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Andy Dalton and Brandon Weeden enter this matchup as some of the best young pure passers in the NFL. Dalton is currently seventh and Weeden is No. 10 at the moment in passing yards.
These two teams may have more in common than you realize and while the Browns have a slightly better running game with Trent Richardson leading the way, the Browns are still looking for their first win of the season.
A win would mean a lot for this franchise since they are getting a bit closer, but being the only NFL team to not have a win is tough to go home at night and realize that you are indeed the worst.
The AFC North is a brutal division as once again the division has the looks of having three teams from the division making the playoffs (if they ended today which we know is silly).
Cleveland’s defense has been a mess and their 26th ranked defense better step it up. The return of Joe Haden should be helpful, but covering A.J. Green is not easy.
Arguably the best receiver in the AFC, Cincy will be relying on him to win that individual battle because it opens things up for guys like Andrew Hawkins, Jermaine Gresham and Armon Binns.
Plus, they need to get something going with the ‘Lawfirm’ because whether it is rushing for just the 17th most yards or fumbling the ball ways these struggles need to stop immediately.
There is zero chance they make the playoffs if they cannot run the ball more effectively and it all starts with Dalton creating pressure on a defense with his feet. He was not at his best against a solid Dolphins defense.
Browns are not exactly solid on defense even with Haden back, so expect better numbers overall. Green and company to get back to stretching that pass defense out.
These two already met this season and it was a shootout that featured a ton of points and not many defensive stops. Expect more of the same with the Browns once again coming closer to victory.
However, there are no rewards for coming close to a win and the Bengals will squeak out another one in this state rivalry.
Network: CBS (708)
Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
Experts Pick: Bengals by 1
Danny V’s Pick: Bengals 28, Browns 26
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