Bengals vs. 49ers odds, props, predictions: Purdy cleared, NFL Week 8 betting line settles

With San Francisco QB Brock Purdy cleared from concussion protocol, the 49ers are 5- to 5.5-point favorites at home over the Cincinnati Bengals in NFL Week 8 action on Sunday. Bengals vs. 49ers had been in flux during early betting, as Purdy's name had been on the injury report throughout the week. 

Few NFL teams started slower this season than the Bengals ( at the 49ers on Sunday), mainly because Joe Burrow had no rhythm and wasn’t playing to his potential after being unable to properly ramp up during the preseason. 

After throwing for 82 yards in a season-opening loss in Cleveland, he’s grown increasingly comfortable and looks like himself again, throwing five touchdown passes in wins over Arizona and Seattle this month.

Now, the Bengals will travel to San Francisco to take on a 49ers team that has run into some choppy waters of its own. Kickoff Sunday is scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET.

Bengals vs. 49ers odds: Point spread, moneyline, total

Here are the latest NFL betting odds for the Bengals vs. 49ers:

The total was bet down in early wagering after opening 46.  

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Bengals betting breakdown 

The Bengals (3-3 SU, 2-4 ATS) are coming off a week without a game and will be well-rested and well-prepared as they attempt to climb above .500 for the first first time this season.

This nationally-televised showdown gives Cincinnati an opportunity to put together a winning streak of more than two games for the first time since seeing a 10-game unbeaten run end in last January’s AFC Championship game.

Every one of their victories this season have come against NFC West foes as they’ve run through the Rams, Cardinals and Seahawks, winning the Arizona game on the road.

Burrow has been intercepted in four of six games and has been sacked at least three times in three consecutive games, so there have been some rocky patches in spite of Cincinnati beginning to turn things around.

Tackle Orlando Brown, Jr. has been cleared to play despite a lingering groin injury, while Burrow told reporters he feels great coming out of the bye and is close to 100 percent. 

Since complaining about not getting the ball more following a 27-24 loss to Baltimore on Sept. 17, Ja'Marr Chase has caught 40 passes on 56 targets in a four-game span, racking up 486 yards.

He’s got three touchdowns, all against Arizona, and should benefit from fellow WR Tee Higgins feeling better as he continues to play through a fractured rib. Higgins finished with 114 yards on five catches last time he saw the Niners, playing a key role in Burrow throwing for 348 yards in the OT loss.

The Bengals rank last in the NFL in total yards per game, next-to-last in rushing and 26th of 32 in passing yards per game, so it will be interesting to see how they respond coming out of the bye week with the challenge of facing a stingy San Francisco defense on the road in play.

Even though four points isn’t much, the Bengals haven’t been this heavy an underdog in a regular-season game since resting starters in Week 17 of 2021.

49ers betting breakdown

The 49ers (5-2, 4-2-1) come off a disappointing Monday night loss to the Vikings in which we saw Purdy throw a pair of interceptions for the first time in his career. Considering he hadn’t lost as a pro in the regular season until a 19-17 Week 6 upset loss in Cleveland, Purdy didn’t respond well since as miscues opened the door for a second straight setback.

While he was clear from concussion protocol Sunday, backup Sam Darnold was being prepared to make this start prior to the team’s Week 9 bye.

San Francisco hasn’t dropped three consecutive games since Oct. 2021.

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Bengals vs. 49ers injury report: Is Purdy playing vs. Cincinnati?

While Purdy is good to go Sunday, another major item to monitor is the availability of top tackle Trent Williams, who is dealing with an ankle injury and will likely be a true game-time decision. Word out of 49ers camp is that he’ll play if he’s able to.

The same can’t be said about Deebo Samuel, who will be sidelined for a second consecutive week due to a shoulder issue. Top LB Dee Greenlaw (hamstring) returned to practice late in the week and is also expected to play.

Here is the latest on who's in and who's out for Sunday's game.

Bengals vs. 49ers prop picks

• Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase anytime touchdown (+125) 
• 49ers TE George Kittle OVER 41.5 receiving yards (-115)  

Christian McCaffrey has scored in an NFL-record 16 straight games, but that prop is now extremely overpriced, coming in at over -200 at most shops.

Although Chase has scored against only Arizona this season, getting him at plus money provides a great opportunity coming off a bye week in which Cincinnati likely worked on ways to creatively get him the ball in the red zone.

Kittle had 13 receptions for 151 yards and a score the last time he saw the Bengals and should get more looks his way regardless of who the quarterback is with Samuel sidelined. The San Francisco tight end had five catches for a team-high 78 yards against the Vikings on Monday night.

Bengals vs. 49ers pick ATS

Even with Purdy in, Cincinnati has a nice edge in this matchup. The 49ers come into this one on a short week and are at a rest disadvantage, given that the Bengals are coming off a bye.

So long as they play to their potential, this Cincy squad isn’t one you want to bet against when catching points, which is why it hasn’t been in this situation often over the past few seasons. With Willliams iffy and Samuel out, fading struggling San Francisco is the play.

Pick: Bengals