Browns Dominate Bengals, Set To Begin Two Mini-Seasons After Bye Week

For whatever reason, the Clevelad Browns always bring their top-tier game whenever they go up against the Cincinnati Bengals. A defense that has been down-right brutal at times this season stepped up for the second week in a row, this time resulting in a 32-13 win.

As bad as the season has been at times, last night was impressive to say the least. Backs against the wall where the season would have virtually been over with a loss, they came out and took care of business; in a dominant fashion. 

Quarterback Jacoby Brissett was once again very good, as he went 17-for-22 with 278 yards and a touchdown. Nothing flashy and these are never stats that jump off the stat sheet at someone, but they are good enough to win games week in and week out.

Nick Chubb was his normal self, as he ran for 101 yards and a touchdown against an average at best Bengals run defense. 

Now, the Cleveland Browns get to enjoy their bye week before heading down to Miami to kick off the second half of their season. Sitting currently at 3-5 with three games remaining until star Deshaun Watosn returns, how well do they need to do the rest of the way to have a real shot at making the playoffs?

🏈 Are you looking to learn more about sports betting ahead of the legalization in Ohio coming January 1? If so, visit betJACK Training Camp to get started on your sports betting journey today! 🏈

Mini-Season 1: Dolphins, Bills, Buccaneers

At the beginning of the season, it was probably safe to say the Browns might not win any of these games. Now, two of these teams look very beatable, while the other would seemingly take a miracle to beat.

While the Dolphins are a very solid football team, they are also beatable. Barely sneaking past the Steelers and the Lions the past two weeks, they are definitely not impossible. The dolphins started 3-0 with some very impressive wins, and the Browns will have to bring all they have to beat them after their bye week.

The Bills are one of the best teams in the entire NFL, and everybody knows that. The Buccaneers on the other hand are far from that, as it is looking worse and worse for them as the season goes on.

If the Browns want to stay in the playoff race, you would think they need to go 2-3 in these final three games with Brissett still under center.

Mini-Season 2: The Final 6 Games

Upon returning to the field for the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson will have a six-game schedule that looks like this: Texans, Bengals, Ravens, Steelers, Commanders, and Saints.

I understand Watson has not played in the league in two years, but he is one of the highest paid quarterbacks for a reason. The Haslams are putting all of their eggs in one basket and hoping for the best, a move neither them or the Cleveland Browns can afford to have go south.

The Browns were able to go 2-1 in the division with Brissett, so I find it hard to belive that they will go anything worse than that with Watson. 

If they can finish the season with a 10-7 record, you'd think they have a pretty decent shot at the playoffs. Again, I understand this is probably expecting too much out of the Browns and Watson, but this seems like their only hope at extending their season beyond the regular season.  

Watson will be able to hit the practice field in two weeks, as he is not able to return to the practice field until November 14 due to his suspension. If he returns to the field and hits his stride as if he was never even suspended, the Browns have the potential to be a scary-good team.