4 Reasons the Cleveland Browns will beat the Bengals in Week 7

2. Mayfield will bounce back

At this point, I am nowhere near ready to give up on third-year quarterback Baker Mayfield, but there is no question he needs to continue to get better. Mayfield has looked great in the four-game win streak, and until last week hadn’t forced a pass in three straight games.

Sunday vs. a vicious Steelers defense was a different story.  Mayfield ended the game with a 5.5 quarterback rating which consisted of 10-of-18 passing for 119 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. By far one of Mayfield’s worst showings as a pro.

Mayfield was pulled in the third quarter, but only because of his aching ribs.  Case Keenum (who some fans wanted to see earlier), came in and did much of the same going 5 of 10 for 46 yards and a 33-quarterback rating.

There’s no doubt the message was received by Mayfield, and he knows he must do better. But where Mayfield can separate himself is by accepting the mistakes and correcting them against a weaker Bengals defense. I expect Mayfield to rally the troops and come out on fire next weekend.

Mayfield has always played with a chip on his shoulder and usually responds under pressure. Keep calm fans, it’s not the time for Case Keenum. While Mayfield has been inconsistently good and bad, you know exactly what you’re getting with Keenum and that isn’t going to be enough to beat the Steelers and Ravens.

Calling it now, Mayfield will throw for 250 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions as the Browns bounce back vs. the Bengals in a huge way.