The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns will meet at Paycor Stadium in Week 16 in a matchup the Bengals desperately need to win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Despite owning a 6-8 record, there is a path for the Bengals to make the playoffs, but they’re going to need some help. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Bengals’ path begins with winning on Sunday.
Cincinnati needs to win its last three games, the Denver Broncos need to lose their last two — one of which is against the Bengals — and the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts both need to lose once over the final three contests.
The Browns have been eliminated for weeks now, so they’re just playing out the string. Cleveland is making a change under center, though, with the team going to Dorian Thompson-Robinson over Jameis Winston.
In what is a do-or-die game for Cincinnati, here’s what experts are predicting will happen between Cincinnati and Cleveland.
NFL picks, predictions for Week 16: Bengals vs. Browns
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: Bengals 34, Browns 17
Iyer: “The Bengals are doing most everything offensively through Ja’Marr Chase, Chase Brown, and Tee Higgins to help keep the playoff dream alive for a red-hot Joe Burrow. The Browns give up a ton of big plays to wide receivers and won’t get to use their strength vs. the run much. The Browns’ QB situation has no chance opposite Burrow.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bengals 30, Browns 20
Bender: “The Browns have averaged 10.5 points per game in losses to the Steelers and Chiefs, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson could get the start against Cincinnati. The Browns also are without Nick Chubb, who suffered a broken foot. The Bengals are looking to make a playoff push, and Joe Burrow has at least three TD passes in six straight games. Cincinnati has won the past two home meetings by an average of 15 points per game.”
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: Bengals 31, Browns 17
Prisco: “The Bengals still have some playoff hopes, but they would need to win out. We know they can score. The Browns have been having issues scoring. Look for Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati passing game to keep scoring a lot with the passing game again coming up big. Bengals take it.”
CBS Sports
Will Brinson: Bengals
Jared Dubin: Bengals
Ryan Wilson: Bengals
John Breech: Bengals
Tyler Sullivan: Bengals
Dave Richard: Bengals
Jamey Eisenberg: Bengals
ESPN
Stephania Bell: Bengals
Matt Bowen: Bengals
Mike Clay: Bengals
Jeremy Fowler: Browns
Dan Graziano: Bengals
Kalyn Kahler: Bengals
Kimberley A. Martin: Bengals
Eric Moody: Bengals
Jason Reid: Bengals
Lindsey Thiry: Bengals
Seth Wickersham: Bengals
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