The NFL playoffs have arrived, and you aren’t experiencing deja vu because Sunday Night Football on NBC will feature a familiar matchup: the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Bengals in Cincinnati.
Lamar Jackson‘s status doesn’t look hopeful, and there are no guarantees on how the former MVP might perform following a five-week absence amidst escalating animosity surrounding his future. That’s all been reflected in a line that started at -6.5 and has jumped to -8.5 for the Bengals.
And although Stetson Bennet gave his best impersonation, there’s only one Joe Burrow. So light up those cigars because Wildcard football is alive and well in the AFC North.
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Baltimore Ravens (10-7) @ Cincinnati Bengals (12-4)
Game Details:
- Location: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Time: Sunday, January 15th at 8:15 p.m. ET
- Channel: NBC
Betting Stats:
- MONEYLINE: BAL ML (+330), CIN ML (-410)
- SPREAD: CIN -8.5
- OVER/UNDER: 40.5
Top Player Props:
Joe Mixon – o/24.5 Receiving Yards
2022 hasn’t been Joe Mixon‘s year. The All-Pro halfback has only eclipsed 100 yards rushing just once this season. Even his nine total touchdowns are skewed, with five coming against the Carolina Panthers in Week 9.
His 3.9 yards per carry just haven’t gotten it done for the pass-happy Bengals, but even with Samaje Perine as a bad actor on passing downs, Mixon’s done plenty of damage as a receiver.
In eight of his fourteen total games, Mixon’s recorded at least 30 yards receiving, including 41 yards last week in the same matchup. This has been a soft spot for the Baltimore defense, and on average, the Ravens allow 42.6 yards per game to opposing halfbacks. Still, I wouldn’t blame you if you’re worried about Perine stealing some shine.
Since Week 14, Perine’s drawn roughly 42% of all offensive snaps versus Mixon’s 58%. I think there’s enough for both backs to eat, but it wouldn’t hurt to sprinkle a little on Perine OVERs if you can find them.
Where to bet: head over to FanDuel Sportsbook for our first wager. You can find it there for -114 or $10 to win $8.77.
Joe Burrow – o/12.5 Rushing Yards
One thing to consider, especially following the loss of tackle La’el Collins, is that Burrow will also be without starting guard Alex Cappa. According to PFF, Cappa grades 71.4 in pass blocking and is 22nd of 78 guards that qualify in the NFL.
That’s a significant blow to an offensive line that remained relatively healthy and consistent up until the loss of Collins. While I’m confident Burrow will eclipse his o/265.5 passing yards total against the NFL’s 7th worst secondary, I really like his rushing total.
Burrow averages 16.1 rushing yards per game, and with some critical pieces missing up front, we may see the LSU grad running for his life. Burrow covers this total 38% of the time this season.
Where to bet: another FanDuel original. You can also get this at -114.
J.K. Dobbins – o/61.5 Rushing Yards
We could be in for a game sans Jackson and Gus Edwards, who’s dealing with a concussion. That isn’t good for the banged-up Ravens, but it’s excellent for Dobbins.
Not only will Dobbins look to be the lone featured back, but he’ll be relatively fresh following his voluntary DNP in Week 18. You’re getting tremendous value with such a low rushing total for a halfback that’s averaged 65 yards rushing in 2022 and 99.3 since returning in Week 14.
Where to bet: pivot to DraftKings Sportsbook, where you can find this for -115. FanDuel hasn’t even posted odds, given the uncertainty surrounding Edwards and Jackson. Jump on this before the final injury report.
For more NFL bets, like this Ravens and Bengals props article, visit amNY Sports
