The Thursday Night Football matchup in Week 2 will be a meeting between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. The game between the two Ohio teams will be played without spectators at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.
Both of these combatants are looking to bounce back after losing in Week 1. One team moves to 1-1 while the other remains winless at 0-2, barring a tie.
Bengals Hopeful for Burrow
Bengals fans didn’t get the outcome they wanted for the Joe Burrow debut, but there was plenty to be excited about. The #1 draft pick this season made some great plays down the stretch, even throwing what would have been a game-winning touchdown pass that was taken away by a pass interference call.
“In my eyes I played terrible through 3 1/2 quarters and then played up to my standards in the last drive and almost won the game,” Burrow said. “I know I’ll be ready for it and I just have to keep that same mindset in the 2-minute drill and bring that along for the rest of the season.”
He finished the game going 23 of 36 for 193 yards. His first touchdown on the NFL was on the ground as a 23-yard TD run.
The Bengals have a lot to look forward to with their young quarterback and energetic coach, Zac Taylor. As Cincinnati gains chemistry this season, they could finally build something fans are proud of.
It is helpful that Burrow gets to throw to a veteran receiver like AJ Green. Look for them to hook up even more in this matchup.
Browns Coming Off a Beatdown
The Browns had to go up against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, losing 38-6. As the Ravens offense was as powerful as last year, the Browns couldn’t get anything to click.
Baker Mayfield went 21-39 with 189 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He has to improve as a quarterback if the Browns hope to succeed.
The leading receiver for the team was not Odell Beckham Jr., as Mayfield still can’t find a rhythm with the disgruntled star. Jarvis Landry led the way with five receptions for 61 yards.
Beckham sure does want the ball more, and he hasn’t had any issues stating it in his career.
“It’s a tough position to be in with the way that I feel like I’ve been misrepresented to the world,” he said. “It makes it just seem as if I just want the ball, when really I just want to help. I just want to be able to help this team in any way I can.”
Prediction
Both of these teams have young quarterbacks that hope to build something special for their respective units. The excitement for Burrow in the NFL is palpable, especially during this young season.
The Browns are six-point favorites entering this game. I am taking the Bengals +6, and expect them to keep it close.