6 realistic expectations for Bengals vs Browns in Week 18
By Alex Austin
Bengals will turn to some rookies to see meaningful minutes
Chris Evans will be leading rusher for Cincinnati
With Mixon out, Samaje Perine would be the next man up. Perine will get some carries, but he plays a big enough role in regular games, that the risk of him getting injured is too great. Instead, Michigan rookie Chris Evans will be the primary ball carrier for the Bengals, leading the team in carries and rushing yards.
It has been a while since Chris Evans recorded meaningful snaps and had big plays, but he will have a few big runs to go along with some catches to have a nice day overall. The rookie will once again have a chance to make a case that he belongs on the roster and continue to push Perine for the backup running back job.
Rookies across the board will get some real game action
Ja’Marr Chase has, obviously, been electric this year. Evan McPherson has made enough game-winning kicks to be remembered as a great kicker. But, beyond that (I know I just named the Offensive Rookie of the Year and a top kicker) the rookies have not had a chance to shine this year.
In this game, I expect to see a lot of Jackson Carman, Cam Sample, Tyler Shelvin, and D’Ante Smith if they’re all healthy to start to evaluate what they can do against other teams.
The more meaningful snaps these young players can get, the better off they will be next year, and what better time when the future is already written for Cincy.