What: Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
When: Thursday @ 8:25 pm
Vegas: Browns (+7) OVER/UNDER 45
This is it, boys. This is the big one. This is war. Bust out the cannons, clean your rifles, get your grenades ready. Put your body armor on, lace up the combat boots. Do your push ups and drink your milk. We’re driving down I-71 S to claim what’s ours. The Browns are knocking and are ready to break down the fucking door. It’s gonna be a god damn fight in Cincinnati tonight. The battle of Ohio. A national prime time game. First place in the AFC North on the line. 6-3. 6-3. 6-3.
What to watch for
Joe Haden v AJ Green
This is always my favorite matchup of the year to watch at any position. Green and Haden have had some battles over the years with Haden dominating their past two meetings. I don’t know what to expect from AJ health-wise, but expect to see the Joe Haden we’re used to seeing. He’s put together a nice string of games here and is back to being “Pro Bowl Joe.” Remember the last time Joe Haden faced a team’s semi-injured #1 stud Wide Receiver in the rain? That was last year vs. Detroit when he made Calvin Johnson a non-factor. I expect Haden to shine under the bright lights and for him to win this matchup.
Vine via Kevin Jones
Browns interior linemen v Geno Atkins
I’m sure everyone in the world has seen this play by now:
But to be fair, Center Nick McDonald WAS tripped by left guard Joel Bitonio which allowed McCoy to sack Hoyer. The test doesn’t get any easier this week with Geno Atkins lining up in the A Gap. Controlling the interior line will be key in trying to establish some resemblance of an actual running game. Just think, in three consecutive weeks Nick McDonald will have to face Gerald McCoy, Geno Atkins, and JJ Watt. Woof. Welcome to the NFL, kid.
Bottlegate 