’s upside. This season, Burrow has averaged 218.7 yards per game in three games sans Higgins. Burrow has a game average of 267.4 yards in five games with Higgins.
The fact that the Bengals have one of the weakest running offenses makes Burrow’s situation much more difficult. As a result, they are unable to open the passing game using the running game.
In addition, the Raiders’ passing yards per game of 189.1 rank seventh in the league.
Brock Bowers, the rookie tight end, is one of the Raiders’ few bright lights. On Sunday, he ought to have another strong game.
Over the past four games, Bowers has averaged 79.8 receiving yards per game. Three of those games saw him reach 64.5 receiving yards.
When it comes to tight end defense, Cincinnati is among the worst in the NFL. Each game, the Bengals give up 57.4 receiving yards to tight ends. Against them, several of the top tight ends put on outstanding performances.
Raiders vs. Bengals moneyline odds analysis
Why Cincinnati could win as the favorite
The best odds at DraftKings Sportsbook are -325.
The Bengals will still have Burrow and wide receiver Ja Marr Chase on Sunday even if Higgins isn’t available.
Burrow is an expert in overcoming barriers. If necessary, he can lead a 75-yard, 12-play drive. Chase has the ability to make a big play at any time. He simply poses a greater threat when Higgins is playing.
After a terrible start to the season, the defense has improved in recent weeks. On Sunday, it should perform well enough to contain the Raiders, who don’t have much offensive punch.
Why Las Vegas could win as the underdog
BetMGM Sportsbook’s best odds are +280.
It is never a good idea to ignore Burrow. But Las Vegas can remain in the game long enough to pull off a surprise if Higgins’ absence keeps Cincinnati’s offense in check.
Including one of the biggest upsets of the season when they defeated the Ravens in Baltimore, the Raiders are already 2-1 versus the AFC North.
A strong showing might put the Raiders in a position to steal another game away from home, but Las Vegas cannot afford to play poorly.
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