Matchups to Watch: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Week 14
Cleveland Browns have the Cincinnati Bengals in front of them before they can say they've won three games straight. After defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Houston Texans -- the Browns are now trying to complete the season sweep of Cincinnati.
Doing so won't be an easy task by any means. Cincinnati is coming off a 27-24 win against the Kansas City Chiefs, they've won four straight. Overall, the Bengals have won 6-of-7 outside of the game against the Browns earlier in the season.
Myles Garrett vs. Jonah Williams
Garrett has been a wrecking crew all-in-one against the Bengals during his career. Over eight games, the All-Pro edge rusher has nine sacks and two forced fumbles. He had 1.5 sacks against Joe Burrow the last time these teams met. With a sack in this one, it would mark six straight that Garrett has recorded a sack against Cincinnati.
He has a favorable matchup, one he's abused in the past. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has allowed nine sacks this season. That number is tied for the most in the league.
In past weeks Garrett has lined up on both the left and right, he may do that again. Keeping him on the weak side may be the way to go. Expect Garrett to make an impact play or two in this one.
Denzel Ward vs. Ja'Marr Chase
Chase has been waiting to get his matchup with Ward again since Ward got the best of him in a win last year. During the win, Ward returned an interception for a touchdown on a pass that was intended for Chase. It's all work between these two, there's plenty of respect there too. Chase has called Ward one of the best in the league in the past, one of the toughest to match up with.
There is no doubt that Chase is a star, he just missed a few weeks and wasted no time on making an impact on his return. Chase caught seven passes for 97 yards in the Bengals' win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ward has struggled this season, but he's been better as of late. Bengals' offense is different when Chase is on the field, it opens up a ton. Slowing down Chase eliminates one headache and that's all the Browns can hope to do.
Joe Burrow against the Browns
Burrow has never beaten the Cleveland Browns despite playing pretty well against them overall. There is no denying Burrow's talent -- he is one of the better quarterbacks in the AFC -- but the Browns have had his number. Burrow has an 0-4 record against the Browns in his career. During those four games, he's averaged 309 yards passing, two touchdowns, and one interception.
Cleveland is sacking Burrow 4.3 times a game against him, that's why Garrett factors in so heavily in this one. Burrow has led his team to a Super Bowl appearance, so beating the Browns doesn't mean a whole lot. Until he can do so, the notion will stand that Cleveland has his number.
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Brandon Little is a writer for Sports Illustrated’s Browns Digest website and you can follow him on Twitter @BrandonLittleFB here. You can follow Browns Digest on Twitter here.
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