It will be the Browns vs Bengals in the Battle of Ohio. This will be the second installment of the battle of Ohio matchup in 2022. The first matchup came on Halloween night when the Browns were victorious. Since that game, Cincinnati has not lost. They are currently on a four-game winning streak. However, since that Monday night matchup, the Browns have been on a roller coaster ride. Having lost two in a row but now won two games straight. Sunday’s matchup should be a good one and will show who will continue gaining traction in the AFC North.

Bengals Offense vs Browns Defense

This Bengals offense is one of the elite units in the NFL. Last week Cincinnati had a great duel against the Kansas City Chiefs. On paper, this matchup should favor the Bengals’ offense but historically they struggle when they face the Browns’ defense. The Cleveland Browns have built their defense to match up with the Bengals strength. In past matchups of the Browns vs Bengals, Cincinnati has chosen to throw the ball a lot more and Cleveland has the secondary to match up with that. Myles Garrett has been a nightmare for their offensive line. Cleveland has traditionally dominated the line of scrimmage. That was before Cincinnati committed to running the ball. Offensively the Browns’ rushing has been unstoppable. However, that was without DJ Reader playing in the middle to help with the run defense. Cleveland is at the bottom of the NFL for run defense. Cincinnati will look to exploit that weakness.

Bengals Defense vs Browns Offense

As stated earlier the Bengals vs Browns has been a lopsided match-up favoring Cleveland. When the Browns offense faces the Bengals defense it is the run game that leads the way for the Browns. However, things will change with Reader playing in the middle of the defensive line. A dominant run-stopper in his own right he will look to limit what Nick Chubb and company can do. As of late this Browns offensive line has been struggling. Since the injury of backup center Ethan Pocic the offensive line play has slipped. Once dominant but now limited. Defensively while on this four-game win streak, the Bengals have really stepped up on defense. For instance, they limited the Chiefs to only 24 points a week ago. Kansas City is one of the most high-powered offenses that average 29.2 points a game. Of three games against the Chiefs, Cincinnati has won all three.

Bengals Keys To Victory

The Bengals keys to victory for their matchup against the Browns should be fairly simplistic. On the offensive side of the ball, Cincinnati should commit to running the ball. The Browns have ranked at the bottom of the NFL for run defense. Cleveland has suffered yet another inside linebacker injury. Ever since Anthony Walker went down earlier in the season the Browns have been searching for answers in the run defense. The Bengals should commit to running Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. While Mixon was out Perine helped the Bengals become more physical. Along with an improved Offensive line running the ball should be the top priority. Defensively if Cincinnati can shut down the run game it will stifle Cleveland’s entire offense. With this being Deshaun Watson’s second game back he will still be rusty.

Browns Keys to Victory

The Browns’ keys to victory should be what they have done in the past. Which is to get an early lead offensively and then use the running game to open everything else up. Allowing Chubb and Hunt to be a dominant one-two punch will power Cleveland. In the past Browns vs Bengals games, it was the Browns that largely won because they dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Defensively Cleveland should force turnovers on Joe Burrow and the entire offense. It was early turnovers forced by the Browns that turned the tide in their favor early. As well the strategy for the Browns should be to allow Myles Garrett to move along the defensive line. Allowing Garrett to move would exploit favorable matchups. The number one issue for the Bengals has been stopping Garrett. Finding ways to get Garrett loose will go a long way.

Browns vs Bengals Overview

Browns vs Bengals should be a premier divisional matchup to watch this Sunday. Since 2020 the Bengals and quarterback Burrow have been 0-5 against the Browns. This second matchup may be the game that changes that all. Riding a four-game winning streak Cincinnatti is getting hot at the right time. By comparison, the Browns are trying to find some momentum for themselves. Coming off winning two games in a row Cleveland is ushering in a new era. Watson has finally started for them and Cleveland now believes they have their franchise quarterback. The Browns will look to stay undefeated against the Bengals. Browns vs Bengals round two can the Bengals finally get over this hump or will the Browns continue its dominance?

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