The Cleveland Browns (4-2) head south for the second installment in 2020’s “Battle of Ohio” series with the Cincinnati Bengals (1-4-1) in an AFC North rivalry. Cleveland won the first matchup of the teams in a shootout on Sept. 17, 35-30.
News
The Bengals are coming off a demoralizing loss that saw them cough up an early 21-0 advantage against the Indianapolis Colts that they would eventually lose 31-27. The tension is high in the locker room, as several players (most notably Carlos Dunlap and Shawn Williams) have taken to social media recently to criticize their usage. In fact, Dunlap openly named head coach Zac Taylor and defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. The distraction is significant, but more concerning is the news on Friday that Joe Mixon (foot) will be unable to play on Sunday.
Cleveland has had injury issues to key players. They are still without starting running back Nick Chubb (knee). Baker Mayfield (chest/ribs) and Kareem Hunt (ribs) were both able to play in a rough loss (38-7) against the Steelers last week. It has been reported that Mayfield had a “great week of practice” this week after looking tentative in that game. Hunt has been limited all week and is only averaging 3.39 yards per carry in Chubb’s absence.
Browns Game Plan
In true AFC North fashion, the Browns will come out hoping to run the ball. Cincinnati has activated defensive tackle Mike Daniels from the injured reserve, but Geno Atkins is still limited (just 37 snaps in the last two games combined). Cleveland will have plenty of opportunities to run right into the belly of the Bengals’ defense.
The reports of Mayfield having some great practices are encouraging but could still be a smokescreen. Any sort of upper-body injury is detrimental for a quarterback attempting to throw the ball downfield, particularly a quarterback who is already susceptible to the interception. Cincinnati will be without defensive back William Jackson III but look to get nickel corner Mackensie Alexander back for the game. The Browns will seek control in the ground game and to keep the pressure off Mayfield to make tough throws if he is not 100 percent.
Bengals Game Plan
Normally, Cincinnati would be putting the ball in the hands of Mixon, who could not muster much against a tough Colts front last Sunday but did enough to keep the defense honest. Without him in the lineup, Giovani Bernard will get the call. This could actually work to their advantage. When Bernard enters the game on Sundays, it tips the Bengals’ hand of a pass play. His blocking prowess and ability to make catches out of the backfield has the defense on their toes immediately. With him running the ball as well, the Browns are less likely to know what is coming.
The offensive line must perform better against a Browns line that likes to rush the quarterback and continually moves Myles Garrett (7 sacks, 4 tackles for loss) around to exploit matchups. Bobby Hart and whoever is the proverbial flavor of the week at right guard must be ready to see Garrett move to their side, as keeping Joe Burrow upright in this game is of the utmost importance to remain competitive. Burrow developed more chemistry last week with A.J. Green and rookie Tee Higgins (14 catches and 221 yards combined in Week 6) and that will need to continue.
Game Info
Date: October 25, 2020
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. est
Location: Cincinnati, OH
Stadium: Paul Brown Stadium
TV Info: CBS
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: CLE -3 (-110) | CIN +3 (-110)
Moneyline: CLE -185 | CIN +150
Over/Under: O 51 (-110) | U 51 (-110)
The total is untouchable here. These two teams have the ability to put points on the board, but in the AFC North, it is impossible to predict what each team will come out trying to do. Cleveland only beat Cincinnati by 5 in their last meeting, and despite the Bengals’ inability to hold the lead last week against the Colts they were explosive to start the game. Take the Vegas gift of three points for the Bengals and the cover.
Prediction
Two teams coming off different types of losses, but both were devastating. The Browns have had a far more upbeat week while distractions in the locker room were an issue for the Bengals. However, Cincinnati’s offense looked great against a tough Colts defense last week and hopefully have learned how not to let the game slip away. These two teams are always unpredictable when they meet, but Cincinnati is at home and allowing fans into the stadium for just the second time. A late turnover seals the game and gives the home team their second win of the season.
Final Score: Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 24
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