Cleveland Browns (3-11)
The Browns lost their third straight game last Sunday and 11th overall on the season, in a dismal 31-3 beatdown at the hands of the Chicago Bears. It was their worst defeat of the year in terms of point differential and a big step back offensively after a promising 29-point performance against the Tennessee Titans in Week 14, albeit in another losing effort.
It was particularly a step back for rookie signal-caller Shedeur Sanders, who completed just a shade over 50% of his throws with three interceptions
and a quarterback rating of 30.3. Only one of the Browns’ 12 offensive drives resulted in points, they rushed for just 50 total yards and converted nine first downs.
With the season completely lost, the last few games are all about youth development to build some momentum heading into next year. This week’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills is a big test. Cleveland’s defense, who have now allowed 31 points in back-to-back weeks, will have their hands full against a red-hot Josh Allen and James Cook-led Bills’ offense.
Where the Browns could find some success is on the ground, as the Bills’ run defense has been vulnerable this season. Cleveland’s rushing attack has struggled mightily over the last two weeks, though. Getting Quinshon Judkins going behind the offensive line will be key for the Browns to make a competitive game out of this as double-digit underdogs on the road.
Cincinnati Bengals (4-10)
The Bengals suffered a putrid defeat at home last Sunday, being shut out by the Baltimore Ravens 24-0. In doing so, the Bengals were officially eliminated from postseason contention — although their slim chances were a longshot anyways. Still, to go down in flames offensively like they did was disappointing, to say the least.
Cincinnati’s offense, which had scored 30+ points in consecutive games since Joe Burrow returned, was lifeless for most of the game. Two interceptions by Burrow, two failed fourth down conversion attempts, and three punts encapsulated all of the Bengals’ full offensive drives of the day.
The Bengals may have no playoff hopes to play for anymore, but Burrow and company will surely look to bounce back from a zero-point performance this coming Sunday. They should have a decent chance to do so against the Miami Dolphins, even on the road. The Dolphins are also now eliminated from the playoffs and benched quarterback Tua Tagovoila, meaning the Bengals will face former seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers.
That’s a favorable recipe for the Bengals’ defense, who did allow only 17 points last week. Miami’s rushing attack is still dangerous, and they’ll surely want to ground-and-pound all game, to aid their young quarterback and keep the ball away from Burrow. The potential return of Tee Higgins at wide receiver could give the team a little jolt on offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6)
Speaking of the Dolphins, they were eliminated at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers last week. The Steelers earned their second straight victory by way of a 28-15 comfortable win at home on Sunday night. Pittsburgh’s defense had allowed just three points before the fourth quarter and less than 300 total yards for the game.
The Steelers found more rhythm on the ground offensively, totaling 135 yards with two rushing two touchdowns. Kenneth Gainwell’s role continues to grow as he rushed for a team-high 80 yards on 13 carries, with seven catches for 46 more yards as a pass-catcher. Aaron Rodgers spread the ball around to eight different receivers and completed 23-of-27 passes with two touchdowns and 224 passing yards.
Rodgers has looked more spry over the past two games, which is a welcome late-season development. The Steelers face a big test this Sunday as they seek a third straight win. They’ll have to topple the Detroit Lions on the road, who are also in a must-win situation for their playoff chances in the NFC. The Lions are also 8-6 but have one of the top-ranked offenses in the league.
With no T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig on the edge, the Steelers’ defense will be challenged. Manufacturing pressure on Jared Goff will be key to disrupting Detroit’s offense and creating turnovers. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers should be able to move the ball and score against a Lions’ defense that has allowed 27+ points in each of the past four games.
Baltimore Ravens (7-7)
The aforementioned Ravens cruised to their most convincing win of the season in Cincinnati last week, pitching a rare shutout defensively. The Ravens’ defense forced 12 stops on third down, had a season-high four sacks and allowed only 4.2 yards per play. Despite being on the field for 39+ minutes and 71 snaps, the Ravens managed to give up no points — highlighted by an 84-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
On the other side of the ball, Lamar Jackson attempted a career-low 12 pass attempts but threw two touchdowns and averaged 12.5 yards per throw. The Ravens ran roughshod on the Bengals’ defense, totaling 189 yards on just 24 carries (7.9 yards per carry). With their offensive inconsistencies and unreliable pass protection in recent weeks, that’s the recipe for success for the team moving forward.
The next obstacle in their way of getting over .500 is an 11-win New England Patriots team, who travel to Baltimore for a primetime game this Sunday night. The Patriots had won 10 straight games before losing to the Bills last week, after they squandered a 21-0 lead at home. The Ravens are favored by 2.5 points but face a tall task against a well-rounded, well-coached Patriots team.
New England’s defense is one of the best in the NFL against the run this season, so whether the Ravens can find success again on the ground will be a deciding factor in this matchup. Defensively, limiting explosive plays and getting pressure on Drake Maye in the pocket will be key developments.
