Browns vs. Bengals preview: Predictions, odds, injury news how to watch Sunday's game

How about that Joe Flacco? The Cleveland Browns were down and out, but Flacco emerged from the pile of forgotten free agents like a phoenix to carry the Browns to the playoffs. In Week 18, the Browns are locked into the AFC's five-seed. If they win, great. If they lose, no harm done. Even with a loss and a Miami Dolphins loss as well, the Browns would still hold the tiebreaker over Miami with a better conference record.

Unfortunately for the Cincinnati Bengals, they were eliminated from playoff contention a week ago, meaning that while the Browns may very well rest most of their starters, the Bengals cannot capitalize. Still, these are two teams that despise one another. The Bengals formation was invigorated by the Brown's eponymous Paul Brown being fired. That kind of history creates enthralling matchups every time these teams square off.

Here's everything to know about this Week 18 matchup.

Bitter ending: NFL power rankings Week 18: Cowboys, Lions virtually tied after controversial finish

Browns vs. Bengals predictions:

Sportsbook Wire: Browns (+7)

Simply put, the Browns are an outstanding 10-5-1 ATS this season, while the Bengals are a poor 6-8-2. While both teams will likely be resting their starters, we've seen what Kevin Stefanski has been able to do with this Browns team without their top running back, quarterback, and several key offensive linemen.

CBS Sports: Bengals 23, Browns 20

Pete Prisco writes, "The Browns are locked in as the No. 5 seed, which means they might rest players here. The Bengals are eliminated, but they should play here against their rival in the last game of the year. This a tough one to pick, but I will go with the Bengals in a close one as the Browns will be looking ahead to more important things."

FOX Sports: Cleveland 24, Cincinnati 20

FOX Sports points out that the Browns are 2-0 ATS when underdogs of six or more points going into games. FOX Sports likes the Browns outright though with neither team playing for anything.

BetMGM: Bengals ML

BetMGM's model gives the Bengals a 63.5 percent chance of winning this game outright, but gives the Browns a 53.9 percent chance to cover. The moneyline is the safer play here.

How to watch Browns vs. Bengals:

When: Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024 - 1 p.m. ET

Where: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, OH

Cable TV: CBS

Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, FuboTV

Stream the game: Watch all NFL Week 18 action with Fubo

Browns vs. Bengals odds, spread and lines

The Texans are slight favorites to defeat the Colts, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

All odds as of Saturday.

• Spread: Bengals (-6)

• Moneyline: Bengals (-275); Browns (+220)

• Over/under: 39

Injury News:

Cleveland Browns Injury Report:

Cincinnati Bengals Injury Report:

NFL Week 18: Will Texans or Colts complete final push into playoffs?

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Browns vs. Bengals predictions, odds, injury news for Sunday's game