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Cleveland Browns: 5 toughest road games of 2016

By Jonathan Goehring

Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) celebrates a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 30-9. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) catches a touchdown as Cleveland Browns cornerback Charles Gaines (43) defends during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (82) catches a touchdown as Cleveland Browns cornerback Charles Gaines (43) defends during the third quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Bengals won 37-3. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals

There may not be anything more overwhelming to any NFL team than facing an in-state, in-division foe on the road during a critical part of the season. This momentous matchup for the Browns comes in Week 7, when they travel to Paul Brown Stadium.

The Bengals invest the most pride in their defense, who ranked second overall in points allowed in 2015, surrendering only an average of 17.4 a game. There is no specific defensive juggernaut on Cincinnati’s team, but as a whole, the unit has given the Browns’ offense loads of trouble. The Bengals only gave up 13 points total to the Browns offense in their two meetings in 2015, and home-field advantage will only perpetuate this strength.

It may be one of the more difficult games for the Browns to stay in and compete for late, but Cleveland can do it if they stop a mediocre Cincinnati offense. Slowing the pace of the game down neutralizes many of the advantages Cincinnati possesses over the Browns, and it may make the game close.

The Browns will be heavy underdogs in this one, and may possibly be over matched in many areas. The game will be a possibly insurmountable hill to climb for Cleveland, even if it is a critical game. The talent the Bengals have alone will make this a tough game, one of the toughest of the season, especially on the road.

Next: Week 15

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