NFL WEEK 4 (9/29/13): Bengals (2-1) @ Browns (1-2) [1:00 PM EST, CBS]

[MoGottiFor3]

Marv Albert, Rich Gannon

1:00 PM ET​

The battle for Ohio just got a lot more interesting after Week 3. The Browns and Bengals were able to get huge victories over the Vikings and Packers, respectively, and both have a bit of momentum going into this matchup. The Bengals are currently listed as a five-point road favorite, which marks the eighth straight meeting that Cincinnati is the favorite over Cleveland. The Bengals are 13-5 SU and 8-9-1 ATS in their past 18 meetings against the Browns dating back to 2004, with just a 5-4 SU and 4-5 ATS record in Cleveland during that span. The Browns were led in Week 3 by QB Brian Hoyer, who was the backup to Tom Brady in New England from 2009 to 2011. Hoyer had thrown only 96 career passes before his three-touchdown performance against the Vikings. It remains unclear whether Brandon Weeden will be healthy enough for Week 4, and whether Browns coach Rob Chudzinski will go back to him if he is. Cleveland is 0-7 SU in their past seven home games when they are an underdog of 3.5 points or more.

 

[Ohdang]

I've got tickets for this one, hopefully we don't get smashed. Girlfriends first game, probably ruin my chances of getting her into the Browns if we look pathetic.

 

[Ohio]

So, just so I can watch this game right...

Are we rooting for the tank, or for the playoff push? :chuckles:

 

[Pyro]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>QB Brian Hoyer will start Sunday for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Browns&amp;src=hash">#Browns</a></p>&mdash; Tom Withers (@twithersAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/twithersAP/statuses/382880613008556033">September 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
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[davedugan43]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>QB Brian Hoyer will start Sunday for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Browns&src=hash">#Browns</a></p>— Tom Withers (@twithersAP) <a href="https://twitter.com/twithersAP/statuses/382880613008556033">September 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
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I would've been surprised if it were any other way. I've never liked Weeden, but he has truly looked pathetic this season.

 

[The Oi]

I've got tickets for this one, hopefully we don't get smashed. Girlfriends first game, probably ruin my chances of getting her into the Browns if we look pathetic.

Re-read this a couple times and see what happens.

 

[NorthCoastBias]

Rich Gannon again? Goddammit. Another three hours of his idiotic ramblings and liberal use of "ow-fense."

 

[col63onel]

Big game for Haden. AJ Green, imho, is the best WR not named Megatron. However, their offense is a little "meh" after him.

I have no idea how we will block their front four. They are loaded there.

 

[Randolphkeys]

If the Browns can't find a way to keep this Bengals defense honest with running backs, Hoyer is going to see one of the best defenses in the league defend him with complex blitz packages with the receivers covered flawlessly. The Browns need some creativity to keep the Bengals guessing with the run. If I were in charge, delayed draws and bubble screens would be in the game plan... But Chud will be able to figure it out. I hope.

 

[MoGottiFor3]

Today’s practice session saw three starters in the secondary either missing or limited in practice, including cornerback Leon Hall, who looks less likelier by the day to play on Sunday vs the Cleveland Browns.

If he doesn’t play Sunday, it would be a huge loss vs the Browns, given that they’re coming off of a 31-point performance with most of their offense being through the air. It doesn’t help that Adam Jones, the team’s nickle-corner and essentially a starter in this defense, doesn’t play if his latest mishap with the law causes him to also miss Sunday.

Expect to see wide receiver Josh Gordon to have another big-day on Sunday, as he’s slated to be matched-up against either an injured cornerback, or a backup who hasn’t seen many snaps this year even on special teams. He could very-well have the likes of Curtis Marsh and Brandon Ghee covering him.

That may lead to another big day for Brian Hoyer as well, who’s looking to put a stranglehold on the Browns’ starting QB job.

http://fansided.com/2013/09/25/leon-hall-looking-doubtful-battle-ohio/

 

[calleger]

It's only three games into a long season, however, currently Jordan Cameron has more recieving yards, catches & TD's than AJ Green.

 

[Titlelesst]

Ron Winter will be officiating.

http://www.football-refs.com/2013-crews/week-4/

 

[JMcCurry08]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bengals&amp;src=hash">#Bengals</a> DBs Leon Hall, Dre Kirkpatrick, Reggie Nelson all unlikely to play Sunday. See full injury report: <a href="http://t.co/P0SgSkjhrL">http://t.co/P0SgSkjhrL</a></p>&mdash; Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals/statuses/383648484458369024">September 27, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Good news for Hoyer and Browns offense

 

[DCunleaded]

Cameron already matched up well vs the Cincy LBs with their average athleticism; now it appears as if Gordon might have a pretty good day, as well.

I'm thinking another shootout, but I'm not sure who wins yet. Hope Chud has some more tricks up his sleeve.

 

[Pyro]

Oh my god, are they bringing back Brownie the Elf?

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>An old friend returns to watch your Cleveland <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Browns&amp;src=hash">#Browns</a> take on the <a href="https://twitter.com/Bengals">@Bengals</a> this Sunday at 1pm <a href="https://twitter.com/FEStadium">@FEStadium</a>. <a href="http://t.co/9rMfHXSbnU">pic.twitter.com/9rMfHXSbnU</a></p>&mdash; Cleveland Browns (@Browns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Browns/statuses/383983395077763072">September 28, 2013</a></blockquote>
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