Two AFC teams heading in opposite directions meet in Week 8, as the rebuilding Titans take on Joe Burrow and the Bengals in Cincinnati.

The Titans officially waved the white flag on their 1-6 season, trading away All-Pro Jeffery Simmons earlier in the week to the Bears for a bundle of first-round picks (2027, 2028), plus additional fourth and fifth-round picks. 

It was a stunning move that many did not see coming. 

Tennessee sweetened its future draft capital by dealing a defensive cornerstone, but in the process, also added points to the Bengals spread for this Sunday’s game, with oddsmakers boosting them to 12.5-point favorites after the line opened at 10.5. 

Titans vs. Bengals prediction, best bet

Cincinnati’s offense is humming, flipping the script on Baltimore’s defense by scoring 35 consecutive second-half points a week ago, in their 22-point divisional win.

Burrow threw four touchdown passes, each to a different receiver, bringing his season total to 15. 

Through six games, behind his precision passing, the Bengals (4-2) have the highest third-down conversion rate (51 percent) and rank 7th in offensive EPA per play. 

Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers Ja’marr Chase (1) and Tee Higgins (5) line up in Week 7 vs. Baltimore. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

It’s been a different story for Cam Ward and the Titans, who rank second to last league wide in both EPA per play and points per game, as Tennessee is averaging only 15.4. 

Ward has also struggled to make big plays early in games, as he hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in the first three quarters of any game this season. 

Prior to the Simmons trade, a run-heavy script behind Tony Pollard might’ve been a viable recipe toward an upset, but all signs point to the Bengals controlling this one. 

The additions of Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen have Cincy’s defensive line tied for first in the NFL in sacks (21) and second in sack rate (9.3 percent). 

This could be the turning point of the game: how and when Tennessee’s unproven offensive line finally breaks down against this stout pass rush.

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The Bengals’ playmaking wide receiver duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are also in line for big performances opposite a Titans defense that ranks 24th against the pass. 

However, since Cincinnati tends to start slowly, target the shorter -3.5 spread for them to cover in the second quarter, once their offense settles in. 

The Titans have been outscored 72 to 3 in the second quarter of games this season and I expect that the Bengals will begin to pull away just ahead of halftime.

The Play: Bengals -3.5 2nd Quarter spread (-115, DraftKings) 

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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.