Jeremy Hill is a big, strong runner who has proven he's an impact player with the Bengals. (Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports)
Cleveland Browns (5-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-2-1)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET, at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati – TV: NFL Network
*TV announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
*Keys to the game: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis was highly complimentary of Brian Hoyer, the Browns quarterback who scored one of his three wins last season over the Bengals. Primarily, Lewis said he appreciates the way Hoyer (four interceptions in 2014) is taking care of the ball, and pointed to his own quarterback — Andy Dalton — having five interceptions in the past four games.
Look for the Bengals to saddle up RB Jeremy Hill for another ride after he proved without RB Giovani Bernard (hip, clavicle) he’s capable of carrying the offense last week against an improving Jacksonville run defense. A Browns’ unit likely to be without DL Phil Taylor again ranks 30th in the league against the run.
The Bengals’ ability to run the ball has had a direct effect on the outcome of their games against Cleveland. Over the last six seasons Cincinnati is 0-4 when rushing for less than 80 yards against the Browns compared to 8-0 when the number is above 80.
Hoyer is without the same crutch; Cleveland is average an NFL-worst 1.9 yards per carry in three games without C Alex Mack (leg). The Bengals are likely to blitz a lot more than they did last week against Jacksonville rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. Hoyer stumbled against pressure looks last season and his best hot-read receiver, tight end Jordan Cameron (concussion) isn’t likely to play.
Cleveland is promising persistent commitment to the running game with a two-man timeshare between Ben Tate and and rookie Terrance West.
“I don’t think we’ll run for 180 yards every single week, but I’d definitely like to crack the 100 mark every week, no matter what the defense is trying to do,” Browns left tackle Joe Thomas said.
*Matchup to watch — Browns CB Joe Haden vs. Bengals WR A.J. Green: Two of the young, bright stars at their positions have waged some spectacular duels in recent matchups, with Haden surprisingly holding the upper hand. Green will see his first extended action since missing three games with a toe injury and playing sparingly (31 snaps) last week. The good news for Cincinnati is the emergence of Mohamed Sanu as a consistent threat outside for which the Browns have no proven counter.
*Player spotlight — Bengals DT Geno Atkins: The former Pro Bowl gap-shooting interior lineman has started to look more like his old self and now is more than a year removed from ACL surgery. His matchup against Browns C Nick McDonald, who will make his third career start as the Browns try to adjust to the loss of Mack, is critical for Hoyer’s survival.
*Fast facts: The Browns are winless in their past 17 AFC North road games. … The Bengals are 18-40 in primetime games. … Green had two receptions for seven yards in the last meeting. … Hoyer’s passer rating in the fourth quarter of one-score games is 95.1.
WHO WILL WIN AND WHY
Cleveland seems to grow confidence by the quarter, and if the game is tight entering the fourth, the Browns believe it’s theirs for the taking. The Bengals limit Hoyer’s damage early to build a lead and unleash the pressure packages in the second half.
*Our pick: Bengals 27-15
