Everyone on the planet seems to be backing the Bengals. Chalk bettors have been winning big on Thursday nights this season. I do think the Browns are a live dog tonight. But looking at it from a Browns perspective...
Winning is one thing. Winning games you're not supposed to win is another. Winning games as road underdogs when expectations are suddenly becoming higher is entirely another. Every single time the Browns have been in this position in recent years, they've crapped the bed so bad that the mattress had to be set on fire and destroyed. Remember, the Browns led by 2 TDs (I think) against the Bengals on the road last year in a pivotal AFC North game. It was supposed to be their statement game that they had arrived, they were here to stay, they were players now, blah blah. Then the avalanche started...they got embarrassed and never really recovered the rest of the season.
Until I see this franchise come together and pull out a big road win, I just can't believe in them to do it. I'll wait until halftime to make a play.