If the Browns lose tonight at home to Joe Burrow and the Bengals, we have a problem in Cleveland

Tonight, the Cleveland Browns are going to take on the Cincinnati Bengals at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland. The Bengals are getting 6 points on almost every betting site, and many fans will tune in to see the two first overall picks showcasing their talents.

Baker Mayfield has the better team, but he has struggle pretty badly in his young career. Tonight though, I do not think Cleveland is going to avoid the run so fast. Last week, they did not let their running backs do any damage. They only ran the ball 23 times. Mayfield should not have to throw the ball 39 times. The Browns have one of the best one-two punches in the NFL when it comes to running the ball.

I would not be surprised if Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt control the clock for Kevin Stefanski in week 2. The Bengals defensive line is banged up, they have already ruled out two defensive tackles, if the gameplan of the Browns is not to run the ball down the Bengals throat then they are not trying to win.

Joe Burrow’s numbers weren’t great in his debut, but he was also facing one of the toughest defenses in the league. I expect he’ll have more success against a beat-up Browns defense playing on a short week.

This will be Burrow’s first ever primetime game. The former Ohio State and LSU product will be in the limelight and while some players choke, I could see Burrow keeping his team in the game.

Last year, Andy Dalton and the Bengals beat Baker Mayfield and the Browns 33-23. The Bengals had a horrible season but ended on a high note. In that game Tyler Boyd let the Bengals receivers with 59 yards, but A.J. Green did not play. The Browns defense is a hot mess right now, and maybe worse than last year. In that game last year Baker Mayfield threw three interceptions, which ultimately gave the Browns the win.

If Mayfield cannot protect the ball tonight, I would not be shocked if Joe Burrow and company punch the Browns in the mouth.

If that happens, the Browns need to sit down and re-assess everything. They have too many good players to be getting beat by the Bengals. I am hoping they can pull off the win, because their fan base is amazing. They deserve better and I hope we have a good game tonight, that is my biggest hope.

Prediction:

Bengals win 27-24 in overtime. Kareem Hunt fumbles the ball in overtime and the Bengals are able to get the game winning field goal and who hits the kick? The Browns kicker who they released the week before Austin Siebert, getting redemption.