NFL – Both the Browns and Bengals will be looking for their first season win. Each team will be depending on a few key players to make a difference, here is a look at the key matchups to watch out for.
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Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry vs Bengals’ cornerbacks
Both OBJ and Jarvis Landry didn’t have a great season opened versus the Ravens last week. The Browns were clobbered 38-6. A key factor which contributed to their loss were the Browns wide receivers. OBJ was locked up for only 3 catches and 22 yards.
Landry did have 5 receptions for 61 yards but it barely made a difference to the game. The Bengals conerbacks got torched in their season opener against the Chargers. OBJ and Landry will mostly have a big game, while the Bengals defense will struggle against the NFL Pro-Bowl receivers.
Joe Burrow and receivers vs the Browns defense
Burrow made his first NFL debut vs the Chargers last week, who led a game-tying drive only to see the kicker miss a chip shot field goal. Burrow had his struggles in week 1, being sacked 3 times and throwing an interception. A.j Green had a decent game with just over 50 yards but the receiving core struggled.
John Ross once again seems to be a bust while Tee Higgins didn’t live up to his hype having no receptions in the season opener. Brown’s cornerback Denzel Ward will be looking to have a big game against the Bengals receivers. Miles Garrett had a rather quite first game so he’ll be looking to be disruptive. Burrow is going to have a tough time and the Browns defense should dominate throughout the game.
Both team’s defensive line will dominate
Miles Garrett and Olivier Vernon have been a dangerous duo since the beggining of their NFL careers. Both the star rushers will be looking to have a big game against the Bengal’s tackles. Adrian Clayborn will also be looking to disrupt defensively and get his second sack of the season.
Bengal’s edge rushers Sam Hubbard and Carl Lawson will be looking have a big night as well. Carl Lawson who already has a sack wil be looking to aid veterans Carlos Dunlap and Geno Atkins. Dunlap had 9 sacks last season while Atkins is one of the best pass rushing defensive tackles in the league. Burrow and Mayfield will be pressured throughout the game.
Run game for both teams
Nick Chubb was handed the ball only 10 times versus the Ravens last week. He rushed for 60 yards, which just isn’t enough for Chubb. Joe Mixon struggled as well, rushing for 69 yards but averaging just 3.6 yards per carry. The Browns might have the edge with being the better rushing team having the dynamic duo of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. The biggest advantage being that both backs are great pass catchers as well.
