NFL Week 8 Odds, Picks & Predictions (Bengals vs. 49ers)
The 49ers return home after back-to-back losses on the road. They will host the Bengals, who have won two consecutive games. The Bengals are fresh off their bye week, and the 49ers are dealing with numerous injuries. It should be a close contest between two Super Bowl contenders in their respective conferences.
The Bengals had their bye week in Week 6, and Joe Burrow used that time to get fully healthy. He was nursing a calf injury that limited his mobility earlier in the season. It affected their offense considerably because they had to operate strictly from the shotgun. Burrow has taken more snaps under center, which allows this offense to run the ball and set up play action better. The only injury concern they have is Orlando Brown Jr., who expects to play after the bye week.
There are numerous injuries for the 49ers. Brock Purdy suffered a concussion late in the game last week and is in the concussion protocol. He was limited in practice on Thursday but needs to get cleared before he can play. Deebo Samuel has not practiced this week, and it does not look like he will play. Trent Williams did not practice on Thursday, and his status is in jeopardy again.
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Week 8 NFL Best Bets: Bengals vs. 49ers
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
- Opening line: 49ers -1
- Current line: 49ers -4
- Total: 43.5
Will the 49ers be healthy enough to win?
Sam Darnold will start if Purdy cannot clear the concussion protocol. Darnold has only thrown one pass this season but has served well in a backup role. He went 4-2 in six starts for the Panthers last season. Darnold threw for seven TDs and three interceptions during that stint. It will be harder for him without Williams and Samuel, but he still has Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle as offensive weapons. The Bengals' defense gives up 142.8 rushing yards per game. The 49ers should lean on their ground game regardless if Purdy plays. McCaffrey finished last week with 18 touches, 96 yards, and two TDs while playing through an oblique injury. He is the best running back in the game and should have a monster day against this defense. He will be the focal point and can alleviate some of the pressure on Darnold.
Is Joe Burrow and the offense back to normal?
The Bengals are averaging 337 yards per game over their last two games. However, they average 274.8 yards per game, last in the league so they have improved significantly from the beginning of the season. They face a tough defense that only allows 79.3 rushing yards per game. They are ranked sixteenth in passing yards per game, allowing 223.6 yards per game. Burrow will have to win this game with his arm if the Bengals want to leave San Francisco with a victory. Ja'Marr Chase is averaging 12.2 targets per game but is averaging 16 over the last two. Tee Higgins averages 7.2 targets per game and has remained underutilized this season. Both players must contribute this week since Mixon may not have much room on the ground. The Bengals should be able to keep this game close and hopefully win the turnover battle against Darnold.
Pick: Bengals +4 (-110)
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