Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Matchups to watch

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

In a week of agony for Cleveland Browns fans which featured Joe Thomas trade rumors, Browns fans get a restored sense of hope with football on Thursday night. Johnny Manziel will start at quarterback for the injured Josh McCown and lead the Browns on the national stage against their undefeated instate rival.

Manziel will be tested by a strong Bengals defensive unit that shut Manziel out 30-0 in his NFL debut. Manziel will have an opportunity to prove to the Browns why he was the 22nd overall pick in the 2014 draft and bring restored hope to this losing season. These matchups will be key for the Browns to pull off an upset on the road against the undefeated Cincinnati Bengals.