Cleveland Browns: 3 key matchups for Week 7

2. Denzel & Money Mitch vs Green & Higgins

One matchup that should be of great interest to fans of both the Bengals and Browns will be contested outside of the hashes. The Bengals have two playmaking threats that make their living on the outside in A.J. Green and Tee Higgins. The Browns will counter that duo with Denzel Ward and Terrance Mitchell.

The Browns cornerbacks typically do not travel, with Ward playing left corner and Mitchell playing the on the right. That makes these matchups interchangeable, as the Bengals will move Higgins and Green around as well.

Back in Week 2, Ward saw more action against Green, but during the last few games the Bengals have lined up Higgins more on their right. If that tendency holds up this week, Ward will draw the rookie assignment and ‘Money’ Mitch should see more snaps against Green.

Higgins has played well in recent weeks and Burrow is gaining confidence in his fellow rookie teammate. The two will be looking to build upon their already budding chemistry. The rookie out of Clemson has excellent size and has displayed outstanding ball skills near the boundary. Expect Burrow to test Ward when he recognizes man coverage with no safety help.

With Tyler Boyd receiving the majority of slot repetitions, and Higgins’ growing role, Green has been the forgotten member of the wide receiver trio for the Bengals. But at some point water finds its own level, so expect Green’s usage in Cincinnati’s offense to increase.