Bengals vs Browns : Preview
By Bill Murphy
The Bengals have won two in a row after their 37-27 victory against The Tennessee Titans .Joe Burrow was 26/37 or 271 yards and three touchdowns. This gave him the franchise record of six consecutive games with three or more touchdowns.The Bengals now have a difficult , but not impossible path to the playoffs with Denver losing Thursday night . The Bengals have a AFC North rematch against the Cleveland Browns, in which they beat the Browns 21-14. Cleveland has lost three in a row and five of their last six, after losing against the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs 21-7. The Browns are also making another Quarterback change as Jameis Winston is out and Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start. Thompson- Robinson saw some action in the week seven meeting and was 11-24 for 82 yards and two interceptions.
Keys to the game
Bengals
Offense : Ja’marr Chase- When both Higgins and Chase play defenses have to pick their poison. This week I’m going with Ja’marr Chase might be Joe Burrows big target . Through the 14 games this season , Chase currently leads the league with 102 receptions for 1,413 yards and 15 touchdowns. Last week , he set a new career high record in catches . He is 10 grabs away from matching single season record set by T.J. Houshmandzadeh.
Defense : Geno Stone – Over the last two games Geno Stone has been big for the Bengals defense. Stone has had two interceptions in the past two games such as one in week 14 , when the Cowboys were positioned at the Bengals 12 yard line and the other one was last against the titans which was ran back for a 39 yard touchdown .This could be a big help against Dorian Thompson Robinson who has a 1 to 7 interception to touchdown ratio .
Browns
Offense : Dorian Thompson Robinson
It gets to the point that the Browns are now starting the third string quarterback . The Browns benched quarterback Jameis Winston after his fourth of seven games throwing multiple interceptions. While I just mentioned the previous stat regarding his touchdown to interception ratio , this would be his first game that he has a week of preparation . They also have to face off against a Bengals defense , that is in the bottom five for points against , yards allowed , touchdowns allowed and yards allowed.
Defense : Myles Garret
Garret has 31 solo tackles and 11 sacks on the season thus far. Garett should take advantage of the hole In the Bengals offensive line with Orlando Brown JR being injured. Joe Burrow is the quarterback that Garret has sacked the most , sacking him eight times in their last seven meetings.
Prediction :
Bengals 31 Browns 10
49ers at Dolphins : Both teams have their playoff hopes hanging by a thread. Both teams are looking to get back on track, as the Niners are coming off a 12-6 loss to the Rams and the Dolphins off a 20-12 loss to the Texans. This game should come down to which defense can cause more havoc on the opposing Quarterback. For the Niners this is a game they need Deebo Samuel to be himself, if he’s not it might be difficult for them to move the ball. For Miami, they’re going to need Jonnu Smith to be what he has been, especially if Jaylen Waddle is out.
Eagles at Commanders : If Philly wins this game they win the NFC East, and if Washington wins (with help) they can reach the playoffs. In week 11 the Eagles beat the Commanders 26-18. Saquon Barkley had 198 total yards and two rushing touchdowns (both in the fourth quarter). The Eagles have been rolling, so it will be interesting to see what adjustments Dan Quinn and company have made.
Vikings at Seahawks : Two teams that expect to be in the postseason meet in Seattle. The Vikings and Seahawks both possess great receiving corps. But the x factor is which Offensive line can protect their quarterback better. Because both teams have a lot of playmakers on offense, but both defenses have been more than solid.
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