A rematch of Super Bowl LVI awaits fans and bettors at Paycor Stadium on Saturday night as the reigning champion Los Angeles Rams visit the Cincinnati Bengals.
Things got heated in a joint practice between these squads earlier in the week. Will that intensity carry over into this exhibition tilt, and if so, how will it impact bettors? Find out in our free NFL picks and predictions for Rams vs. Bengals on Saturday, August 27.
Rams vs Bengals odds
This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.
This game has seen little midweek odds movement, which is surprising for a preseason affair. The Bengals opened as consensus favorites of -2.5 and have remained so as of Friday morning. However, rising juice on the Rams’ side indicates that the spread might go to three points by kickoff time.
The initial total of 38 has taken a slight bump down to 37.5 at most sportsbooks.
Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until kickoff and be sure to check out the full NFL odds before placing your bets.
Rams vs Bengals predictions
Predictions made on 8/26/2022 at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Rams vs Bengals game info
• Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
• Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022
• Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. ET
• TV: NFL Network
Rams at Bengals betting preview
Weather
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Key injuries
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Betting trend to know
The Bengals are 2-7 straight-up in their last nine preseason games. Find more NFL betting trends for Rams vs. Bengals.
Rams vs Bengals picks and predictions
Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.
Spread analysis
Both the Rams and the Bengals have been coasting through the preseason, relying on second and third-stringers while eschewing reps for their starters. But the Bengals have made a habit of coasting in August, and therefore are unreliable favorites for this tilt.
Since Zac Taylor took over as head coach, Cincinnati has built a 2-7 record in preseason. That includes a 36-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1, and a 25-22 defeat against the New York Giants last Sunday. The Bengals’ defense managed to make Davis Webb (22-for-27, 204 yards, two touchdowns) and Daniel Jones (14-for-16, 114 yards) look like superstars in that latter contest.
Bryce Perkins won’t challenge Matthew Stafford for the Rams’ starting quarterback job, but he’s more than holding his own in preseason so far. Perkins has completed 21 of 30 passes (70%) for 256 yards and two touchdowns without tossing an interception against the Los Angeles Chargers and the Houston Texans, respectively.
Lance McCutcheon has been the preferred target for Perkins and John Wolford (14-for-22, 165 yards), as he paced the NFL in receiving yards through the first two weeks of the preseason with 183 on 10 catches. The undrafted rookie out of Montana State could convince head coach Sean McVay to keep him around if he torches a suspect Cincinnati defense.
LA should be able to pile up enough points to win this game, let alone cover. Back the defending champs with confidence.
Prediction: Rams +2.5 (+100 at FanDuel)
Over/Under analysis
The Over is a perfect 4-0 across the first two preseason games for these opponents, with the Rams’ tilts tallying 95 points, and the Bengals’ contests adding up to 106 points. Both clubs have enough firepower on offense – coupled with some apathetic stoppers – to send this game soaring over the total.
We’ve already mentioned LA’s potent passing offense, but the Rams' ground game is not to be overlooked, as this unit will get a shot in the arm in fifth-round selection Kyren Williams, whom many believe was a big draft day steal.
With both Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson Jr. considered day-to-day due to soft-tissue injuries, Williams – who’s yet to suit up due to a foot injury – could shine in his first taste of the NFL. The Notre Dame product ended last season with 1,125 rushing yards on 211 attempts with 13 touchdowns, while adding 35 pass receptions for 313 yards and a score.
Cincinnati’s offense has held its own thus far in preseason, with Jake Browning, Brandon Allen, and Drew Plitt combining to go 47 of 71 (66.2%) through the air for 506 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions. The signal callers have done great work spreading the ball around, with Kwamie Lassiter (eight receptions, 96 yards), Kendric Pryor (eight receptions, 117 yards, one touchdown), and Trent Taylor (six receptions, 106 yards) forming an outstanding trio. Tailback Jacques Patrick has two touchdowns to go along with a decent 58 yards on 13 carries.
The Rams’ stoppers have been susceptible this preseason, allowing a 100.5 opponent passer rating, and just over 100 yards per game to enemy rushers.
Prediction: Over 37.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
Best bet
Many of the offensive players for the Rams and Bengals are fighting to win training camp battles, and have been giving their respective head coaches some difficult decisions to make. But total bettors have an easy call with the Over on Saturday night.
The Perkins-McCutcheon connection should continue to work, and Williams gives the Rams and intriguing option out of the backfield in this one. The Bengals should lean heavily on their pass attack once more against a generous Rams defense.
The total is elevated at 37.5, but it isn’t high enough for an Under play. The Over looks like the right side all the way up to 39.5, as both clubs should find their way into the 20s.
Pick: Over 37.5 (-110 at DraftKings)
