Browns vs. Bengals: 3 things you need to know
It's rare for the Battle of Ohio to mean something in the standings, but 2014's first edition will have plenty on the line.
The AFC North boasts four teams with winning records and a victory by the Cleveland Browns over the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday could see them vault into first place by the time the weekend is done.
Here's what you need to know:
Cleveland's road woes in the division
It's been a dreadful decade for the Browns and perhaps never more when it comes to divisional showdowns.
Amazing but true...the Browns haven't won a division road game since 2008 in Cincy. #DerekAnderson
— Elliot Harrison (@HarrisonNFL) November 5, 2014
Cleveland will have to exercise those demons if they hope to make the postseason for the first time since 2002. This week would be a good place to start as the Bengals currently occupy top spot in the AFC North.
A win would not only move the Browns past Cincinnati but into a tie for first place in the division with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Battle of 2 bad rushing defenses
The Bengals and Browns sit 29th and 30th, respectively, when it comes to rushing yards against, so opportunities will be available for each team to establish a ground game.
The Bengals may have the edge where that is concerned, despite the fact that they will likely be missing Giovani Bernard for the contest. Jeremy Hill filled in last week to the tune of 154 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday versus the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Cleveland, on the other hand, is struggling in that department. Neither Ben Tate or Terrance West have been able to average four yards a carry this season.
Browns thin at receiver
When Josh Gordon was suspended for 10 games, it was clear the Browns were going to struggle to find suitable targets for Brian Hoyer.
Things have become significantly worse lately with Jordan Cameron sidelined due to a concussion and Andrew Hawkins questionable for Thursday's contest with thigh and knee issues.
Hawkins, the Browns leading receiver with 39 catches for 504 yards, is hoping to play against his former team for the first time. He's proven to be dynamic with the ball in his hands after the catch and if he can't suit up, Cleveland is going to struggle to move the football.