Week 14 features a matchup between an AFC team fighting to make the playoffs and an NFC team that is also vying for a postseason berth.
The Cincinnati Bengals are coming off a big loss against the Los Angeles Chargers as their defense surrendered 41 points for the second time in four weeks. The Bengals have now lost three of their last five games as their defense has gone hot and cold.
The San Francisco 49ers also lost in Week 13, dropping their division rivalry game against the Seattle Seahawks. The 49ers had won three straight before that to climb back into the playoff hunt, however, so they’ll look to right the ship in Week 14.
Which team will rebound in Week 14? Let’s take a look at our 49ers vs Bengals predictions and best bets in our NFL pick of the day series.
Please note that all NFL Week 14 odds and lines are current as of 2 PM EST on Friday, December 10.
49ers vs Bengals Prediction
Last week’s loss in Seattle notwithstanding, the 49ers have played well on the road this year with a 4-2 record. The Bengals, on the other hand, will enjoy their third straight home game, although they’re just 3-3 at home this year.
While Cincinnati has been erratic lately, their overall numbers are still strong. Their offense is averaging the seventh-most points per game in the NFL at 27.6, while their defense and special teams have been solid.
The Bengals are thus a well-rounded football team that can beat you in more ways than one.
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While Cincinnati has been up and down lately, San Francisco has come on strong with four wins in its last six games. The offense has been clicking with 30+ points in all four of those wins, although there was a clear drop-off last week with Deebo Samuel (groin) out.
The Niners have needed to score more points than usual because their defense isn’t playing up to its typical standards, ranking 20th with 23.2 points per game allowed. They may have trouble containing Cincy’s balanced offense which can beat teams through the air via Joe Burrow or on the ground with Joe Mixon.
This game is going to be one of the top matchups from week 14 and I wouldn’t be surprised by either team winning. That said, I’m going with the Bengals at home here. They have the edge on both sides of the ball and should be able to win a close one.
Prediction: Bengals 27, 49ers 23
Can the San Francisco 49ers get back on track with a win over the Cincinnati Bengals during NFL Week 14? (Image: USA TODAY Sports)
49ers vs Bengals Best Bets
Best Bet: Bengals +1.5 (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
This is one of my favorite games of the week. The 49ers are desperate to get back above .500 while the Bengals need every win they can get to stay alive in a deep and competitive AFC.
I expect Cincinnati to lean on Mixon early on and often. The Niners have a top-three run defense per DVOA, but if the Bengals can establish the run then Burrow will be free to tee off on San Francisco’s 17th-ranked pass defense with his myriad of weapons.
Meanwhile, don’t expect Cincy’s defense to let Jimmy Garoppolo get comfortable. The Bengals have the seventh-most sacks on the year and will keep Garoppolo under pressure, causing him to miss throws and make mistakes.
With such a small spread this game is basically a pick ’em on our NFL gameday odds. You might as well take the home team with the superior record.
Best Bet: Over 49 Total Points (-110) at Caesars
Wager: 1 Unit
When you combine the Bengals’ points scored and points allowed averages, you get 49.9 points. Meanwhile, 49ers games have averaged 48.5 points.
Both teams are outstanding in the red zone. San Francisco is first in the league with a 75.7% red zone touchdown efficiency, while Cincinnati is third with a 69.7% mark. Both teams also rank in the top 10 for explosive passing plays on the season.
I liked this total more earlier in the week before it got to a key number at 49, but I’d still advise taking the Over for our NFL bet of the day, as all the signs point to these teams putting up points in a potential shootout.
Thank you for reading our NFL Week 14 49ers vs Bengals Predictions! For more NFL betting tips, check out our NFL Week 14 Best Bets.
