The Cincinnati Bengals and New Orleans Saints enter this game at a crossroads.
Does Cincinnati have a Super Bowl hangover? The Bengals are 2-3 with losses to Pittsburgh and Dallas. They’re also coming off a last-second loss against Baltimore.
How good, or bad, is New Orleans? The Saints’ two wins are against the Falcons and Seahawks, but they managed to keep up with Minnesota.
Both of these teams need a win. Which team will come out victorious? Where does the value lie?
Read on for our Cincinnati vs New Orleans predictions, betting tips, and best bets.
Bengals vs Saints Odds
The Bengals opened as one-point favorites, but have taken all the money. At the time of writing, the Bengals are receiving over 90% of the spread tickets and handle. That has pushed the line up to Cincinnati -1.5 at most sportsbooks.
The Under has taken sharp money, too, but has not moved as violently as the spread. The number should close somewhere between 43 and 44.
Take a look at the best Bengals odds and Saints odds for the 2022 NFL season.
Bengals vs Saints Implied Totals
Bengals 22.5, Saints 21
Vegas is claiming each team will score about three touchdowns, but Cincinnati will win ever so slightly.
Bengals vs Saints Pick of the Day
Read more on this Bengals vs Saints bet below.
Bengals vs Saints Prediction
Bengals 13, Saints 10
Neither offense has played well to date.
Joe Burrow hasn’t been able to recreate last season’s magic with Ja’Marr Chase. Burrow instead continues to get sacked at a league-high rate thanks to a horrific offensive line.
Additionally, Joe Mixon leads the league in touches, but is averaging less than three yards per carry. This offense can’t move it on the ground or through the air.
Cincinnati is dealing with injuries to wide receiver Tee Higgins and offensive tackle Jonah Williams, making the outlook for this offense even bleaker.
Meanwhile, the Saints were projected to be a league-average offense and have been slightly worse. They’re dealing with injuries to quarterback Jameis Winston and wide receivers Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry, all of whom are questionable for this week.
Both defenses have played up to expectations. Both teams rank among the top 15 NFL teams in Football Outsiders’ Defensive DVOA metric and yards per play allowed.
This game will be ugly and I expect a very low-yardage, low-scoring contest. Either team could come out on top, but the Bengals likely win the game given New Orleans will be relying on Taysom Hill at quarterback.
Bengals vs Saints Bet Tips
Here are some Bengals vs Saints betting trends to consider before placing your bets:
- Cincinnati is 7-1 against the spread in its last eight road games.
- New Orleans is 3-8 ATS in its last 11 games following an ATS win.
- The Under is 8-0 in Cincinnati’s last eight games following an ATS win.
- The Under is 5-2 in New Orleans’ last seven home games.
Bengals vs Saints Best Bets
Under 43.5 Total Points (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
The offensive outlook for both teams wasn’t great to begin with, and now both teams are dealing with key injuries on the offensive side of the ball.
Meanwhile, both defenses have been playing well. Cincinnati’s defense has taken a big step forward this season, currently ranking eighth in Defensive DVOA. Plus, New Orleans is loaded in the secondary. The Saints should be able to shut down the Bengals’ receiving core.
All-in-all, expect a rock fight in the Superdome on Sunday. I feel comfortable playing this number to 42.5.
Before placing this bet, get the best Saints promo codes.
Bengals -1.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Either team could win this game, but if I had to pick between Burrow and Winston to pull off an ugly win, I pick Burrow.
Cincinnati has been a relatively safe bet on the road since coach Zac Taylor took over. The Bengals are 16-10 ATS on the road under Taylor’s leadership.
The Saints are 0-1 ATS as an underdog this season, and coach Dennis Allen has yet to prove he’s a top-notch head coach.
I’m keeping this play smaller than the Under, but feel that this is the correct side.
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