6 realistic expectations for Bengals vs Browns in Week 18

Cincinnati Bengals are going to look very different

Bengals struggle getting anything going on offense

Throughout the season, we have become used to seeing Burrow hit Chase on long passing plays, or Joe Mixon breaking off a big run. However, with backups playing, those big plays are going to be few and far between.

The Cleveland Browns have a terrific defensive line that consistently creates havoc in the backfield of the opposition. Even with a healthy team, the Bengals might be less explosive than in other games because of the opposition.

However, playing primarily backups, the challenge gets real steep. Cleveland will likely be able to dominate the line of scrimmage and limit what Cincinnati can do, causing the Bengals to look rather anemic on offense.

Browns win, but who cares. Cincinnati Bengals are AFC North Champs!

The NFL is so competitive that it would be hard to find any team that could walk their backups out against another team’s starters and hope to do well. Even though the Browns have nothing left to play for this year, they will still come out looking to end the year on a good note. Cleveland will likely get the win and push the Bengals to 10-7 on the year.

But, who cares! The reason Cincinnati is not playing their starters is that the team has already booked a trip to the postseason. Nobody in Cincinnati cares if they win this game. The most important thing is to get healthy and rested, so the Bengals can finally win a playoff game.

What realistic expectations do you have for this game?