Battle of Ohio: Browns still searching for their first win of season against the Cincinnati Bengals

The Cleveland Browns travel to the queen city to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. This is the battle of Ohio. The Bengals lead the record 46-39-0. In the last game, the Bengals dominated the Browns in Cleveland, defeating the Browns 31-7. As it stands right now, the Bengals are currently third in the AFC North with a record of 4-6. A win against the Browns will continue to improve the Bengals chances of making the playoffs this year. For the Browns, they will continue to look for their first win on the season. The Browns are currently 0-10 on the season.

3 Keys to a Browns victory:

1. DeShone Kizer – It’s no secret, Kizer played by far his worst game in his young NFL career. The 21-year-old rookie has struggled all season. At times, Kizer has shown flashes that he can play in this league. Other times, it appears he may have come out college a year earlier than he should of. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kizer struggled against the best front seven in the NFL. The question is, how will Kizer respond to what his worst performance this season?

Stat line versus Jacksonville: 16/32 completions, 179 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 3 fumbles.

2. Running the Ball – The Browns have struggled to run the ball most of season. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, it didn’t get better. Isaiah Crowell had 11 carries for 18 yards. Duke Johnson Jr. had 2 carries for 10 yards. Quarterback Deshone Kizer rushed 5 times for 22 yards. This is may have been part of the reason the Browns couldn’t get their offense going. The Bengals rank 27th against the run. It will be vital for the Browns find their running game. It would give them the best chance to win Sunday.

3. Defense – For the Browns, the defense kept the team in game last Sunday versus the Jaguars, allowing only 13 points. The Browns forced 5 fumbles but only got 1 turnover. The defense will need another big-time performance from the defense versus Cincinnati.

INJURIES:

Browns – WR Sammie Coates (Knee/Ankle, OUT), DB Derron Smith (Knee, DOUBTFUL)

Bengals – DB Darqueze Dennard (Knee, QUESTIONABLE), LB Vincent Ray (Hamstring, OUT), DB Shawn Williams (Hamstring, OUT)

The Bengals are currently -7.5 favorites at home. Kickoff is at 1 pm on CBS.