Browns (4-4) at Bengals (5-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Bengals by 2 ⁄2
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Browns’ keys to victory: Regardless of whether it’s QB Baker Mayfield or Case Keenum under center, the Browns need to ride the running game with elite RB Kareem Hunt. He averages 5.2 yards per carry and the Cincinnati defense has shown lapses at times. Doing so will take pressure off Mayfield, who is playing through a shoulder injury, or a backup. Defensively, they don’t need to send extra pressure against a quarterback who dissects defenses in that situation. DE Myles Garrett and Co. should be able to generate plenty of pressure against a shaky offensive line.
Bengals’ keys to victory: Besides targeting breakout rookie WR Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals will need to create moving pockets and looks for QB Joe Burrow. The line will have trouble with the Cleveland pass rush, so getting Burrow on the move will help. Defensively, bringing extra pressure alongside top pass-rushing DE Trey Hendrickson should fluster Browns quarterbacks into mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Browns RB Nick Chubb vs. Bengals LB Logan Wilson. Chubb has been elite but will have a tall task in front of him if he can get to the second level. Wilson has had a breakout season in all facets while playing behind a strong line.
Who wins? The Browns don’t enter particularly healthy. Cincinnati has been a lucky team in that regard. A consistent pass-rush and that Burrow-Chase connection equate to the Bengals jumping ahead and coasting.
Bengals, 27-20