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Here it is folks, the Big One, the one for all the mar. . . What? Oh. OHHH! Yikes. OK, let's try this again.
Hey, Browns fans, Bengals fans. I know this season didn't bring you what you were hoping for. You both had bigger hopes - Browns fans that Deshaun Watson would find his groove and be something resembling Houston-era Watson and Bengals fans that a possible return trip to the Super Bowl was in the offing. Instead, your collective seasons were a disappointment.
Yes, I know that there's still a chance for Cincy to make the playoffs, and that it actually improved after the win in Nashville. Read through the attached article, tell me you see it happening, and then we'll have a talk while I call the nice men in the white coats.
In any case, I know this game, regardless of records, means a lot to fans of both teams. The Bengals took game one back in Week 7 (which feels like a hundred years ago) at the Browns' place. Now the Browns have a chance to return the favor and beat the Bengals in their place. Can they?
Browns (3-11) @ Bengals (6-8)
Kickoff - 1p CBS
Line - Bengals -7.5 O/u 46.5
Series - Bengals lead 54-48
Last matchup - Bengals 21-14 on October 20, 2024 in Cleveland, OH
Draft lookahead - Wide Receivers
While both teams will (likely) be looking for at least one receiver early in this draft, that position is far from the biggest need on either sideline. The Browns traded veteran wideout Amari Cooper to Buffalo before the trade deadline, but since then Jerry Jeudy and Elijah Moore have become the favored targets of Jameis Winston, both averaging over 7 targets per game and Jeudy averaging over a 100 yards receiving in the eight games since Deshaun Watson went down. Charles Tillman has also shown his chops as a deep threat and will be part of the mix going forward.
The Bengals on the other hand will be looking to replace Tee Higgins (barring a long-term extension) opposite Ja'Marr Chase, who will be looking for his own long-term deal that will be north of the one Justin Jefferson signed last June (4-years $140M = $35M AAV). Their need is a little more immediate, more so because they are currently in a Championship Window.
With that said, they probably won't have a shot at either Travis Hunter or Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) who are both expected to go Top 5 in most drafts. Who will they have a shot at?
Luther Burden III - Missouri - Burden has been a delight to watch the last three years at Mizzou, When he gets the ball in his hands he is as electric a player as there is in college football. He'll play primarily in the slot but can stretch the field vertically or horizontally. Expect to hear a lot of comparisons to Deebo Samuel. Check out the catch @ 2:12, the safety literally bounces right off him.
Emeka Egbuka - Ohio State - The next in what has become a loooong line of receivers recruited and sent to the NFL by Brian Hartline, Egbuka's skill set should transfer to the NFL with minimal concerns.
Outside of the first round, and given the holes the Browns have and the defensive struggles of Cincinnati, neither team should truly be taking a receiver in the First Round, so here are some players I'm keeping my eye on.
Jalen Royals - Utah State - I admit, I haven't watched a ton of Utah State games this year, but I keep seeing Royals' name popping up on draft talk message boards. Watch these highlights and you'll like his game.
Tory Horton - Colorado State - You may have seen Horton during the last two years as TV loved to follow Coach Prime around to whatever outpost they might be playing at, well, the Rocky Mountain Rivalry has been pretty good watching the last couple of years. Horton isn't afraid to go over the middle and his sideline awareness is excellent, pair that with a great set of hands and some "wiggle" after he secures the ball and you might have something.
Nick Nash - San Jose State - I hadn't really intended to follow up the two First Round players with a trio of Mountain West receivers, but que sera sera. You might recognize Nash's name after the mild internet unrest regarding Travis Hunter picking up the Biletnikoff Trophy (in addition to the Heisman) even though Nash was the #1 receiver in the nation in: receptions, yards, and Rec TDs.
Bits and Baubles
The Browns are 9-4 in the last 13 "Battle of Ohio" games and haven't lost the season series to Cincy since 2017. After being held without a sack last week against the Chiefs, Myles Garrett is still stuck on 99.5 sacks for his career. Browns' WR Jerry Jeudy set a career high for catches in a game last week with 11 against the Chiefs, he also topped 1000 yards receiving for the first time in his career.
The Bengals set a season high on Sunday with 14 penalties for 113 yards. All of Cincinnati's wins this season have come against teams with losing records.
Injury Report
Browns
Shelby Harris - DT - OUT (Elbow)
Nick Chubb - RB - OUT/IR (Broken Foot)
Jameis Winston - QB - Questionable (Shoulder)
Martin Emerson Jr. - CB - Questionable (Concussion)
David Njoku - TE - Questionable (Hamstring)
Cedrick Tillman - WR - Questionable (Concussion)
Bengals
Sam Hubbard - DE - OUT (Knee)
Joe Bacchie - LB - OUT/IR (Groin)
Sheldon Rankins - DT - OUT (Illness)
Tanner Hudson - TE - OUT (Knee)
Alec Cappa - OG - Questionable
Orlando Brown Jr. - OT - Questionable
Cody Ford - OG - Questionable
Charlie Jones - WR - Questionable
Prediction
Bengals 31-17
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