On Sunday October 20th,2024, the Cleveland Browns will host the Cincinnati Bengals for their week 7 matchup of the NFL season. Both the Browns and Bengals have had disappointing starts to their season. The Browns have a 1-5 record, and the Bengals are 2-4. And both fan bases are getting restless. The fans, podcasters, and reporter’s drumbeats are getting louder in Cleveland and Cincinnati for changes to be made with their respective team. Browns fans are posting a meme on X saying that “our expectations were low, but holy (expletive)” that of course is not true.

In 2023 both Cleveland and Cincinnati had injury issues. But both teams had winning records. The Bengals went 9-8 and missed the playoffs. Their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow was out most of the year with injuries.  Similar in Cleveland, Deshaun Watson started only 6 games. Cleveland finished 2023 with an 11-6 record and earning the AFC 5th Seed Wildcard. Also, the Browns touted the top ranked defense in the NFL in 2023. It was reasonable for both Bengals fans and Browns fans to expect their respective teams to make the playoffs. But with six games played in 2024 neither team has played like a playoff team. What went wrong?

With the Cleveland Browns the main issue is the offensive line and injuries to the offensive line. The Browns lead the NFL in quarterback sacks and quarterback pressures. Also, they led the league in dropped passes. The Bengals problems have been on defense and their injury ravaged defensive line. After much improvement against the Giants last week with a healthier defensive line, the Bengals defense moved up from being ranked 31st to 23rd in the NFL. The Browns offense is 32nd in league. Can either the Browns or the Bengals turnaround their 2024 season?

There are 11 games left in the 2024 season, and the Browns traded their number one receiver Amari Cooper to Buffalo. Cincinnati has yet to make any moves or trades. Can games be won by either team? Yes of course, and a season can be saved. And that may start this Sunday at Huntington Bank Field, and which team will leave victorious that afternoon.