Opening line: Bengals -3.5 has jumped to -6. They have righted their season with four straight victories, showing they will be a factor in the AFC by beating the Chiefs. In their first meeting of the year the Browns won 32-13, since then both teams have put themselves in the hunt for a playoff slot. What has changed the Bengals' offensive line has all of a sudden become one of the main reasons for Cincinnati's success. The revamped unit, which includes longtime Cowboys offensive tackle La'el Collins, has provided sterling protection for quarterback Joe Burrow while opening sizable running lanes for Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine. Running back Joe Mixon, who’s been out for two weeks with a concussion, has a chance to clear the NFL concussion protocol early this week, according to head coach Zac Taylor. If Mixon starts he will still be an asset to the team when he comes back, but Perine has earned more snaps even when Mixon is back. He is a much better blocker than Mixon, seems to fall forward and fight for extra yards better than Mixon, and is just as good of a receiver (or arguably better because he gets those tough yards for conversions). Last week was the first time that Chase was able to play since he suffered his hip injury. Having Chase back in the lineup is a clear boost for the Bengals’ offense as he draws so much attention.
In the past two weeks the Browns have faced two of the worst offenses in football (23-17 win over Bucs and 27-14 win over Texans) Watson turned in a sloppy performance in his first game in 700 days, but a punt return for a touchdown by Donovan Peoples-Jones and two defensive TDs were plenty enough to give the Browns a 27-14 victory over the lowly Houston Texans. The difference between these two teams and the Bengals can his the deep pass. The Browns lost linebacker Sione Takitaki to a torn ACL during Sunday's win at Houston, coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Monday.
Bengals are tired with Baltimore Ravens with both at 8-4. Browns are tired with Pittsburgh Steelers at 5-7 in the AFC North. Last weeks goes in the books as a Browns win. But actually it was more like a Texans loss. They did almost everything they could to lose the game...and ultimately they did lose. But the Browns offense was awful. If it wasn't for Houston constantly losing the game, Cleveland would've lost.
Bengals running back Joe Mixon appears to be nearing a return to game action, as he logged his first full practice with the team since he suffered his concussion against the Steelers on Nov. 20. His practice status from Wednesday would indicate that he has clear concussion protocol and is on track to play Sunday against the Browns. Coach Zac Taylor will address the media once again on Friday.