Gear up for another weekend of NFL action! Make sure to check in with BettingPros throughout the year for top picks and predictions for each and every NFL game. Our writers dive into their favorite picks and predictions for every remaining game on this weekend’s NFL slate. And let’s take a closer look at Bengals vs. Ravens.
Go premium to view top prop bets based on Cover Probability, Expected Value & Star Rating >>
NFL Odds, Picks & Predictions: Bengals vs. Ravens
After all these weeks, we’re finally getting a good Thursday night game. The Bengals and Ravens are matching up in a game that will go a long way in determining the AFC North champion with Cleveland losing Deshaun Watson for the season. The Ravens have been the DVOA darlings this year compiling the top spot in the metric and ranking in the top five of both offense and defense. However the defense took a hit last week, surrendering 5.0 yards per play against a Cleveland offense led by a hobbled Watson. They showed cracks in the run defense giving up 4.9 on the ground to a running attack missing their best weapon. Cincinnati has buttered its bread in the passing game in recent seasons but they have a capable back and attack with Joe Mixon. As far as the Bengal defense, we saw their true colors last week as CJ Stroud torched them en route to a Texans victory. On the ground they’re even worse, sitting at 29th in run defense DVOA. Lamar Jackson and rookie sensation Keaton Mitchell should be able to feast on this Bengal defense. You have two of the better offenses in the league going up against each other. I like the primetime under trend to hit a speed bump here. I’m backing the over.
Pick: Over 46 (-110)
-Ryan Rodeman
What is Betting Against the Spread?
Betting "against the spread" refers to the act of choosing the winning team based on a numeric handicap placed on the team that oddsmakers believe is superior, rather than picking the outright winner. For example, if the Rams face the Bengals, and oddsmakers set the spread at Rams -3.5, you would need Los Angeles to win by 4 or more points in order to cash your Rams bet.
What is an Over/Under Bet?
Over/Under is a wager based on how many points you think will be scored in a specific game. Oddsmakers set the total, and bettors decide whether the final score will be higher or lower than that number. If an Over/Under is set at 44.5 points and you bet Over, you will need the combined score of both teams to be 45 points or higher to win your bet.
What is a Moneyline Bet?
A moneyline bet involves choosing which team you believe will win a specific matchup. The moneyline favorite carries a minus designation, like -130. This means that you need to wager $130 to earn a $100 profit. Conversely, the underdog carries a plus designation, like +110. This means that you win $110 in profit on a $100 bet.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | RadioPublic | Breaker | Castbox | Pocket Casts
Whether you're new to sports betting or a betting pro, our Sports Betting Strategy and Advice page is for you. You can get started with our 101 section - including 10 Sports Betting Tips for Beginners - or head to more advanced strategy - like Key Numbers When Betting Against the Spread - to learn more.