Game Analysis:

The Cincinnati Bengals (6-8) are set to host the Cleveland Browns (3-11) on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Paycor Stadium in a crucial AFC North matchup. The Bengals, aiming to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, must win their remaining games and rely on favorable outcomes elsewhere. Quarterback Joe Burrow has been limited in practice due to right wrist and knee injuries, raising concerns about his availability and effectiveness for this pivotal game. Despite these challenges, Burrow has been a key contributor, with the Bengals’ offense averaging 28.5 points per game. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL with 1,413 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns, posing a significant threat to the Browns’ secondary.

The Browns, enduring a three-game losing streak, have announced that rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start, following the benching of Jameis Winston. Thompson-Robinson previously faced the Bengals in Week 7, completing 11 of 24 passes for 82 yards and two interceptions. Running back Nick Chubb, a cornerstone of Cleveland’s offense, is out for the season with a broken foot, placing additional pressure on backup Jerome Ford, who averages 5.2 yards per carry. Defensively, the Browns have been strong against the run, boasting the league’s best run-defense grade according to Pro Football Focus, but have shown vulnerability against the pass, which could be exploited by Cincinnati’s potent aerial attack.