Joe Burrow entered the 2021 season without a single win against AFC North division foes. Through eight games this season, the Bengals' second-year quarterback has already beaten the Steelers and Ravens, the two teams who have won the division each of the last five years. Burrow will look to make it a three-peat on Sunday against the Browns, who swept the season series in 2020.
Both teams are coming off of tough Week 8 losses. A week after running over the Ravens, the Bengals stubbed their toe against the Jets to fall to 5-3, a half game behind Baltimore for first place in the North. The Browns fell to 4-4 and into last place in the division following a 15-10 loss to the visiting Steelers. Both teams need a win in order to keep pace with the Ravens and the suddenly surging Steelers in what has turned into a competitive division race.
We'll preview the game along with giving our prediction for Sunday's outcome. Here's how you can follow the action in real time.
How to watchDate: Sunday, Nov. 7 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Paul Brown Stadium (Cincinnati)
TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (click here)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Bengals -2.5, O/U 47
Look for the Browns to try to possess the ball after rushing for less than 100 yards against the Steelers. Cleveland's lack of a running game was one of the reasons why Cleveland had the ball for just 17 minutes during the final three quarters against Pittsburgh after having it for 11 minutes in the first quarter. This will likely lead to a big workload for Nick Chubb, who had just 16 rushing attempts against the Steelers. The Brown also give more carries to D'Ernest Johnson, who had just four carries last week after rushing for 146 yards on 22 carries in Cleveland's Week 7 win over Denver. The unit will have its work cut out for it against the Bengals' seventh-ranked run defense, a unit that is led by linebacker Logan Wilson, defensive end Sam Hubbard and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, among others.
Cincinnati's secondary, led by safety Jessie Bates III, are surely looking to get back on track after allowing Jets quarterback Mike White to throw for more than 400 yards in last week's loss. The Bengals' secondary will once again be aided by a formidable pass rush that is led by defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who tallied 7.5 sacks in his first eight games as a Bengal. Three of the Browns' starting offensive linemen are part of Cleveland's Week 9 injury report, a bad sign for Baker Mayfield, who is playing through multiple shoulder injuries.
When the Bengals have the ballWhile he is having a strong season, Burrow needs to take better care of the football. He has nine interceptions through eight games that includes five interceptions in his last four games. Fortunately for him, Burrow will face a Browns defense on Sunday that has picked off just three passes this season. Burrow's main target this season has been rookie Ja'Marr Chase, who already has 786 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Burrow has also taken advantage of his other weapons that includes Tyler Boyd (37 receptions, two touchdowns), Tee Higgins (29 receptions, two touchdowns) and tight end C.J. Uzomah (21 receptions, five touchdowns).
Like the Browns, the Bengals will likely try to reestablish Joe Mixon and their running game on Sunday after running for a season-low 41 yards against the Jets. Along with getting their running game on track, the Bengals will surely be keeping an eye on Myles Garrett, who already has 10.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. if Garrett and fellow defensive end Jadeveon Clowney are able to apply consistent pressure on Burrow, it could be a long day for Cincinnati's offense. But if Burrow is given time in the pocket, it could be another prolific day for the former Heisman Trophy winner.
PredictionLatest Odds: Cincinnati Bengals -2
Despite last week's loss, the Bengals look like a team on the rise. Conversely, the Browns appear to be a team in decline. If Cincinnati can take care of the ball (and Burrow) while taking advantage of Cleveland's
