Packers vs. Bengals: NFL Week 5 betting odds, preview, and pick

The Green Bay Packers will carry a three-win streak into Week 5, when they pay a visit to the 3-1 Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. 

Rodgers surpasses Marino in win over Pittsburgh

The Packers' Week 1 thrashing by the New Orleans Saints is all but an afterthought, now that Green Bay has piled up three straight victories against Detroit, San Francisco, and Pittsburgh.

In the Packers' 27-17 win Sunday, the NFC North leader picked apart a wobbly Steelers offense, which put up 282 total yards and turned the ball over twice.

As for Green Bay's offense, reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers celebrated a major milestone, as he recorded his 420th touchdown pass, which ties him with Dan Marino for sixth on the all-time list.

Rodgers finished Sunday's contest with two touchdown passes, both to Randall Cobb, and ran for another score.

The veteran QB pushed the front office to acquire Cobb in the offseason, after the longtime Packers receiver spent brief stints in Dallas and Houston.

Second-year running back AJ Dillon turned in a solid performance, as well. He led the team with 81 rushing yards on 15 carries, while Aaron Jones added 48 yards on 15 attempts.

Green Bay's defense held the Steelers to just 62 rushing yards and forced Ben Roethlisberger into one interception and a lost fumble in Pittsburgh territory. 

A number of Packers players were sidelined during the team's decisive win. Linebacker Krys Barnes, cornerback Kevin King, offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, and receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling all missed the game and are questionable for Sunday.

Second-half spark saves Cincinnati

A week after Cincinnati pummeled Pittsburgh, 24-10, the team got off to a sluggish start in its Thursday Night Football matchup with the winless Jacksonville Jaguars.

Ahead of the game, the Bengals defense ranked eighth in opponent rushing yards per game (78.3) but allowed 11 rushes that resulted in first downs in the first half, which helped Jacksonville build a 14-0 lead.

Cincinnati's offense was just as slow out of the gate, but it opened up the playbook in the second half and scored twice in the third quarter.

Tight end C.J. Uzomah was a surprise catalyst in the team's turnaround. The veteran enjoyed a career night, with 95 receiving yards and two scores on five catches.

His second touchdown reception, a 31-yard haul, tied the game at 21-21, with less than nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.

Cincinnati then forced Jacksonville to punt, burned the clock on its next possession, and kicked a game-winning field goal as time expired.

The AFC North co-leader showed resiliency but cannot afford the same type of start against Green Bay's talented group of veterans.

The Bengals will need to get more out of the ground game to stay close with the Packers, whose defense ranks eighth against the pass (209.5 yards per game) but gives up seven rushing first downs per contest.

If running back Joe Mixon is ruled out because of an ankle injury, it could be a long day for Cincinnati. Backup Samaje Perine averages 3.1 yards per rush and managed seven yards on three carries in Thursday's win.

Packers and Bengals betting trends

• Green Bay is 5-1 ATS in its last six games following a win.
• Green Bay is 5-2 ATS in its last seven games as a favorite.
• Cincinnati is 5-2 ATS in its last seven home games.
• The Over is 6-2 in Green Bay’s last eight games.
• The Under is 4-1 in Cincinnati’s last five games.
• The Underdog is 4-0 ATS in the last four meetings between these teams.

Mixon's status gives advantage to Green Bay

Mixon could be cleared to play by Sunday, but he'll likely come in less than 100%, because of a low-grade ankle sprain.

The Bengals are already shorthanded on offense, without receiver Tee Higgins, who missed the last two games because of a shoulder injury, and right guard Xavier Su'a-Filo who is dealing with a knee issue.

Joe Burrow will do his best to get the passing game going, but without Mixon to create balance in the offense, this game will go Green Bay's way.

The running back's status will determine his team's chances, but right now, too much is going for the Packers to side with the home team.

Score prediction: Packers 27, Bengals 21

NFL Week 5 pick: Packers -3.5

Packers vs. Bengals pick powered by The Quant Edge

Our predictive engine is calling for the Packers to win outright and cover the spread. The projected score will be Over 49.5 points.