Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals December 9 Prop Betting Preview

The Cleveland Browns (5-7) will take a trip to Cincinnati to face the Bengals (8-4) in an AFC North matchup. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m at Paycor Stadium. 

Both teams are coming off wins in the past week and are looking to earn bragging rights while claiming the battle of Ohio. Lots of individual performances will be on display, so here are some prop bets that I am looking forward to. 

Kareem Hunt Over 11.5 Receiving Yards (-119)

With Deshaun Watson now taking snaps at quarterback, Kareem Hunt projects to be more involved in the game plan than before. Hunt can assume a role on this team this season as the third down running back who runs underneath and check-down routes. This allows Hunt to act as a safety option for Watson based on what we’ve seen in earlier years with Watson. 

He is very comfortable dumping it off to his check down underneath if his primary reads are covered. Pair that with Hunt’s athleticism and ability to break tackles, and crossing the 12-yard mark in this game is probable.

 It also helps that the Browns are already thin when it comes to receiving options against the Bengals, so Hunt may even have a small set of plays that have him lining up out wide. Safe throws to Kareem will help Watson build some rhythm. 

Joe Burrow Over 275.5 Passing Yards (-113)

It’s no secret that Joe Burrow has struggled against the Browns in his career. It’s especially bewildering, considering how well he does against almost every other team. Burrow seemingly hasn't been able to figure this Browns defense out, but I think this bet is safe if you believe that narrative will end on Sunday. 

While the Bengals may choose to rely on the run against a shoddy Browns defense, there is some incentive and fuel in the Bengals locker room to attack this Browns secondary. Connecting that to Burrow’s momentum that he’s picked up this past few weeks, and you have a vast passing game ready for Burrow. 

Tee Higgins is questionable, and tight end Hayden Hurst projects to be out, but that still doesn’t sway things too far against the Bengals and Burrow. Burrow and Chase have a point to prove, and if Zac Taylor lets them off the leash, Burrow should be in line for a big day. 

Tyler Boyd Over 39.5 Receiving Yards (-115)

If Tee Higgins and Hayden Hurst are both out for Sunday, Tyler Boyd will get an immediate uptick in targets and snaps. Boyd, an incredibly talented and often forgotten wide receiver on this Bengals team, has been reliable for the Bengals. Forty receiving yards doesn’t feel like a tall task as the potential number two receiving option. 

If Tee Higgins does play, I’d probably dial my hopes back. Boyd can work out of the slot and out wide. Burrow trusts him to make the catches, and Zac Taylor believes in his talent and ability to find openings to help his quarterback.