2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 18

Cincinnati Bengals (10-6) at Cleveland Browns (7-9)

Sunday, January 9, 1PM ET

Did you see what the Cincinnati Bengals did in Week 17? Did you see what the Cleveland Browns did in Week 17? Then there shouldn’t be any question about who wins this one, especially with the Bengals still playing for something at this point in the season.

The No. 1 seed in the AFC is still up for grabs. The Bengals would need some help to earn it, including losses by the Chiefs and Titans. However, neither of those situations playing out is implausible, meaning Cincinnati will do everything in their power to ensure they come away with the W against the Browns.

Plus, it’s not like Cleveland poses much of a threat right now. Baker Mayfield clearly isn’t himself, the defense has been run ragged, and the heart has just gone out of this club. If they could barely keep pace with the Steelers, there’s no way they even make this one worth watching.

Chances are the Bengals begin pulling starters by the fourth quarter. Joe Burrow and JaMarr Chase put on yet another show, and Cincinnati walks away with their 11th win — and a potential first-round bye.

Prediction: Bengals win 38-13 | Spread: Browns (-2.5)