Monday Night Football Odds Week 14

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Monday Night Football Odds Week 14

The Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys face off in a pivotal Monday Night Football Odds changer matchup. Both teams are desperately clinging to slim playoff hopes. Cincinnati enters the game at 4-8, while Dallas stands at 5-7. 

The Bengals are reeling after a 44-38 loss to the Steelers, while the Cowboys are finding some momentum with back-to-back wins, including a 27-20 victory over the Giants on Thanksgiving. With key injuries on both sides, this game carries significant implications for NFL Futures and playoff aspirations.

Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Firepower, Defensive Struggles

The Bengals find themselves on the brink of elimination after losing four of their last five games, including a frustrating home loss to Pittsburgh. Despite their 4-8 record, Cincinnati boasts the NFL’s top-ranked passing offense and the fifth-best scoring offense. 

Joe Burrow continues to produce, completing 28-of-38 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns last week. However, turnovers remain an issue, with Burrow throwing an interception and fumbling twice in the loss.

Cincinnati’s defense has been a liability, ranking 31st in scoring defense and 27th in total defense. Against the Steelers, the Bengals surrendered 520 yards of offense, including 414 through the air. Myles Garrett and Akeem Davis-Gaither led the team with 13 tackles each, but the defense struggled to make impactful plays. Cincinnati’s pass rush ranks 29th in the NFL, which could spell trouble against a Cowboys offense showing signs of life.

The Bengals are battling injuries, with key players like offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase listed as questionable. Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is also a concern, weakening an already struggling unit.

Dallas Cowboys: Finding Momentum

The Cowboys have rebounded from a rough stretch, winning their last two games, including a much-needed victory over the Giants on Thanksgiving. Running back Rico Dowdle had a career day, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown, as Dallas finally found success on the ground. 

Cooper Rush continues to manage the offense effectively in Dak Prescott’s place, completing timely passes and avoiding critical mistakes.

Defensively, Dallas showed improvement, holding the Giants to just 247 yards of total offense and converting a game-changing interception by DeMarvion Overshown into a defensive touchdown. With Micah Parsons and DeRon Bland back in the lineup, the Cowboys’ defense looks more formidable, especially against the pass.

The Cowboys rank 7th in passing offense but struggle in the red zone, ranking 31st. Their defense, while inconsistent, has shown flashes, particularly in pass coverage, where they rank 13th. However, Cincinnati’s balanced attack could exploit their 28th-ranked run defense.

Dallas is also dealing with injuries, with key players like linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, cornerback Trevon Diggs, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb listed as questionable. Their availability will be critical for the Cowboys’ chances of extending their win streak.

Prediction

This game features two teams with contrasting strengths. The Bengals’ high-powered passing offense will challenge the Cowboys’ secondary, but Cincinnati’s defensive woes make it difficult to trust them in a must-win situation. 

Dallas has found a rhythm offensively, with Dowdle emerging as a reliable option in the run game, which could open up opportunities for Cooper Rush against Cincinnati’s 27th-ranked pass defense.

Dallas has the edge defensively, with Parsons wreaking havoc on opposing quarterbacks and Bland stabilizing the secondary. 

The Bengals’ pass protection, ranked 17th in sacks allowed, could struggle to contain the Cowboys’ pass rush. Additionally, Cincinnati’s 29th-ranked pass rush is unlikely to disrupt Rush, giving him time to manage the game effectively.

While the Bengals have the firepower to keep this game close, their defensive deficiencies and injury concerns make them a risky pick. Dallas’ recent improvements on both sides of the ball, combined with home-field advantage, make the Cowboys a strong play.

Prediction: Dallas Cowboys +5.5