Last Sunday, the Browns suffered their 11th loss of the season and third in a row after a humiliating 31-3 defeat at the hands the Chicago Bears. The Browns’ worst loss of the season in terms of points differential, and a step back in offensive performance after a promising 29 point performance against the Tennessee Titans during Week 14.
Shedeur Sander, the rookie quarterback, was especially inept. He completed only a little over 50% of his passes with three interceptions. His quarterback rating was 30.3. The Browns only scored one point on their 12 offensive drives. They rushed for 50 yards total and converted 9 first downs.
The last few games will be all about developing the youth to gain momentum for next year. The matchup this week against the Buffalo Bills will be a major test. Cleveland’s defense will be tested against the Bills’ hot offense led by Josh Allen and James Cook.
The Browns may find success on the ground as the Bills run defense is vulnerable this year. Cleveland’s rushing offense has been struggling over the past two weeks. Quinshon Judkins behind the offensive will be crucial for the Browns in order to have a competitive match as they are double-digit underdogs.
Last Sunday, the Bengals were beaten badly at home by the Baltimore Ravens. The score was 24-0. The Bengals are now officially out of the postseason race, although their slim chances to make it were already a longshot. To lose so badly offensively was disappointing.
Cincinnati’s offense was lifeless throughout the entire game, despite having scored 30+ in successive games since Joe Burrow’s return. Burrow’s two interceptions, the Bengals’ failed fourth-down conversions, and their three punts were all that was left of their offensive drives.
Burrow will certainly look to rebound from their zero-point performance on Sunday. Even on the road, they should be able to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have also been eliminated from the playoffs, and quarterback TuaTagovoila has been benched. This means that the Bengals now face Quinn Ewers, a former seventh-round draft pick.
The Bengals defense is in a good position, as they only allowed 17 points last weekend. Miami’s rushing offense is still dangerous and they will want to keep the ball from Burrow and aid their young QB by pounding on the ground all game. Tee Higgins’ potential return at wide receiver may give the team some jolt.
Last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers eliminated the Dolphins. The Steelers won their second consecutive victory with a 28-15 win at home, Sunday night. Pittsburgh’s defense allowed only three points in the fourth quarter, and less than 300 yards total for the entire game.
The Steelers’ offense found more rhythm, totaling 135 yard with two rushing touchdowns. Kenneth Gainwell continues to play a bigger role as he ran for 80 yards, a team record on 13 carries. He also caught seven passes for 46 yards. Aaron Rodgers passed the ball to eight different receivers, completing 23 of 27 passes. He also had two touchdowns.
Rodgers’ agility has improved in the last two games. This is a positive development for late season. This Sunday, the Steelers will be put to the test as they try to win their third consecutive game. The Steelers will have to beat the Detroit Lions, who are in the same situation as the Steelers and must win in order to make the playoffs in the NFC. The Lions, who are 8-6 as well, have one of league’s top offenses.
The Steelers defense will face challenges without T.J. Watt or Nick Herbig at the edges. Detroit’s offensive system will be disrupted and turnovers created if you can apply pressure to Jared Goff. The Steelers will be able move the ball well and score against the Lions defense, which has given up 27+ points each of the last four games.
Last week, the Ravens were able to win their biggest game of the year in Cincinnati with a defensive shutout. The Ravens defense had 12 stops on third-down, a season high four sacks, and only allowed 4.2 yards per game. The Ravens were on the field for over 39 minutes and took 71 snaps. They still managed to score no points, highlighted by a 84-yard return of an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Lamar Jackson, on the other hand, threw only 12 passes in his career but scored two touchdowns with an average of 12.5 yards. The Ravens dominated the Bengals defense with 189 yards in just 24 carries (average 7.9 yards). The team’s inconsistency on offense and their unreliable pass-protection in recent weeks is the key to success moving forward.
Next up for them is the 11-win New England Patriots, who will be playing in Baltimore on Sunday night at primetime. The Patriots won 10 consecutive games before they lost to the Bills, last week. They blew a 21-0 home lead. The Ravens have a 2.5-point advantage but will face a tough task against an all-round, well-coached Patriots squad.
New England is one of NFL’s best defenses against the run. Whether the Ravens are able to find success on the ground again will determine the outcome of this matchup. Limiting explosive plays will be important defensively. Also, getting pressure on Drake Maye at the pocket is crucial.