The Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams will stay under the posted number.
My only wish is I could've released this play two weeks ago, when the lines came out. I have tickets on the Under since it was 50, and have been betting it down to the current number. I still think it has value, as both defenses are the real stars for the offensive units we're talking about.
When you think about the comebacks the Rams have had to make, the tight games they've had to play, and the games they've escaped this season, it's been because of that defense.
The Rams, who have stayed under in 28 of 38 when installed as the favorite dating back, are going to bring pressure onto young Joe Burrow, there's no denying that. He is crafty enough to make things happen, but he'll need the first half to structure properly and engage his offense for the second half.
Los Angeles, which has stayed low in 6 of 8 on turf, will also be under pressure from the Bengals' ferocious front line, and you'll likely see Matthew Stafford defer to his rushing game early on. It wouldn't surprise me to see both teams' first score be a field goal (hint for a prop) and the first quarter to stay low, too (another hint for another prop).
Cincinnati, which has stayed low in seven consecutive playoff games, after frustrating the heck out of the Las Vegas Raiders, stifling the Tennessee Titans, and dominating the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs. While people are picking apart those playoff wins, they fail to mention they play football for 60 minutes for a reason.
Cincinnati, which has stayed under in four straight, has held the opposition to 21 or less in seven of its last 11 games. And the Bengals, who are on an under run of 5-1 when catching points, ranked 17th in allowing 22.1 points per game. Sitting just above them in 16th? The Rams, who allowed 21.9 ppg.
This one is about the overshadowed, not-being-talked-about defensive units that will keep this one under.