Cincinnati Bengals vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Preview – NFL, September 27, 2020

Remember when Philly jumped out to a 17-0 lead over Washington in week 1?

Ever since then the bottom has completely fallen out. Doug Pederson has watched his team get outscored 64-19. Carson Wentz has looked awful, as has the play of the offensive line, and the Eagles are still searching for their first victory of the season.

At least Cincinnati has shown some fight and looks like they are headed in a positive direction.

As for what’ll transpire when these teams clash at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, that’s where a Bengals vs. Eagles prediction comes in.

As of Wednesday afternoon, this line was alternating between 5.5 and 6 points. Vegas opened the total at 45.5, and don’t be surprised if that number continues to soar.

After watching Joe Burrow light up the box score in a prime time spot in week 2, casual bettors won’t be in much of a hurry to hammer the under in the Bengals next game.

One thing that’s clear is that the best NFL bookies still have faith in an Eagles team that has looked horrendous thus far. Either that or they’re really bearish on the “Bungles.”

Philadelphia welcomed Lane Johnson and Miles Sanders back in week 2, and the idea was that the offense would settle into a rhythm. Instead, Carson Wentz looked flummoxed in the pocket and the Eagles never stood a chance.

It would be wise to take some pressure off of Wentz on Sunday and lean on Sanders a bit more in the backfield. Cincy’s giving up an astronomical 185.0 rushing yards per game and lacks stability throughout their front seven.

The Bengals are hoping that defensive tackles Geno Atkins and Mike Daniels will be available, although don’t hold your breath waiting on the return of either player. Atkins is nursing a shoulder injury and hasn’t played this season, while Daniels is dealing with a strained groin.

Cincinnati’s inability to stop the run is one reason for Coach Pederson to force-feed Miles the ball and not depend on his quarterback.

Here’s another.

Carson Wentz has made 20 off-target throws this season, most in the NFL.

15 have come inside a clean pocket (not pressured or under duress).

— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) September 21, 2020

Wentz was already booed off the field against Washington by a collection of digital fans. If Carson lays another egg on his home field versus Cincy, it’ll be more than boos echoing through the City of Brotherly Love.

It’ll be chants for Jalen Hurts to get inserted into the game.

Being a profitable NFL bettor isn’t about trying to see into the future. It comes down to attacking the number when you spot a discrepancy.

That’s why my Bengals vs. Eagles prediction has nothing to do with projecting whether or not Carson Wentz is going to bounce back. I’m not really concerned about how Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati offense go about penetrating the Philadelphia defense.

The general public is betting the over – as evidenced by the uptick in the total. And while it’s lurking at 46 at most of the reputable sites, you can capture 46.5 at BetOnline.

The “under” may not be the sexy play, but it’s the one that has the most merit.