The Cincinnati Bengals (1-0) and Houston Texans (0-1) meet Sunday for a Week 2 showdown. Kickoff from Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, is set for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Let's analyze NFL odds around the Bengals vs. Texans odds and make our expert NFL picks and predictions for the best bets.
The Bengals edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 in Week 1, covering as a 3.5-point home favorite with the Over (50.5) cashing. Cincinnati's defense came up huge time and time again, forcing 4 fumbles and holding QB Baker Mayfield to just 216 passing yards. Of note for the Bengals, WR Ja'Marr Chase, one of the best in the NFL, was held to just 2 receptions for 12 yards. Despite a talented roster, Cincinnati finished just 6-11 a season ago.
The Texans, who lost
all 3 preseason games and failed to cover in each of those, came up short in a 36-31 home defeat against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1. They closed as a 1.5-point underdog with the Over (44.5) hitting. QB CJ Stroud took the league by storm in 2023 but has been on a downward trend since. He looked poised for a rebound after Week 1, ending with 274 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Texans finished 12-5 last season and had their campaign come to an end in a 28-16 road loss in the AFC Divisional Round to the New England Patriots.
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Bengals at Texans odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:40 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Bengals +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Texans -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Bengals +2.5 (-105) | Texans -2.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 45.5 (O: -110 | U: -108)
Bengals at Texans key injuries
Bengals
- QB Joe Burrow (back) questionable
- DT B.J. Hill (Achilles) questionable
Texans
- DE Jadeveon Clowney (knee) out
- WR Nico Collins (hamstring) out
- LB Jacob Hummel (groin) out
- G Ed Ingram (groin) out
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Bengals at Texans picks and predictions
Prediction
Bengals 27, Texans 21
Moneyline
BET BENGALS (+120).
Expect Burrow to suit up behind a now-capable Bengals offensive line and with a defense looked much better in Week 1 than it did a season ago, as well. Cincinnati took a 24-10 lead into the half on Tampa Bay and really dominated its opponent more than the final score showed. When healthy, the Bengals are among the best teams in the AFC, and they should prove that Sunday.
The Texans are just too banged up to consider. While their defensive ends are still an elite duo, the absence of Clowney will hurt their pass rush. Houston's offense is going to be short its top 3 receivers, which should dampen its efficiency. Collins led the team in receiving Sunday and also hauled in a touchdown. His absence will be challenging to overcome.
Take the BENGALS (+120) to pull off the upset Sunday.
Against the spread
PASS.
While there's good value on the road side to cover, the better wager is for Cincinnati to win outright here.
Over/Under
BET OVER 45.5 (-110).
Both offenses proved to be dangerous in their opening game. The Bengals put up 33 points and, despite forcing 4 turnovers, still allowed 27. Houston had no answers for Buffalo QB Josh Allen in its first game, so it shouldn't be expected to slow down Burrow. Stroud and company did score 31 of their own. Expect fireworks in this one and back OVER 45.5 (-110).
Best prop bet
BET CHASE BROWN OVER 22.5 RECEIVING YARDS (-115).
The Bengals used Brown often in the passing game, and he accrued 6 targets and 5 receptions in their win over Tampa Bay. If that continues, he should top this with ease -- and with so much attention on Chase, it's certainly likely.
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This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Cincinnati Bengals at Houston Texans odds, picks and predictions
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