AFC Game Of The Week
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals
Browns: They are nowhere near close to being a contender. For them to be at that table, they need to actually show up against the big-time opponents and they struggle against quality teams. On paper, they were the favorites to win the AFC North and make a nice playoff run. Some even said they could represent the AFC in the Super Bowl in February. They’ve taken a step back since making the playoffs a year ago. However, I’ll also come to their defense some because injuries have really hampered this football team. Nick Chubb has missed a few games with injuries, Kareem Hunt is out with an injured calf, Odell Beckham has been in and out of the lineup and Baker Mayfield is playing with a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. When I watch the Browns, I always see them step out their box. Meaning, they get away from their identity. They are at their best when they’re establishing the running game, plain and simple. That is their bread and butter and when they they get away from that, you get losing results. This Cleveland defense is one of the best in the league, especially when it comes to stopping the run! If they want to be taken seriously, they need to show more consistency. They’ll battle their in-state rivals on Sunday.
Bengals: If you listened to Monday Evening Quarterback this week, I said nobody wants to hold the title of being the best team in the AFC. It’s literally been the domino effect. The Chargers beat the team and they were being labeled the best in the conference and they fall to Baltimore weeks later. Baltimore then plays these Cincinnati Bengals and they get punched in the mouth. In week eight, the Bengals face the Jets of all teams and drop the ball. I know exactly what happened too. I felt they were still celebrating that win from last week in Baltimore. You can be happy about a big win, that’s not what I’m saying any team can’t or shouldn’t do. However, there comes a time when you have to turn the page and focus on the next opponent. That’s part one. Part two was them having no tape on Mike White who was replacing Zach Wilson as the starting quarterback for the Jets. He had his way with a Bengals defense that’s been playing pretty well for most of the year. One issue I have with them is how they depend on Joe Burrow a little too much. They only ran the ball 16 times on Sunday and in this day and age of the NFL, that will not get the job done. They return home on Sunday after a two-game road trip.
Browns X-Factor: Malik Jackson– He’s been in the league for a few years now. I remember his presence on those Denver defenses for years. Malik is a savvy veteran that can create pressure up the middle from the interior of the defensive line. He does his best work when it comes to stopping the run. I wouldn’t disagree with you if you said he’s their best run stopper.
Bengals X-Factor: Tee Higgins– I’ve been following him since his Clemson days. He’s a true second option for Joe Burrow. With Ja’Marr Chase commanding the attention he does, Tee will usually see many single high looks on the other side or wherever he’s lined up. He’s a fluid route runner that doesn’t mind going over the middle in traffic to make a catch.
Final Thoughts: Someone should want to take control of the AFC North, right? It’s been up and down. This is an in-state rival that’s been taking place for years. The Cleveland defense can give Burrow and the Cincinnati offense fits because they can rush the passer and the Bengals offensive line has been up and down this year. It’ll start with hitting Burrow early on. Don’t allow him time to establish himself in the pocket. I want to see how the Bengals defense bounces back in this game. My goal would be to make Baker throw the ball as many times as possible and not have him lean on that running game. This is a bounceback game for both teams. I feel it’s a bigger game for the Browns because they’ve been at the bottom of the division.
Prediction: Bengals 23, Browns 20
