3 reasons the Cleveland Browns will beat the Cincinnati Bengals for the 2nd time in 2020.
The Cleveland Browns get a cure-all for whatever the heck we were forced to watch against the Steelers, as the one-win Bengals await Kevin Stefanski and company at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday.
The contest is a big one for the Browns, just because the team can’t afford a let down coming off the Pittsburgh debacle. The team has spun that defeat as a game in which things didn’t go there way.
OK, fine. The way to further that narrative is by winning your next game, and the one-win Bengals are certainly a favorable matchup.
The last line I saw had the Browns as 3.5-point road favorites, as it looks like Vegas expects Cleveland to take the second battle of Ohio, as well.
A victory here may also serve as the impetus of another winning streak, as the Browns having winnable games ahead on the schedule, with the Raiders, Texans, Eagles and Jaguars as the next four teams on the
On the other hand, a loss would be brutal, dropping the Browns to 4-3 on the season and losers of two straight. Positive thoughts, though. Here’s three reasons the Browns sweep Cincinnati in 2020.
1. Running game will get back on track
The Browns were embarrassed in Pittsburgh, as the strength of their team–the offensive line–was “out physicaled” on virtually every play.
The line was so bad, some even questioned the play of Kareem Hunt, asking when Nick Chubb will return.
Good news Browns’ Town: Cleveland is going to get their rushing attack back on track on shores of the Ohio River.
And no, it’s not because Chubb is returning. For what it’s worth, I wouldn’t expect to see him until after the Bye in Week 9.
The Browns rushing attack to run back into relevancy thanks to a Cincinnati defensive line that’s been devoted by injuries. Just this month, the Bengals have had to place three starters from the defensive line on injured reserve. Those players include tackles Mike Daniels and D.J. Reader, in addition to end Sam Hubbard.
Cincinnati’s defense gives up 142.3 rushing yards per game, which is 27th among the NFL’s 32 teams. That breaks down to 5.1 yards per rush. Look for Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson to have a huge day.
2. The streak will continue
The safest bet going into Week 7 is that Myles Garrett’s sack streak should continue to roll on against a Bengals team that leads the NFL in sacks allowed, with 24.
Joe Burrow is playing as well as he should be, considering his supporting cast, but he’ll probably be hitting the turf on multiple occasions.
While the Bengals offensive line has gotten a boost form rookie Jonah Williams at left tackle, a good chunk of the unit is still a huge liability.
Remember, Garrett had a strip sack of Burrow in Week 2. The lineman who allowed it was Fred Johnson. he’s been replaced by Alex Redmond, who is Cincinnati’s third starting right guard of the season.
Additionally, Garrett isn’t the only threat the Bengals will have to worry about. Olivier Vernon is playing much better, while Sheldon Richardson and Larry Ogunjobi are as stout as they come on the interior.
Bottom line: It should be a long day for Burrow and his blockers.
3. Baker’s magic elixir
This game is a cure-all for the Browns, but really, it’s the magical elixir for Baker Mayfield–and after failing miserably in the biggest game of his career, the former No. 1 overall pick needs it.
Just look at the speculation that’s already taking off! There’s trade chatter that the Browns should be one of the suitors for Dwayne Haskins! It has to do more with Mayfield’s rib injury than any longer-term planning, for what it’s worth.
Mayfield’s made a living of beating up on the lowly Bengals up to this point, and he should do it again on Sunday.
As previously mentioned, the Browns are going to have tremendous success rushing the ball–and we all know what that means. Mayfield should be able to bootleg out of the pocket at will once Hunt establishes the run.
This probably means nice targets for tight ends Austin Hooper and Harrison Bryant.
Plus, much like he did in Week 2, the opportunity will probably be there for Mayfield to dial up OBJ on plays that stretch the field.