Game Note

Week #17 of the NFL season is unlike any other week as the psychology of motivation plays a critical role in the sports handicapping process. Aside from a handful of teams competing for a playoff position or resting starters in preparation for the postseason, many teams are looking ahead to next year as their season ends today. Going inside a team’s head to determine its collective game effort is the ultimate challenge for bettors, and the Browns/Bengals matchup serves as this year’s week 17 case study. Cleveland’s self-imposed preseason hype put the team in the crosshairs of every NFL team as the Browns took their opponents best shot every week. This talented Browns roster lacked accomplished leadership from both a player and coaching perspective and their season has been a total disaster. Although the Bengals 2019 record is a league worst 1-14, today will be the final game for QB Dalton in a Cincy uniform. Say what you will about Dalton’s ability to play QB, but his leadership in the locker room and genuine engagement to community service is greatly respected by his Bengals’ teammates and the residents of Cincinnati. With the Browns’ coaches looking for work after today and its players booking vacation plans, the Bengals team effort to win Dalton’s last game will play out as a small home underdog, so trust the psychological process of team sports and bet Cincy +2.5.