Bengals vs. Falcons Preseason: How to Watch, Betting Odds
The Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) travel tonight to take on the Atlanta Falcons (1-0) in the second exhibition game for both teams.
The Bengals lost to the Green Bay Packers 36-19 last Saturday while the Falcons are coming off a preseason win at Miami on Friday night.
Cincinnati starting quarterback Joe Burrow suffered a calf strain early in camp and is out. He threw some passes before the game last week against the Packers, then watched from the sidelines. Bengals coach Zac Taylor said the franchise player is “progressing as he should.”
Bengals backup Jake Browning, who was on Cincinnati's practice squad last year, played the first half, going 10-for-17 for 95 yards and an interception. Journeyman Trevor Siemian, a 31-year-old veteran who signed with the Bengals in May, went 15-for-28 for 121 yards and an interception in the second half. Both should see more snaps this week.
Last Friday night, Falcons corner Dee Alford scored on a 79-yard punt return in Atlanta’s 19-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins. After attending a small college and spending some time in the CFL, Alford is starting to feel like he belongs in the NFL.
Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder, the projected starter, didn't play in Miami. Ridder, who as a rookie started Atlanta’s final four games last season, has impressed teammates and coaches with his poise and command in his second training camp as he looks to end the Falcons’ streak of five straight losing seasons. Logan Woodside saw playing time against Miami and completed 14-of-23 passes for 146 yards.
Atlanta coach Arthur Smith said the team’s starters will see action against Cincinnati this week.
WHAT: Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-0)
WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (75,000)
WHEN: Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, 7:30 p.m. ET
TELEVISION: WAGA-TV Fox 5 / FuboTV (try it free)
RADIO: WZGC-FM 92.9 The Game
TICKETS: SI Tickets
BETTING: SI SportsBook
SPREAD: Bengals +6.5
TOTAL: 38.5
MONEYLINE: Bengals +220, Falcons -111
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