The Cleveland Browns are coming off a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6.
It was a game where nothing seemed to go right for Cleveland.
However, the Browns have a great chance to rebound against the shaky Bengals defense.
Cleveland was able to pull out the win against Cincinnati during their Week 2 matchup.
However, it was closer than Browns fans would’ve liked, but divisional games are usually tougher.
We’ll see if the Bengals can take the second matchup or if the Browns rebound after a beating by Pittsburgh last week.
Here are my 3 bold predictions for the game.
3. Joe Burrow Throws Four Touchdowns
First-year quarterback Joe Burrow posted his best game of the season against the Browns in Week 2.
He completed 37 of 61 passing attempts for 316 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
The LSU product has only one win to his name, but has been playing much better than his record.
.@JoeyB airs it out to @teehiggins5 for a gain of 67 yards! #SeizeTheDey
📺: #CINvsIND on FOX
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/nrm6deI4Td pic.twitter.com/9B6dhBnSl2— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
Sadly, the Browns pass defense has not improved since Week 2.
In fact, Cleveland’s defense is allowing 2.17 touchdowns through the air this season, which is the sixth-highest in the NFL.
However, since that Week 2 matchup, Burrow only has three total passing touchdowns through four games.
It wouldn’t be surprising for Burrow to have a breakout game against Cleveland here.
He threw three touchdowns last meeting and has been given more time to develop chemistry with his receivers.
The Bengals know that running against the Browns defensive line can be a tough challenge.
Expect Burrow to air it out with ease against the Browns on Sunday.
2. Kareem Hunt Rushes Over 100 Yards
The Browns are still without running back Nick Chubb for this Week 7 matchup.
That means, Kareem Hunt will be asked to continuing working as the lead back.
Last time these two teams met, Hunt rushed for 86 yards on 10 attempts with one touchdown.
Hunt has been overlooked this season due to the fact the Browns have an elite running back in Chubb.
Highest-Graded RBs vs 8 man box:
1. Jerick McKinnon – 89.8
2. Dalvin Cook – 84.7
3. Kareem Hunt – 82.5 pic.twitter.com/YlQPo2ZsZg— PFF (@PFF) October 16, 2020
Honestly, Hunt should have no problems getting over 100 rushing yards in this game.
His workload has increased without Chubb available in the backfield.
The Bengals have allowed fifth-most rushing yards to opponents this season.
Cleveland should take advantage of the fact Cincinnati is allowing 113.9 rushing yards per game.
1. Baker Mayfield Throws For Over 250 Yards
Yes, everyone is aware of the struggles of quarterback Baker Mayfield this season.
He looked awful against the Steelers in Week 6, but was battling a rib injury.
Obviously, he’s struggled this season, but there have been some good moments from Mayfield as well.
.@bakermayfield ➡️ @CALLME_WOOD.
Touchdown, @Browns!📺: #CLEvsPIT on CBS
📱: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/Qh00dKLKr7 pic.twitter.com/EEdnpJ48FK— NFL (@NFL) October 18, 2020
Sadly, the Browns have not been able to get a consistent performance out of Mayfield on a weekly basis.
Although, the 25-year-old quarterback looked solid against the Bengals in Week 2.
He completed 16 of 23 passing attempts for 219 yards with two touchdowns and one interception.
The Bengals defense is allowing 259 passing yards to opposing offenses this season, which is 19th in the league.
Mayfield obviously wants to come out strong after his horrendous performance against Pittsburgh.
This is a great opportunity for him to silence the critics and show he can be the franchise quarterback.
NEXT: Should The Browns Have Interest In Trading For Dwayne Haskins?