Barry Recks
The Cincinnati Bengals visit the Atlanta Falcons in search of their win No. 1 in the 2023 NFL season. Will the Bengals barge into the win column at last? Or will the Falcons go 2-0?
Read on for more about this team 1 vs Falcons matchup in the 2023 NFL game, including our predictions, picks, and latest odds to win this showdown, as brought to you by JefeBet. Also, don’t forget to check out other NFL content to help you make the best betting decisions.
Predictions, Odds, and Betting Preview for the Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Preseason Week 2 Game on August 18, 2023
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
- When: Friday, August 18, 2023, 1:00 PM ET
- Where to Watch: NFL+
- Spread: Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5) vs Atlanta Falcons (-5.5)
- Over/Under: 37.5
All odds are provided by DraftKings.
Betting on the Cincinnati Bengals (+5.5)
Preseason record: 0-1
The Bengals dropped the ball in Week 1 of the NFL preseason, so to speak. They lost to the Green Bay Packer at home last Friday, 36-19, as they just can’t seem to establish consistency on both ends of the field. But that’s also what preseason games are for – to find out weaknesses and gauge the readiness of the offense, defense, and the special teams.
Speaking of which, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson looks 100% ready to go, as he went 4/4 in his field goal attempts with makes from 38, 51, 39, and 43 yards out. The only Bengals touchdown in the game was from safety Tycen Anderson, who took one to the house off of an interception. That’s still a good sign for the Bengals, who can also test their pass rushers versus Atlanta’s offensive line that gave up four sacks in Week 1.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (-5.5)
Preseason record: 1-0
The Falcons won their first assignment of the 2023 NFL preseason by beating the Miami Dolphins on the road, 19-3. Atlanta pulled off the win despite not playing quarterback Desmond Ridder and running back Bijan Robinson, who were both expected prior to the contest to see ample playing time.
Ridder and Robinson don’t have injury resignations, so perhaps it’s fair to expect them to see action in Week 2 against Cincinnati. Robinson is an exciting asset for Atlanta, which is hoping he becomes an explosive weapon in its ground attack that still produced 102 rushing yards on 26 carries in the Miami game. Godwin Igwebuike led the team with 70 rushing yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. If Ridder sits out again, the Falcons will turn to Logan Woodside anew. On defense, there’s a lot to like about Atlanta after it had four sacks and three interceptions against the Dolphins.
El Jefe’s Prediction on Cincinnati Bengals vs Atlanta Falcons
Regardless of whether Ridder and/or Robinson plays in Week 2, that Falcons’ defense can be expected to perform impressively again after the show it put up in the win over the Dolphins. Taking the Falcons to win.
Prediction:
The Falcons win, 19-13.
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