Introduction:
As the curtains fall on Week 13 of the 2023 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals (5-6) are gearing up for a challenging road clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars (8-3). In this article, we’ll dissect the betting odds, expert picks, and key insights to help you navigate through this Monday night thriller.
Betting Odds and Picks
Jaguars at Home (-9.5, 39.5):
The Jaguars come into this game with an impressive seven wins in their last eight outings. ESPN analysts Schatz and Fulghum provide their takes on the matchup:
Schatz’s Perspective: Despite the absence of Joe Burrow for the Bengals, Schatz emphasizes the significant gap in defensive prowess. The Jaguars boast a surprising fifth-place ranking in defense, particularly excelling against the run. With Trevor Lawrence leading the charge, Schatz leans comfortably towards Jaguars -9.5.
Fulghum’s Insights: Fulghum suggests an aggressive Jaguars 1H -5.5, Jaguars -9.5, and an UNDER 39.5. After a reset post-bye, the Jaguars have demonstrated resilience, clinching crucial victories. Meanwhile, the Bengals, amidst a two-game losing streak and the loss of Burrow, face an uphill battle. Fulghum’s conviction lies with the Jaguars, especially given the defensive challenges faced by Bengals’ backup QB Jake Browning.
Jake Browning’s Impact:
Analysts Schatz and Fulghum share their thoughts on Jake Browning, who stepped in for the injured Joe Burrow in the previous game:
Schatz’s Evaluation: While acknowledging Browning’s decent performance in his first start, Schatz urges caution against overrating backup quarterbacks based on limited samples. He notes the gap between the Bengals’ offense with and without Burrow, leaning towards the Jaguars in his betting strategy.
Fulghum’s Take: Fulghum deems this a tough assignment for Browning, highlighting his lackluster display in the previous game. With the formidable Jacksonville defense in play, especially against the run and on third downs, Fulghum’s confidence in the Jaguars is further solidified.
Exact Win Total Bets for Jaguars:
ESPN’s Walder and Fulghum discuss the potential win totals for the Jaguars in the remaining games:
Walder’s Perspective: Walder suggests a cautious approach, relying on projections. If forced to choose, he sees a tiny bit of value on 11 wins (+260) according to ESPN Analytics.
Fulghum’s Insight: Despite trusting Walder’s math, Fulghum looks at the schedule favoring the Jaguars in upcoming games and leans towards a bolder bet on 13 wins (+300).
Favorite Prop Bets:
Experts Schatz, Walder, Fulghum, and Moody share their favorite prop bets for Monday’s clash:
- Schatz recommends betting on Evan Engram OVER 41.5 receiving yards, exploiting the Bengals’ defensive vulnerabilities against tight ends.
- Walder suggests placing a bet on Travon Walker to record OVER 0.5 sacks, capitalizing on Browning’s limited experience and the matchup against Bengals’ right tackle Jonah Williams.
- Fulghum advises taking Travis Etienne Jr. OVER 66.5 rush yards and Trevor Lawrence UNDER 32.5 pass attempts, anticipating a game script favoring Jacksonville’s ground game with a large lead.
Moody throws Calvin Ridley into the mix, recommending a bet on him to exceed 57.5 receiving yards against the Bengals’ defense.
Additional Betting Insights:
Walder and Moody share additional betting insights for the Monday night showdown:
- Walder suggests Tyson Campbell OVER 0.5 interceptions at enticing odds (+1000), considering the Jaguars’ defense’s favorable position against an anonymous backup QB.
- Moody sees value in betting on Joe Mixon to fall short of 69.5 total rushing + receiving yards, given the Bengals’ underdog status and the formidable Jaguars defense.
Conclusion:
As the Monday night clash unfolds, these betting insights and expert picks provide a comprehensive guide for NFL enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, understanding the dynamics of this matchup adds an extra layer of excitement to the game. Stay tuned for an action-packed showdown between the Jaguars and the Bengals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Jaguars vs. Bengals Monday Night Showdown
Q1: What are the key betting odds for the Jaguars vs. Bengals game?
A1: The betting odds favor the Jaguars at -9.5 with an over/under of 39.5. Analysts suggest leaning towards the Jaguars, considering their recent form and the Bengals’ defensive struggles.
Q2: How does the absence of Joe Burrow impact the Bengals’ chances?
A2: The loss of Joe Burrow is significant for the Bengals, especially considering the gap in defensive performance. Experts believe the Jaguars hold the advantage, with backup QB Jake Browning facing a tough assignment against a solid Jacksonville defense.
Q3: What is the recommended bet for the Jaguars’ exact win total?
A3: Analysts suggest caution with exact win total bets, but if inclined, ESPN’s Walder sees a slight value on 11 wins (+260), while Fulghum leans towards a bolder bet on 13 wins (+300) based on the favorable schedule.