The Rising Versus The Falling in Cincinnati

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The Rising Versus The Falling in Cincinnati

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What a difference a year makes.

After 13 games into last season, the Cincinnati Bengals were 8-5 and everyone believed that they were on their way to the playoffs yet again, having won the AFC North division the previous season with an 11-5 mark.

The Cleveland Browns, on the other hand, were 4-9 and already eliminated from the playoffs for the umpteenth time. Including the 1999 season, it would mark the seventh time in eight seasons that they would miss the playoffs, having only made it in the 2002 season.

The bottom would fall out for both teams afterwards, as they both would lose the final three games, with the losses costing Cincy a playoff spot. Enter the 2007 season, where things would really flip upside down.

On Sunday, the Browns will enter the Bengals house with a 9-5 record, tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers for tops in the division and with the title up for grabs. As for the Bengals, many believed they seriously underachieved with the 8-8 mark last season… what will they think now with the team sitting at 5-9?

There has been some line movement for this contest, with Vegas pegging the Bengals as 1-point dogs with a total of 47 ½ at opening. Since then, the Bengals are now +3 at most spots with the total dropping four points to 43 ½.

The resurgence of the Browns can be clearly squared on the exuberance of their youthful offensive superstars in QB Derek Anderson, TE Kellen Winslow and receiver Braylon Edwards, who are all lighting it up at the tender age of 24.

Anderson is tied for fifth in the league in touchdown passes with 26, while Winslow is third among NFL TEs with 71 catches and Edwards is third behind Randy Moss and Terrell Owens in touchdown receptions with 13.

One can point to many reasons for the Bengals’ fall, but there is perception that perhaps a change in direction at head coach may be required after they painfully play out their final two games. If you've checked this seasons nfl odds you know that the Browns are favoured by 3 points for this game.

Marvin Lewis, considered a defensive specialist prior to his hiring, has his defense ranked 28th in yards given up and 26th in points allowed, and this after his defense was poor last season.

Many critics of Lewis will also point to the fact that the offense has underperformed in spite of many stars on that side of the roster. The passing game is still potent in terms of yards, ranking fifth, but the running game has been anemic, coming in 23rd. Rudi Johnson, who had over 1450 yards in 2004 and 2005 and over 1300 last season, has just 497 this year.

He is partly the reason for the line movements, as he tweaked his hamstring during practice this week and is presently unlikely to play, making it tougher for Lewis, who badly needs to finish out the season strong. Do not look for that to happen, as the Browns gun for the AFC North title.

PICK THE BROWNS