The Cincinnati Bengals will attempt to get back on a winning track when they visit the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in NFL Week 6. Cincinnati will be trying to knock off a Giants team riding high off a surprising Week 5 road win.
Another Bengals loss will drop them to a 1-5 record for the first time since the 1999 season. That edition of the team won four games. New York will be looking to even its record at 3-3 after nabbing a surprising 29-20 win at Seattle last week.
Will Cincinnati be able to rebound from a three-point overtime loss to the Ravens and claim a needed victory?
Let’s get into my Bengals vs. Giants predictions and best bets to make for Sunday Night Football.
Bengals vs. Giants predictions and best bets
The Bengals could not finish the job more than once in a 41-38 overtime loss to Baltimore in Week 5. Cincinnati blew three 10-point leads in the second half.
There was still a chance to win in overtime, but Evan McPherson missed a potential game-winning 53-yard field goal when the snap went awry. The Bengals ultimately squandered an outstanding effort from Joe Burrow.
Cincinnati’s signature player passed for a career-high five touchdowns, completing 30 of 39 attempts for 392 yards.
A 70-yard screen pass catch-and-run TD by Ja’Marr Chase gave the Bengals their final point total with just under nine minutes remaining in regulation.
The offense must spur these Cats to a crucial win at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium. The Bengals have scored 30-plus points in their last three games, and outshooting their opponent gives them the best shot at a victory.
New York scored a stunning 29-20 win at Seattle last week, and now has hope to reclaim respectability and move to .500.
The Giants have not started a season 3-3 since 2016 (the only year they were over .500 after six games since then was 2022 when they started 6-1).
New York cannot match Cincinnati’s offensive firepower and will be without standout rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) for a second consecutive week. The Bengals have allowed an AFC-high 29 points per game, though, so these teams are likely to smash the over together.
Higgins is coming off his best game of the season, with nine receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns. As Chase draws a lot of defensive attention, his receiving partner will benefit in a possible shootout.
Bengals vs. Giants NFL Week 6 odds
Despite winning just one game so far this season, Cincinnati is favored by 3.5 points. The Bengals are 2-0 ATS as a road team, per TeamRankings.
The over/under is at 47.5. The Bengals have hit the over in four consecutive games. New York hit the Over for the first time last week, and I believe they will make it two straight in this matchup.
Bengals vs. Giants moneyline odds analysis
Why Cincinnati could win as the favorite
Best odds: -185 at DraftKings Sportsbook
Burrow leads the NFL in TD passes with 12 and is second in QB rating at 113.6. He has passed for two-plus TDs in his last four games and in the last three games, registered a completion percentage of 70-plus.
Cincinnati’s passing offense ranks fourth in the NFL. Running backs Chase Brown and Zack Moss have each totaled three TDs from scrimmage and help to supply ideal offensive balance. Brown is capable of ripping off big gains and Moss will fight for yardage.
Chase finished with 10 catches for 193 yards and two TDs last week, The yardage total was the highest for any pass-catcher in the NFL so far this season.
It was Chase’s sixth career game with 100-plus yards and two or more TD reception. He ranks second among all players who have accomplished that feat since 2021.
Trey Hendrickson will be ready for the spotlight. He has rolled up five sacks in his last five prime time games. Sam Hubbard recorded two tackles for a loss and added a sack last week.
If the Bengals can get pressure on Daniel Jones, they might make enough key defensive plays to score the win.
Why New York could win as the underdog
Best odds: +168 at FanDuel Sportsbook
Defense led the way at Seattle and can be the difference-maker for New York against the potent Bengals offense. Last week, New York rolled up seven sacks and it leads the NFL with 22.
Dexter Lawrence is tied for second in the league with six sacks, and Jason Pinnock has registered three, swooping in from the free safety spot.
The Bengals rank 21st in offensive line pass blocking grade on Pro Football Focus for Week 6 due to the matchup against the Giants’ defensive line.
Bryce Ford-Wheaton returned a blocked field goal 60 yards for a TD with 55 seconds remaining to sew up the victory over the Seahawks. New York prevailed without two key offensive starters, finishing with 420 total yards.
In addition to Nabers being out, starting running back Devin Singletary missed the game with a groin injury. Darius Slayton spelled Nabers with eight receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown, and rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. stepped in with 129 rushing yards.
Singletary is listed as questionable for Sunday night. Back at home, the Giants will bask in the adulation of its fans, who will show appreciation for the unlikely Week 5 win.
When the New York players find out they are still an underdog, that might serve as motivational material.
