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Browns vs. Bengals prediction: Why Cincinnati is favored to win in NFL Week 18 [2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Ryan Leaver, Senior Sports and Betting Editor
Get Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals predictions for NFL Sunday.
NFL Week 18 action continues on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET as the Cleveland Browns square off with the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Based on updated simulation results, Dimers' advanced NFL model predicts the Bengals as the most likely winner of the Browns vs. Bengals game.
This article offers an expanded analysis of this week's matchup, including projected touchdown scorers, best bets and player prop picks.
Browns vs. Bengals prediction: Who will win and cover?
Since our Browns-Bengals predictions earlier in the week, we have simulated the result of Sunday's NFL game between the Browns and Bengals 10,000 times as part of our NFL predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Bengals a 78% chance of beating the Browns in Week 18 of the NFL season. Our predicted final score has the Bengals winning 27-19.
According to our model, the Browns (+9.5) have a 53% chance of covering the spread, while the 47.5-point over/under has a 54% chance of staying under.
To see win probabilities for every matchup this week, check out our expert NFL Week 18 straight up picks.
Browns vs. Bengals odds
We have sourced the best NFL odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Browns | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +9.5 (-110) | -9.5 (-108) |
| Moneyline | +370 | -440 |
| Total | o47.5 (-102) | u47.5 (-115) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Browns vs. Bengals picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Browns +9.5 | -110 |
| Moneyline | Browns | +370 |
| Total | Under 47.5 | -115 |
According to our NFL best bets, the top play to make on this game is Browns +9.5 at the spread.
Browns vs. Bengals TD scorers
Who will score a touchdown in Browns vs. Bengals?
According to our list of touchdown scorer predictions for today, Chase Brown is most likely to score an anytime TD in Browns vs. Bengals.
Our projections give Brown a 49.8% chance of getting in for six at Paycor Stadium, while the running back is an 11.9% chance of scoring the first touchdown the game.
Anytime touchdown scorer predictions
Cleveland Browns
| Player | Anytime TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Dylan Sampson (RB) | 31.5% |
| Raheim Sanders (RB) | 28.6% |
| Jerry Jeudy (WR) | 23.4% |
| Blake Whiteheart (TE) | 17.2% |
| Cedric Tillman (WR) | 15.6% |
Cincinnati Bengals
| Player | Anytime TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Chase Brown (RB) | 49.8% |
| Ja'Marr Chase (WR) | 49.2% |
| Tee Higgins (WR) | 41.5% |
| Samaje Perine (RB) | 29.6% |
| Andrei Iosivas (WR) | 18.6% |
First touchdown scorer predictions
Cleveland Browns
| Player | First TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Dylan Sampson (RB) | 6.5% |
| Raheim Sanders (RB) | 5.7% |
| Jerry Jeudy (WR) | 4.6% |
| Blake Whiteheart (TE) | 3.2% |
| Cedric Tillman (WR) | 2.9% |
Cincinnati Bengals
| Player | First TD Probability |
|---|---|
| Chase Brown (RB) | 11.9% |
| Ja'Marr Chase (WR) | 11.7% |
| Tee Higgins (WR) | 9.3% |
| Samaje Perine (RB) | 6.1% |
| Andrei Iosivas (WR) | 3.6% |
Browns vs Bengals player props
Discover our predictions for the players likely to lead in passing, rushing and receiving yards for both the Browns and Bengals. Head to our NFL player projections page now to access a full list of player prop projections for every offensive player in this matchup and all other Week 18 games.
Quarterbacks
Of the starting quarterbacks, the Browns' Shedeur Sanders is projected for 200 passing yards. The Bengals' Joe Burrow is expected to throw for 254 yards.
| Player | Proj. Pass Yards |
|---|---|
| Shedeur Sanders (CLE) | 200 |
| Joe Burrow (CIN) | 254 |
Browns rushing
| Player | Proj. Rush Yards |
|---|---|
| Dylan Sampson | 42 |
| Raheim Sanders | 32 |
| Shedeur Sanders | 17 |
Bengals rushing
| Player | Proj. Rush Yards |
|---|---|
| Chase Brown | 64 |
| Samaje Perine | 28 |
| Joe Burrow | 8 |
Browns receiving
| Player | Proj. Rec. Yards |
|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy | 50 |
| Cedric Tillman | 27 |
| Blake Whiteheart | 25 |
| Isaiah Bond | 24 |
| Dylan Sampson | 23 |
Bengals receiving
| Player | Proj. Rec. Yards |
|---|---|
| Ja'Marr Chase | 84 |
| Tee Higgins | 58 |
| Mike Gesicki | 29 |
| Chase Brown | 24 |
| Andrei Iosivas | 21 |
Browns vs. Bengals game-day updates and essential details
The NFL Week 18 action between the Bengals and Browns at Paycor Stadium is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM ET.
- Who: Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM ET/10:00AM PT
- Venue: Paycor Stadium
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Conclusion
We predict the Bengals, with a 78% win probability, will likely beat the Browns in Week 18 of the NFL season.
AI and automation have enhanced this article to quickly deliver accurate Browns vs. Bengals insights, with human oversight ensuring high editorial quality. Our predictions are based on up-to-date data to help you make informed decisions. For additional resources and advice on responsible gambling, please call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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Ryan Leaver uses advanced statistical models and simulations to predict outcomes and provide predictions for the NBA, NFL, college football, college basketball, and soccer. He offers detailed game previews, best bets, props, and futures articles.
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