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Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL Sports Betting Guide

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In a battle of two struggling defenses, the Jacksonville Jaguars head to Cincinnati to take on the winless Bengals. While Cincinnati may be getting their star player back this week, Jacksonville sent theirs to Los Angeles, getting draft picks in return in order to continue building for the future. With neither team seeming to be in win-now mode, this mentality could make for an interesting game in Cincinnati.

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Jaguars vs Bengals Odds and Info

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

  • Opening Lines: JAX -3, O/U 43.5
  • Moneyline: JAX: (-178) | CIN: (+154)
  • Spread: JAX: -3.5 (-110) | CIN: +3.5 (-110)
  • Total: 43.5 – Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
  • Location: Paul Brown Stadium – Cincinnati, OH
  • Start Time: 1 pm ET
  • Coverage: CBS

Injuries

  • Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Marqise Lee (D), S Cody Davis (Q), TE Geoff Swaim (Q), TE Josh Oliver (Q)
  • Cincinnati Bengals: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (D), WR A.J. Green (Q), S Shawn Williams (Q), DE Carlos Dunlap (Q), DT Ryan Glasgow (Q)

View consensus picks from 100+ experts for the Jaguars at Bengals >>

Overview

“Minshew Mania” hit a speed bump last week in Jacksonville, as the Jaguars came up short in the low-scoring 13-6 loss to the Saints. This week, they get a much easier matchup that will play into their strengths offensively. The offense has become more balanced over recent weeks, with the team finding success on the ground. Leonard Fournette is averaging 5.1 yards per carry this season and has totaled 405 yards just on the ground over the past three weeks. He has added an additional 95 through the air. While their run offense has been solid, their run defense has been the defense’s weakness, giving up 131.2 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry (second-worst in NFL).

The Bengals are still searching for their first win of the season and look like they will still be without star receiver A.J. Green, despite seeing some positive signs from him last week. Offensively, Cincinnati can still move the ball through the air, averaging 274.5 passing yards per game. However, Andy Dalton is getting no protection from this poor offensive line, who also are also unable to open up running lanes for Joe Mixon. Dalton has been sacked 22 times, and the Bengals are averaging a league-worst 3.1 yards per carry. Defensively, they are a disaster, giving up a league-high 5.3 yards per rush. On top of the poor run defense, it also looks like they will be without starting corner, Dre Kirkpatrick. They could be in for a long day, per usual.

Trends

  • The total has hit the under in six of Jacksonville’s last nine games.
  • Jacksonville is 1-4 straight up in its last five games against Cincinnati.
  • Jacksonville is 8-0-1 against the spread (ATS) in its last nine games against an AFC North opponent.
  • Cincinnati is 7-3 ATS in its last 10 games.
  • The total has hit the under in five of Cincinnati’s last seven games.
  • The total has hit the under in 10 of Cincinnati’s last 15 games against an AFC South opponent.
  • The Jaguars lead the all-time series against the Bengals, 12-9.
  • Last Meeting: November 5, 2017 — The Jaguars defeated the Bengals, 23-7, at EverBank Field.

Prop Bet

All odds taken from FanDuel Sportsbook.

Halftime Result/Fulltime Result: Jacksonville Jaguars – Jacksonville Jaguars (+105)
If you’re a believer of the Jaguars in this spot like I am, this prop is an easy way to get better value. Not only have the Bengals lost every game this season, they have also trailed at the half in their last five games, trailing by an average of 9.8 points. Jacksonville will come out running the football and setting up downfield shots to receivers D.J. Chark and Dede Westbrook. Look for them to score early and not look back.

Bottom Line

With neither team fielding great offenses and Jacksonville having the clear edge between the defensive groups, they are in for a bounce-back week. Defensively, neither team can stop the run. Cincinnati is the worst in the league in opponent’s average per rush, while Jacksonville is second-worst. This could lead to both teams trying to pound the rock, keeping the clock ticking and limiting possessions, which should keep the score low. With the Jaguars having the better rushing attack, averaging 127.5 rushing yards compared to the Bengals’ 56.5, and also the better overall defense, they have the edge in a low-paced, grinding game.

Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars -3.5, Under 44.5

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Check out our other NFL Sports Betting Guides for Week 7

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Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions (+2)
Los Angeles Rams vs. Atlanta Falcons (+3)
San Francisco 49ers vs. Washington Redskins (+9.5)
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills (-16.5)
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans (-2.5)
New Orleans Saints vs. Chicago Bears (-4)
Baltimore Ravens vs. Seattle Seahawks (-3)
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys (-2.5)
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets (+9.5)

Zach Brunner is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Zach, check out his archive and follow him @FantasyFlurry.