The Cincinnati Bengals host the Denver Broncos on “Monday Night Football” to wrap up Week 16 of the NFL betting slate. The Broncos opened as a 3.5-point favorite for the primetime matchup, and the line has barely moved, with most sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com still at 3.5 points.
The Broncos are 11-3 and playing for home-field advantage in the AFC, but they have been entirely average from a gambling perspective. Denver is 7-7 against the spread, sitting at 4-3 ATS on the road. They are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games. This is the sixth time they have been a road favorite this season; through five, they are 3-2 straight up and ATS.
The Bengals are 9-4-1 SU this season, and 7-6-1 ATS. Cincinnati is 3-3-1 ATS at home this season, and 12-4-1 ATS in its last 17 home games. This is only the second time they have been a home underdog this season; they won and covered against the Baltimore Ravens in October. In 2013, they won and covered both games in which they were a home underdog.
The total is set at 47 points on the Week 16 NFL betting lines. The total has gone under in four of Denver?s last five games, and in five of Cincinnati?s last six games. It has gone over in six of the last nine meetings between these two teams. The OddsShark Computer predicts a 31-24 Denver win, which would provide for the Broncos cover and the over. The Broncos are 13-2 SU in their last 15 games against Cincinnati, but just 3-5 ATS in the last eight.
Denver, still among the favorites on the updated Super Bowl odds, has several notable players listed as questionable, although most are expected to play. Peyton Manning was limited all week with a thigh injury, but will play. Emmanuel Sanders came down with an illness Friday but is expected to play. Ronnie Hillman is dealing with turf toe and might not play due to the turf in Cincinnati. The Broncos will be without outside linebacker Brandon Marshall, as he has been ruled out with a foot injury.
The Bengals will be without outside linebacker Emmanuel Lamur, who is doubtful with a hamstring injury. Tight end Jermaine Gresham has a toe injury, but got in a full week of practice and is probable to play.
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