Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen (17) and the Bills will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Playoffs this Sunday. The teams’ Week 17 game was canceled after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle in the first quarter.
The only thing more appropriate would be to meet in the AFC Championship Game.
Alas, we’ll have to settle for a Divisional Round playoff game between two of the best teams with two of the most exciting quarterbacks in the NFL.
On Sunday afternoon, the third-seeded Cincinnati Bengals will face the No. 2 seeded Buffalo Bills for a berth in the conference title game – a game the world will have to wait three weeks to see.
The Bengals and Bills were set to play in a huge Week 17 Monday Night Football matchup on January 2nd in Cincinnati that had major playoff seeding implications. But that game was first postponed then canceled after Bills safety Damar Hamiln suffered a cardiac arrest during the first quarter.
The Bengals were leading 7-3 at the time. But because the league decided to cancel the contest and not reschedule it, both teams have one less game on their record.
The Kansas City Chiefs earned the top seed and a first-round playoff bye. The Bills got the second seed and the Bengals had to beat the Baltimore Ravens in the season finale to get the No. 3 seed in the AFC.
Fast forward three weeks and the Bengals and Bills begin again with much higher stakes, this time a win-or-go-home matchup in Buffalo at 3 p.m. Sunday (CBS).
FrontPageBets takes a look at three of the best bets to consider in this AFC Divisional Round playoff game.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings and subject to change)
Bengals +5 (-110)
During the regular season, Cincinnati was the second best team in the NFL against the spread, posting a 12-4 mark. See the article : WATCH: Wilder and Joshua check out Joe Joyce, the cheerleader who changed the name of the champion.
Last week, the Bengals were held to 9.5 points against the Ravens in a 24-17 win.
Although they have only been matched up twice this season, the Bengals are 2-0 against the spread in those situations, including beating the Chiefs straight up, 27-24, when they were underdogs by 2.5 points. Cincinnati was also an underdog in that Week 17 game against the Bills.
The Bengals are on a nine-game winning streak, and in that span they are 7-2 against the spread.
Buffalo, including the playoffs, is 8-8-1 ATS and has never been an underdog. At home, the Bills are 3-5 ATS.
The Bills have won eight in a row and are 4-4 ATS in that time. They didn’t cover 13.5 points last week against the Miami Dolphins in the Wild Card round.
This week’s 5 points is the largest underdog stretch the Bengals have faced this season.
The Bills are 5-7 ATS when favored by more than 4 points.
Over 48.5 total team points (-105)
Over 48.5 total team points (-105)
The Bills were the second highest scoring team in the NFL during the regular season, averaging 28. To see also : Browning teenager needs boost for CheerHawaii trip.4 points per game. The Bengals were seventh where they scored 26.1 per outing.
During their winning streaks – nine for Cincinnati and eight for Buffalo – the teams are scoring 28.4 and 29.9 per game, respectively.
Bills TE Dawson Knox all-time leading touchdown scorer (+180)
Bills TE Dawson Knox anytime touchdown scorer (+180)
During the regular season, Buffalo tight end Dawson Knox caught 65 passes for 517 yards and six touchdowns, including one in each of his last four regular season games. On the same subject : Off-season update: Free agents bring the revised class to 22.
Last week in their win over the Dolphins, Knox caught three passes for 20 yards and a touchdown. He would have a second score, but what was initially ruled a TD catch was overturned for hitting the ground.
Inside the red zone, Knox is a problem – six of his seven touchdown passes (both regular and postseason) went inside the opponents’ 20-yard line.
Problem gambling? There is help. Call 1-800-522-4700 or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling for help.
Photos: NFL teams, players, fans pay tribute to Damar Hamlin
Fans pose for photos with a sign in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin outside Highmark Stadium before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a field collapse in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Fans sign a poster with messages of support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin outside Highmark Stadium before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
Players and staff wear shirts in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during practice before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Orchard Park , N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field. in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) warms up in a Damar Hamlin jersey in support of Buffalo Bills safety during pregame before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, the -Sunday January 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
A patch showing support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is seen on a Bills jersey before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, center, walks the field during practice while players wear No. 3 in support of safety Damar Hamlin during practice before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, January 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains in the hospital after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
A fan holds a poster honoring injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickel )
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell signs autographs for fans on their number 3 signs in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday , January 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized. after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
A fan holds a sign in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) during practice before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a field collapse in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
A monitor shows Love for Damar to honor injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (25) kneels in prayer for safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic attack on the field. collapse in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
A medical professional holds a heart and three fingers on each hand in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park , N.Y. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
“Love for Damar 3” is played in honor of injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium before an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Cincinnati Bengals cheerleaders wear arm bands honoring injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin as they perform during the first half of an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals in Cincinnati, the Sunday, January 8, 2023. (AP Photo/ Jeff Dean)
The Cincinnati Bengals show support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn)
Fans hold signs in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Orchard Park. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Buffalo Bills cornerback Siran Neal (33) holds a flag in support of teammate Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
Fans hold signs in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
Fans show their support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) with signs and costumes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Aug. ‘ January 2023, in Orchard Park. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
Fans show their support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin (3) with signs and costumes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Aug. ‘ January 2023, in Orchard Park. Hamlin remains hospitalized after suffering a catastrophic collapse on the field in the team’s previous game against the Cincinnati Bengals. (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)
A fan holds a sign in honor of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Seattle . (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith wears a jersey honoring Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin as he works out before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
The Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts gather on the field before their NFL football game in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Buffalo Bills fans hold up three fingers in support of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the second half of an NFL football game against the New England Patriots on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Joshua Bessex)
A spectator holds a sign in honor of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
“Love for Damar 3” is shown in honor of injured Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium before an NFL football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 8 of January, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
A video board at Levi’s Stadium displays a message for Damar Hamlin during an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. ( (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton (20) stands on the sideline during a stop in support of Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin who was injured during the first half of an NFL football game in Pittsburgh, Sunday, January 8, 2023. The Steelers won 28-14. . (AP Photo/Matt Freed)
A fan holds a sign in a show of support for Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the first half of an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers in Denver, Sunday, Sept. ‘ January 2023. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
The number 3 is outlined in red Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on the field at Acrisure Stadium after an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Pittsburgh, PA. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
A fan holds a sign paying tribute to Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin before kickoff of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin (AP Photo/Morry Gash) )
A stadium video monitor shows a message honoring injured Buffalo Bills linebacker Damar Hamlin before an NFL football game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Miami Dolphins mascot T.D. holds a sign that says “Love for 3 Hamlin Strong” in support of Buffalo Bill safety Damar Hamlin, on the sideline before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)
Mike Szvetitz is the General Manager and Director of Content for FrontPageBets.com. Szvetitz is a 22-year veteran reporter and editor, including serving 17 years as sports editor in Florida, Alabama and Virginia, covering everything from preps to pros. His “View From The Lazy Boy” column won several state and national awards. He can be reached at mszvetitz@timesdispatch.com.
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Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen (17) and the Bills will face the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL Playoffs this Sunday. The teams’ Week 17 game was canceled after Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after making a tackle in the first quarter.
Who has never won a Super Bowl?
What are the 3 oldest NFL teams? Two charter members, the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) and the Decatur Staleys (now the Chicago Bears), still exist. The Green Bay Packers franchise, founded in 1919, is the oldest non-relocating team, but did not begin league play until 1921.
Which NFL teams have never won a Super Bowl? The Browns, Lions, and Jaguars, and Texans, are among 12 NFL teams that have never won a Super Bowl. And the Lions rank second only to the Arizona Cardinals for the longest active NFL championship drought.
How many did Bengals win?
The Cincinnati Bengals currently have a record of 10-4.
What are the Bengals’ wins and losses? What was the 2022 Cincinnati Bengals record? The Cincinnati Bengals finished the regular season with a record of 12-4. They went 6-1 at home and 6-3 on the road. Including the playoffs, the Cincinnati Bengals went 13-4.
How many total wins do the Bengals have? The Cincinnati Bengals have won 382 times in all time.
Have the Bengals ever won the Super Bowl? The Bengals reached the Super Bowl twice during the 1980s â in Super Bowl XVI and Super Bowl XXIII â and lost to the San Francisco 49ers. The team appeared in the playoffs in 1990, advancing to the second round before losing to the Los Angeles Raiders.
When did the Bengals last win the Super Bowl?
The Bengals do not have a Super Bowl title to their name. Their 2022 meeting with the Rams was their third such loss after falling to San Francisco 26-21 and 20-16 in Super Bowls 16 and 22, respectively.
How many Super Bowl’s have the Bengals won?
When did the Cincinnati Bengals last win the Super Bowl? When was the Bengals’ last Super Bowl win? Cincinnati is the only conference finalist team that has not won a Super Bowl. Their only other appearance came in the 1981 season, also against Joe Montana and the 49ers.
