I would like to see the Browns end the Bengals playoff chances, that’s why I’m watching. It would also be nice to see Cleveland end their three-game losing streak. This Sunday the Browns head to Cincinnati to play a 1:00pm EST game at Paycor Stadium. Last week Cincinnati (6-8) beat the Titans 37-27 and Cleveland (3-11) lost to the Chiefs 7-21. The Bengals a 7.5-point favorites.

Browns Offense vs. Bengals Defense

Cleveland is ranked 23rd in total offense (309.6 yards per game), 17th in passing offense (217.5 yards per game), 29th in rushing offense (92.1 yards per game) and 30th in scoring offense (17.1 points per game). Cincinnati is ranked 28th in total defense (366.1 yards per game), 27th in passing defense (239.2 yards per game), 20th in rushing defense (126.9 yards per game) and 31st in scoring defense (27.6 points per game). Second year quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will get his first start of this season. Thompson-Robinson’s ability to operate the run-pass-option will definitely help against a Bengal’s defense that’s surrendered a league worst 47 touchdowns (tied with Carolina). Because of Nick Chubb’s broken foot, Jerome Ford will start at running back. He’s averaging 5.2 yards per carry on 87 attempts this year. Ford can also help the passing game, which should give the Browns a chance against Cincinnati’s star defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Cleveland’s left tackle Germain Ifedi  has allowed 20 pressures, thirteen hurries, four QB hits and three sacks over his last five games. Hendrickson leads the league in sacks with 12.5, has 67 pressures, 40 hurries and fourteen QB hits.  If DTR and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy can form any chemistry, the downfield passing game should keep the Bengals secondary honest but wide receiver Elijah Moore will need to step up. When the Browns get into the redzone, their scoring chances improve greatly, the Bengals are ranked next to last in redzone defense (69.6%). Cincinnati has allowed 27+ points in four of their last five games.

Browns Defense vs. Bengals Offense

Cleveland is ranked 18th in total defense (340.9 yards per game), 11th in passing defense (212.7 yards per game), 23rd in rushing defense (128.2 yards per game) and 26th in scoring defense (25.4 points per game). Cincinnati is ranked 10th in total offense (362.5 yards per game), 1st in passing offense (271.4 yards per game), 30th in rushing offense (91.1 yards per game) and 5th in scoring offense (28.5 points per game). It will be a tall task to stop or even slow down Cincinnati’s offense. They’ve scored 49 touchdowns, fourth in the league behind the Bills, Lions and Ravens. The Bengals have scored 27+ points in six straight games. Cleveland’s defensive line will have to pressure and hit Bengal’s quarterback Joe Burrow and defensive end Myles Garrett will have to win his one-on-one matchups against whoever the Bengals line up at left tackle. The Browns need to force three-and-outs by the Bengals offense, but that won’t be easy, Cincinnati has the fourth best third down offense in the NFL (47.5%). Last week against Kansas City, the Browns defense held Patrick Mahomes to only 4.2 YPA, a sub 80 QBR and held Chief’s running backs to 3.8 YPC. Because of a knee injury to Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase will get a heavy load against the Browns. Denzel Ward has covered Chase well in the past. Because neither team can run the ball well, whoever has the most rushing yards will probably win the game. Cleveland must stop the run, force punts and keep Cincinnati out of the redzone, where the Bengals score 66.7% of the time (fourth in the league).