Bengals vs. Titans NFL Week 4 odds, props, picks: Burrow looks to feast on weak Titans secondary

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tennessee Titans will clash today in a battle of teams that have had sluggish starts to their seasons.

Coming off its first win this past Monday night, Cincinnati is a slight favorite at top NFL betting sites. Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.

Bengals vs. Titans NFL Week 4 odds: spread, moneyline, over/under

The odds makers expect this one to be close, listing Cincinnati as just 2.5-point favorites. The Bengals being on the road and having a slow start to the season is definitely playing a role in that. It also doesn’t help that they are 0-2-1 against the spread this season, but each team they have faced is head and shoulders above the Titans in 2023. 

NFL Week 4 Bengals vs. Titans betting analysis

The Bengals were among the Super Bowl favorites to start the season, but they have failed to live up to expectations so far. The Titans weren’t title contenders, but they were expected to be much better with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins and getting Ryan Tannehill back healthy. However, Tannehill’s struggles from last year seem to have exacerbated this season. Additionally, the Titans’ passing defense is still near the bottom of the league despite the many changes they had on that side of the ball in the offseason. 

Given Tennessee’s struggles stopping the pass, they are the perfect team for Burrow to find his rhythm. He and the Bengals have gotten off to slow starts for multiple years now, and this could be the game they flip the switch yet again offensively. That’s especially since Burrow’s calf is reportedly getting better, allowing him to attend his first full practice this week since he aggravated the injury back Week 2.

The one thing the Titans have going for them is the Bengals allow more than 150 rushing yards per game so far this season. After just 11 carries last week, Derrick Henry is likely to see the ball a lot more today. If he has a big day, things should open up for Tannehill in the passing game, which is likely why the Bengals are just 2.5-point favorites in this one. 

The impact of the passing game depends on the availability of Hopkins. He is currently listed as questionable due to an ankle injury. If he isn’t able to play or be the best version of himself, the Titans don’t have the targets to force the Bengals to drop a defender from the box. Whether it’s close or not, it’s not a good idea to wager on the Titans to come out victorious with Tannehill under center.

Should you bet the Bengals against the spread (ATS)?

The Bengals haven’t covered the spread all season long, but the Titans are especially challenged right now at QB. One more bad start from Tannehill could start the “we want Will Levis” chants in Nashville. The second-round pick is viewed as a project currently, but head coach Mike Vrable may be forced to see what he has sooner rather than later. 

As for the Bengals, Burrow has been struggling, but he is a proven star in the league, and his struggle is sure to be short term. Last year, the Titans were dead last in passing defense. This year, they are the fifth worst in yards allowed and tied for fourth worst in passing touchdowns allowed. They have surrendered at least 289 passing yards to each QB they faced this year and at least one passing touchdown. That’s the prime environment for Burrow to find himself.

The Bengals have a bend but don’t break defense, allowing many yards on the ground but don’t allow teams to cross the goal line too often. Through three games, they have only allowed four total touchdowns. Even with a bigger game from Henry, it isn’t likely their offense will be able to produce enough to keep the Bengals from covering in this one. 

Should you bet the Bengals vs. Titans’ Over?

Both teams have been pretty pedestrian so far, but their defensive liabilities set up both offenses to put up above average performances compared to previous outings this year. That should help cover what is one of the lowest point totals on the market this weekend. 

Taking the over on point totals this low is a worthwhile risk, especially with the talent on the field that will be present. Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Henry are as good as it gets at their position. With favorable matchups, the scoreboard should get plenty of action. 

Best Bengals vs. Titans prop bet

• Joe Burrow Over 265.5 passing Yards 9 (-110 on Bet365)

Every QB the Titans have faced through three weeks has hit the over on their listed passing yards total. Until that trend is broken, it’s one you should ride, especially when a QB like Burrow is coming to town. Burrow hasn’t hit that mark yet this season, but the minimum the Titans have allowed through the air in 2023 is 289 yards to Deshaun Watson last week. 

Additionally, the Bengals are one of the most pass heavy teams in the league. Burrow threw the ball at least 40 times in each of his last two games. Coming close to that number again isn’t far fetched against the Titans given how good their rush defense is yet again this year. Thanks to his volume and Tennessee’s struggle, this is a great option to consider.

21+ in most states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER