San Francisco 49ers vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Last-Minute Spread and Predictions

The San Francisco 49ers will travel east to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3 of the NFL season.

Both teams are coming off late losses on the West Coast, and neither wants to see their record dip to 1-2.

This is the Bengals' home opener. They've spent the first two weeks out on the road and they look forward to returning home, where they are 9-8 in their last 17 games.

The 49ers, on the other hand, are an awful 3-13 on the road in their last 16 games. 

Both teams have a tendency to be involved in wacky, dramatic games.

Although it doesn't seem too appealing by name alone, this game will be entertaining at the very least.

Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio. 

When: Sunday, Sept. 25. 1:00 P.M. EST

Watch: FOX. DirecTV - 711

Over/Under: 40.5

The two teams combine to average 52.5 points on the season and they have both covered the O/U in each of their first two games.

Cincinnati holds the advantage in yardage on both sides of the ball as the 49ers' offense has struggled to make things happen with Alex Smith at quarterback.

It will be close, but a 21-20 game would give them the over.

Spread: Bengals minus-3

This is just a home-field advantage spread. The 49ers have to travel to the east to play in an early game, but the trends ride heavy against the Bengals.

Cincinnati is 1-11 as favorite in their last 12 attempts whereas the 49ers are 6-6 as underdogs in their last 12.

Call it crazy, but taking the three points is the only play.

49ers' Key Injuries

Alex Smith, QB: San Francisco's starting QB suffered a concussion, but has already been medically cleared and will play in the game.

Braylon Edwards, WR: The big name offseason signing is out for at least the next few weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn right meniscus.

Michael Crabtree, WR: The disappointing receiver was dealing with pain in his foot, but is expected to play this week.

Bengals' Key Injuries

Jordan Shipley, WR: The reliable receiver is out of the season with a torn ACL.

Jerome Simpson, WR: The former second-round pick is listed as questionable following a drug-related incident.

Keith Rivers, LB: PUP list.

Fantasy Big Plays

Start 'Em

 A.J. Green, WR, Bengals

With Jerome Simpson questionable and Shipley out of the lineup, Green has to become the go-to guy.

He's caught a touchdown in each game this year and blew up against Denver last week for 10 catches and 142 yards. Ride with him or miss out.

Sit 'Em

 Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals

The 49ers have given up the least amount of rushing yards in the league so far this season.

Teams are averaging only 2.5 yards per carry against them and barely over 54 yards per game. The 49ers will key in on Benson and make Andy Dalton beat them.

Keys For 49ers Win

Offensive consistency: Frank Gore is averaging less than three yards per carry on the season and has yet to really get going. He's found the endzone once, but the 49ers need more from him. In order to help him, the 49ers need to find more balance in their passing game. 

Keys for Bengals Win

Pass protection - The 49ers have six sacks already on the year and the Bengals have given up six sacks. If they want Andy Dalton to survive and have time to get the ball out to A.J. Green, they need protect him. 

If the Bengals can get the passing game going it will loosen up the defense and allow Cedric Benson a little bit more room to run.

Prediction 

 49ers 21, Bengals 20