There’s plenty of action around the NFL as the preseason is coming to a close, and among eight games on Saturday, August 27, we are giving you the best Rams vs. Bengals betting pick and odds.

Cincinnati is desperate to record its first preseason win when it welcomes Los Angeles at Paul Brown Stadium. The Bengals are -2.5 favorites on BetDSI Sportsbook, while the total is set at 37.5 points. These inter-conference rivals have met in Super Bowl last season, and the Rams won 23-20.

Rams are dealing with injuries

The Los Angeles Rams beat their city rivals Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 of the preseason but lost the next game to the Houston Texans at home. The Rams led 20-17 until a minute to go when Houston scored a game-winning touchdown. Besides a loss, the Rams lost right guard Logan Bruss to a season-ending ACL/MCL injury. He was slated to start in the upcoming campaign, but that spot will now likely go to Coleman Shelton.

John Wolford and Bryce Perkins combined for 265 passing yards but failed to throw a TD pass. The running game was less effective with just 46 yards on 20 carries, but Trey Ragas managed to carry the ball into the end zone in the fourth quarter.  

The Rams opted for an unpopular move and waived tight end, Kendall Blanton. The fans were far from happy with that transaction, while the Washington Commanders acted quickly to claim Blanton off the waivers. Tyler Higbee, Brycen Hopkins, and Jared Pinkney are now remaining tight ends for the Rams.

Bengals fell short to the Giants

The Cincinnati Bengals are now 0-2 in the preseason after losing to the New York Giants 25-22 on the road. They had a 16-7 lead after the opening three quarters, but the Giants exploited Cincy’s weak secondary to overcome a deficit and get a win. The Bengals allowed even 423 total yards to New York and totaled only 271 in return.

Both of Cincinnati’s touchdowns came on the ground as Jacques Patrick and Trayveon Williams scored one apiece. Brandon Allen, Jake Browning, and Drew Plitt combined for 202 yards, while Kwamie Lassiter II was the most-targeted receiver with seven targets, out of which he caught seven for 91 yards.

The Bengals finally put a franchise tag on star safety Jessie Bates, one of the best defenders from the last season’s playoff. Bates will remain a Bengal for at least one more season after failing to extend his contract, and at the end of the season, he might test free agency.

Trends:

Los Angeles:

  • 1-4 ATS in the last five games on fieldturf

Cincinnati:

  • 8-0 ATS in the last eight games overall
  • 4-0 ATS in the last four home games
  • Home team is 3-0-1 ATS in the last four H2H meetings

Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals Pick  

The Bengals will be eager to record their first preseason victory and enter the new campaign in a better mood. Although I don’t expect miracles from their defense, especially secondary, I am backing it to show a way better performance in this one. First-round pick Dax Hill proved he can provide a solid backup at the safety position while Jessie Bates is out. Hill registered seven tackles, and two defended passes so far, and he can make a difference on Saturday.

Pick: Take the Bengals at -2.5 (-110)

The Total

Now, even though I am backing the Bengals to improve defensively here, I don’t think they will manage to lock the Rams down just like that. This defense allowed 554 passing yards along with four touchdowns in two games, and I think the Rams will have at least 200+ passing yards in this one. On the other hand, Los Angeles allowed 22+ points in each of its two games, so I expect to see both teams score around 20.  

Pick: Go Over 37.5 points (-110)