The Cincinnati Bengals have been adamant all week that they will do whatever it takes to win the season finale against the Cleveland Browns.
Doing so would mean at least finishing this embattled season with a winning record at 9-8. It would also mean avoiding going 0-6 in the AFC North for the first time since the realignment in 2002.
Luckily for all involved, the task shouldn’t be too hard.
Given the surrounding circumstances, those Browns won’t be playing most of their starters, including elite pass-rusher Myles Garrett. The Browns can’t better their No. 5 playoff seed with a win, so it’s effectively a bye week for them.
The Bengals, though, have Ja’Marr Chase about to play through injury to tough it out for the team. For what it’s worth, he says the shoulder injury won’t require surgery. Defensive end Sam Hubbard also says he’ll play through injury.
The Cincinnati defense shouldn’t have many issues containing Browns backup and former Bengals backup Jeff Driskel. For Cincinnati, Jake Browning should be able to keep the offense humming with Chase.
In a game without a lot of meaning when it comes to wins and losses, of major note is Trey Hendrickson sitting on 17 sacks. He’s two behind Steelers star T.J. Watt, so if he can register at least 2.5 on Sunday, he’ll become the first Bengals player to ever lead the league in sacks.
Also of interest, of course, is Bengals who could be playing their final game with the team, highlighted by wideout Tyler Boyd. It’s almost safe to presume coaches and players attempt to highlight those guys in what should be a winning effort before a critical offseason.
Prediction: Bengals 27, Browns 10
