Cleveland Browns vs Bengals: Predictions for Hue Bowl 2.0

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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: The Cincinnati Bengals mascot reacts as Cincinnati looses to the Cleveland Browns 35-20 at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Writer: Case Kinnamon

Game: Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) vs Cleveland Browns (6-7-1)

Summary: The Cleveland Browns welcome a limping Cincinnati Bengals squad to First Energy Stadium in this week 16 matchup. The Browns will be looking to sweep a division foe for the first time since the 2007 season. After a call to arms from, rookie of the year candidate, Baker Mayfield, the stadium completely sold out for the last home game of the season. It should be one heck of a home-field advantage.

Offensively, this will be the first time the dynamic duo of Baker Mayfield and Offensive Coordinator Freddie Kitchens will get a crack at an opponent for the second time in a season. Kitchens has been able to show new wrinkles to his offense and play calling on a weekly basis, and it will be interesting to see how he attacks the Bengals in his second shot at them.

Look for Mayfield and company to strike early and often through the air. The way the Browns have spread the ball around this season it’s almost impossible to predict which player will have the biggest impact. That being said, look for three different receivers to get in the end zone courtesy of a Mayfield dime.

On defense, the Browns will be facing the walking wounded. Out of the Bengals skill positions, only two starters remain from the beginning of the season, Joe Mixon and John Ross. The Browns game plan will be to limit Mixon in the running game and make Jeff Driskel beat them from inside the pocket. Driskel was able to extend some plays and make things happen with his athleticism when these teams played last month. This could be the week that the Browns defense finds themselves getting in the end zone, possibly more than once.

dark. Next. Mayfield gets his wish for home finale

I expect the Bengals to very motivated going into this game, given how the Browns had their way with them just four weeks ago. But I see this one getting out of hand before the first half comes to an end. Another one in the left-hand column for the good guys.

Prediction: Cleveland Browns 37 Cincinnati Bengals 17

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