Suddenly Potent Browns Big Dogs Against Cincinnati Bengals

NFL News - November 23rd, 2009 - Written by John

If it had been two weeks ago, a 14-point favoritism of the Cincinnati Bengals over the Cleveland Browns would've seemed unremarkable and relatively normal. Perhaps a bit low. But after eyebrow-raising performances by both the Bengals and Browns in the reverse, a two-touchdown margin might appears to be a bit surprising.

The Browns went off for 38 points against the Detroit Lions in a loss, while the Bengals fell 20-17 to the hapless Oakland Raiders.

But oddsmakers haven't forgotten Cincinnati's resume overall, and BetUS Sportsbook gives the Cincinnati Bengals the early 14-point line with a total of 39. It swept both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens to put a stranglehold on the division, and are still one of the top teams in the AFC. Carson Palmer has 2,217 yards passing and 14 touchdowns, and Chad Ochocinco leads the team with 735 yards and five touchdowns. But without leading rusher Cedric Benson, the Bengals are clearly a different team, building up a 14-0 lead over the Raiders, only to cough up the lead, and the ball, late in the game to set up a Sebastian Janikowski field goal to win it.

Benson was held out of the game with a sore shoulder. He is questionable for this week.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns finally exploded against the Lions, putting up the highest offensive totals on the season with the most points and yards (439) since Week Six of '08. A receiver scored a touchdown for the first time all year. Embattled quarterback Brady Quinn had more yards in two touchdowns passes than he did all of the game the week before, setting career-highs with 304 yards and four touchdowns. He didn't throw an interception, either.

Ultimately, the day was spoiled by an ugly defensive stand at the end of the game that gave Detroit the ball at the one-yard line with no time remaining. That set up Matthew Stafford's game-winner to Brandon Pettigrew.

But the fireworks enabled Cleveland to rise from the depths of the NFL rankings, and are no longer the worst offensive team in football.