Key Points
- SJ breaks down her three best bets for the MNF December 9 week 14 matchup between the Bengals and Cowboys
MNF is here, and we have a showdown tonight between the Cincinnati Bengals (4-8, 3-3 away) and the
Dallas Cowboys (5-7, 1-5 home).
While both teams were projected to rise atop their divisions, the Bengals and Cowboys are on the brink of playoff elimination.
(Photo by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Fresh off a three-game losing skid, the Bengals are losers of four of their last five. While I don't consider the Bengals a low-tier team, they've had a long list of injuries combined with a harsh schedule. With three straight defeats to the Steelers, Chargers, and Ravens, Cincinnati has faced tough matchups. Now 4-8 in the AFC North, they get a chance to make a comeback on the road.
Although the Cowboys are coming off two straight divisional victories over the Giants and Commanders, it's been quite the tumultuous season for Dallas. With several players headed for the IR, including Dak Prescott, they sit no. 3 in the NFC East at 5-7. Although not entirely out of playoff contention, this is a must-win for the Cowboys. While they are considered one of the worst defensive teams in the league, can Joe Burrow and the Bengals capitalize off that?
Since 2008, the Cowboys have been 5-0 in head-to-head matchups vs the Bengals. With another primetime NFL matchup, can the Bengals break the curse?
Odds Are Current As Of December 9 AT 9 A.M. ET
If you're tailing my NFL bets tonight, I've provided a mix of prop bets for the Monday night matchup! +4.5 underdogs tonight, the Cowboys will look to upset at home. Due to the unpredictability of both teams, I've veered away from money line, total, or spread bets. In this case, I've provided my three best prop bets for the outing tonight.
With kick-off scheduled for 8:15 P.M. ET, the Bengals and Cowboys matchup will air on primetime ABC/ESPN. Looking to stay hot, I have an NFL betting record of 26-16 this month. Up nearly four months in December, again my goal is bank roll management. Although you have the option to parlay all three picks, I chose to bet them as all straight plays.
Let's take a look at the current FanDuel odds for the December 9 week 14 matchup between the
Bengals
the Cowboys.
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NFL WEEK 14 BETS: Cincinnati Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys FanDuel Betting Odds For December 9
MONEY LINE
- CINCINNATI BENGALS: -215
- DALLAS COWBOYS: +180
SPREAD
- CINCINNATI BENGALS: -4.5 (-110)
- DALLAS COWBOYS: +4.5 (-110)
OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)
- OVER: 49.5 (-115)
- UNDER: 49.5 (-105)
Last Five H2H Matchups: Cincinnati Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys
- September 18, 2022: Cowboys 20, Bengals 17 (Dallas +7, under 43)
- December 13, 2020: Cowboys 30, Bengals 7 (Dallas -3, under 42)
- October 9, 2016: Cowboys 28, Bengals 14 (Dallas -2.5, under 46)
- December 9, 2012: Cowboys 20, Bengals 19 (Dallas +3.5, under 46)
- October 5, 2008: Cowboys 31, Bengals 22 (Cincinnati +16, over 44.5)
Cincinnati Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Injury Report
BENGALS
- Charlie Jones, WR: Questionable
- Orlando Brown Jr., OT: OUT
- Sheldon Rankins, DT: OUT
- Logan Wilson, LB:IR
- Evan McPherson, PK: IR
COWBOYS
- Trevon Diggs, CB: Questionable
- Josh Butler, CB: OUT
- Zack Martin, G: OUT
- Tyler Guyton, OT: Questionable
- Juanyeh Thomas, S: OUT
NFL Predictions for Monday, December 9 Week 14: Bengals vs Cowboys
NFL Player Prop Bets Tonight: CeeDee Lamb
2024-2025 NFL Season Stats
GP: 12 | Receptions: 79 | Targets: 124 | Receiving Yards: 820 | Avg: 11.1 | Rec TD: 4 | Rush TD: 0 | Long Rec: 65 | First Down: 40
- Over 66.5 Receiving Yards (-110 FanDuel)
My first best bet for tonight, I placed one unit on Cowboys receiver
CeeDee Lamb
to record over 66.5 receiving yards vs the Bengals.
I know Cooper Rush isn't the best quarterback in the world. Without Dak Prescott, the offense struggles to move. However, CeeDee Lamb is one of the most elite receivers in the game, and we can scratch that 39 yards on six target performance last week vs the Giants. While Dallas pounded the ball on the ground, it was Cooper who totaled 195 passing yards. Of that, Lamb was targeted just two times.
When we look at the Cowboys receivers, sure Rush has KeVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, Luke Schoonmaker, and Brandin Cooks. While all of those players are viable passing options, Lamb is the clear no. 1 wideout. I do believe the prop line is a tad low at 66.5, and for the odds, I jumped on it.
The Bengals Struggle To Contain Receivers
Overall, Lamb's production has been widely inconsistent, and we can can widely blame on the quarterback. Over time, Rush has improved as the weeks have passed. Since taking over for Prescott, Lamb has recorded over 66.5 receiving yards just twice in five weeks. However, it's encouraging he's soared well over this prop line in two of the last three games vs the Texans and Commanders.
With several season ending injuries to their secondary, let's face it, the Bengals are terrible against the pass. Giving up fifth most passing yards per game (241), they give up 156 yards per game to receivers alone. Allowing the most passing yards in the NFL with 326.7, it's only gotten worse for the Bengals. In the last few weeks bettors witnessed
- George Pickens (74)
- Ladd McConkey (123)
- Jakobi Myers (105)
- DeVonta Smith (85)
- Cedric Tillman (81)
- Zay Flowers (111)
- Dionte Johnson (83)
- Terry McLaurin (100)
All cruise well over this prop line. If one things certain, the Bengals have difficulty containing WR1s.
Now they head to Dallas on the road, where their efficiency isn't much better in that department. Considering the Bengals rank 27th in drop back EPA, Rush may have more time in the pocket tonight. While Dallas ranks among of of the worst teams in terms of drop back EPA, it all depends on injuries right? Especially Tyler Guyton, who's questionable for MNF.
Although Lamb's yards per carry is down this year at 11.1, that's still a decent number. Even with Rush under center, I'm encouraged by the volume of targets. With 10+ touches over a five week stretch this season, Lamb is averaging 10.4 with Rush at the helm.
- In addition, 6.8 averages still Prescott went down is far enough for me to feel confident in the yardage tonight.
Final MNF NFL betting prediction: CeeDee Lamb Over 66.5 Receiving Yards (-110 FanDuel)
A versatile and speedy receiver, Lamb can lineup equally in the slot and the wide. Much to his advantage, the Bengals give up the 9th most yards to receivers, including the 7th most targets (19.5). Given Dallas throws the ball 67.7 % of their plays, this is a strong bet tonight. We saw Lamb light up the 49ers for 146 yards, along with 89 vs the Lions. Proven to successful tally over this line vs great defenses, he should feast tonight.
Hitting the over in seven games this season, his YPC is down under rush. Coming off 19.5 YPC vs the Giants, Lamb is a player that averages 80.3 air yards per game. While Jalen Tobert has outsnapped Lamb in two straight weeks, Lamb is by far the leader in targets and yards by a mile.
Expect Lamb's snap count to increase from 67 % last week. Receiving 26.6 % of the team's targets, I expect this prop line to soar over tonight.
I like CeeDee Lamb to record over 66.5 receiving yards vs an inferior Bengals defense.
NFL Player Prop Bets Tonight: Ja'Marr Chase
2024-2025 NFL Season Stats
GP: 12 | Receptions: 79 | Targets: 109 | Receiving Yards: 1,142 | Avg: 14.5 | Rec TD: 13 | Rush TD: 0 | Long Rec: 70 | First Down: 49
- Over 25.5 Longest Reception (-115 FanDuel)
My second best bet for MNF, I placed one unit on Bengals receiver
Ja'Marr Chase
to record over a 25.5 longest reception vs the Cowboys.
Sure, we know the Bengals record doesn't quite add up to the talent level. However, Joe Burrow is playing lights out, and is considered arguably one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Next to Josh Allen, 15 touchdowns over the last four games. Ja'Marr Chase has caught 7 of those 15.
This may sound like a corporate pick to seasoned bettors. How do we not take Ja'Marr Chase tonight? Leading all receivers with 13 touchdowns, the wideout ranks second in the NFL in receiving yards (1,142). Even with Tee Higgins back in the lineup, Chase is still producing at a high level.
After we saw Chase put up a career performance with 264 yards vs the Ravens, he's tallied over 25.5 longest reception in three straight games. While the connection between Burrow and Chase is elite from the LSU days, Chase is undeniably the no.1 guy. Leading the Bengals in targets, yards, and touchdowns by a landslide, I'm hot on this prop tonight!
Name A Current Better Duo Than Joe Burrow And Ja'Marr Chase
We all remember Ja'Marr Chase's 70 yard fourth quarter bomb from Joe Burrow vs the Ravens just a few weeks ago. With that we know Joe Burrow holds the second most 40+ yard passes in the NFL with 11. While completing a long pass over 25.5 yards in all but one game this season, it's safe to say my confidence lies within Joe Burrow.
There's no doubt Chase is headed for another career-year, tallying up monster numbers on the season. Averaging 14.5 yards per carry, he's second in the NFL in REC/YAC/R. Averaging 77.2 air yards per game, this is simply a no brainer for the MNF matchup tonight.
Although Diggs is questionable for tonight's matchup, the Cowboys are middle of the road against the pass. Allowing the 17th most yards to receivers per game (147.92), I veered away from his overall yardage. Likely to matchup with Da'Ron Bland or Diggs, I still like this prop line. Hitting the over in 8 of 12 matchups, there's excellent news on the horizon.
The Cowboys give up an average longest reception of 44.58, which ranks 28th in the NFL. With 425 receiving yards over the last three weeks, can we truly fade this elite Burrow to Chase connection? After all, the Bengals receiver has nearly 40 targets and 24 receptions in that span.
Final MNF NFL betting prediction: Ja'Marr Chase Over 25.5 Longest Reception (-115 FanDuel)
While the Cowboys seem to be on a roll, their defense has remained sluggish. We can't forget Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin's last minute 86 yard touchdown just a few weeks ago. In weeks prior, Nico Collins torched the secondary for a longest reception of 33 yards. In a 34-6 blow out defeat vs the Eagles, A.J Brown scorched the defense for a longest reception of 44 yards.
As we can see, the Cowboys have trouble defending the longest reception against the top receivers. Chase is playing out of his mind, and that's partially due to Joe Burrow's success. One of my best predictions for tonight,
give me Ja'Marr chase to record over 25.5 for a longest reception vs the Cowboys.
NFL Player Prop Bets Tonight: Tee Higgins
2024-2025 NFL Season Stats
GP: 7 | Receptions: 43 | Targets: 68 | Receiving Yards: 558 | Avg: 13 | Rec TD: 5 | Rush TD: 0 | Long Rec: 42 | First Down: 31
- Over 70.5 Receiving Yards (-125 Fanatics)
My last best bet of tonight, I placed one unit on Bengals receiver
Tee Higgins
to record over 70.5 receiving yards on Fanatics.
Set to become a free agent, every matchup is crucial moving forward for Higgins. Especially since he's been injured close to half the season. Joe Burrows clear cut no.2 option, Higgins should feast against a pathetic Cowboys defense tonight.
The last time these two teams met, Higgins torched Dallas for 71 yards back in 2022. Even before his return, Higgins is the tall and lengthy receiver Burrow can depend on. Tallying over 70.5 receiving yards in four of the last five games, Higgins is averaging 91.8 yards over that span.
The Cowboys Are Terrible Against WR2s
Recording nearly 1,000 passing yards over the last three weeks, I'd like to think Burrow will have plenty of opportunities to connect with Higgins tonight. And last week, it was Higgins who led all Bengals receivers with 10 targets. If you're a bettor, we can't forget Higgins season high 148 receiving performance vs a stingy Chargers defense just a week ago. Having the edge over Chase in terms of targets as of late, this is a strong play tonight.
Playing the highest snap count (90 %) since week 1, that signals Higgins is returning near fully health. Not to mention Higgins, along with Chase are the clear top targets ahead of Mike Gesicki and Andrei Isoivas. Although 13 yards per carry isn't a career high, it's still a solid productive number. With a higher touch (19%) and utilization (19 %) than all receivers on the Bengals, look for Taylor to heavily involve Higgins tonight.
Final TNF NFL betting prediction: Tee Higgins Over 70.5 Receiving Yards (-125 Fanatics)
As mentioned before, the Cowboys have some questionable players in the secondary, one that allows nearly 150 receiving yards per game. Yes, I'm aware Joe Burrow may have a very unhealthy offensive line tonight. However, Higgins should have a solid matchup vs Diggs (if available to play). With Higgins coming off a 69 yard performance, bettors recently witnessed
- Terry McLaurin (102)
- A.J.Brown (109)
- Darnell Mooney (88)
- Deebo Samuel Sr. (71)
- Jameson Williams (76)
- Malik Nabers (115)
All record over 70.5 receiving yards. I only expect this number to increase, especially given the Cowboys inability to guard WR2s. I even like Higgins to score a touchdown for plus money tonight. Averaging 102.7 air yards per game, and 22.5 percent of the team air yards,
I like Tee Higgins to tally over 70.5 receiving yards tonight. As hot as Joe Burrow as been, all of his main receivers should see success vs one of the worst defenses in the NFL.
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