Week 14- "Battle of Ohio"

I usually do this Preview blog on Fridays, but I needed some more time to think about this one. It's sad because I shouldn't have to think about it. Before last weeks lost to the Bills, the Browns were still in the mix to capture the final playoff spot in the AFC. Now, here we are again not in the playoffs and fans are starting to talk coach change again (sigh). The coach talk can wait to the off-season, lets talk Browns and Bengals.

Much to the surprise of everyone, Eric Mangini made Colt McCoy the starter for the rest of the season. Good move in my opinion. It gives the Browns an opportunity to see how Colt plays within the division and in cold weather. Plus, it's pretty easy to see that the Browns have played their best football with McCoy at quarterback. All Colt has to do is continue to manage the game and make solid, smart plays.

Peyton Hillis said that this week he worked on holding on to the ball in practice. That is the key to today's game. The Bengals defense has been playing like kittens all year. The Hill-Train will get his carries he just has to hold on to the ball and get back into the end zone.

Speaking of kittens, Carson Palmer is having a terrible season. Last week against the Steelers, he threw two, count em, two pick six's to increase his number on the season to six. One good thing about it is that Troy Polamalu hurt himself on his TD return. They may rest him for the remainder of the season. The Browns play that Pennsylvanian team in two weeks. At any rate, I have to believe Rob Ryan and his boys have to be licking their chops to get at Palmer. I am also looking for a big day from Joe Haden. Ochocinco has been talking a little trash over twitter to Haden. I hope Ochocinco remembered his Pepto.

Overall, I feel more confident this week that the Browns can win this game. Maybe because McCoy is starting. Maybe because the Browns already beat the Bengals once. Unlike last week, where I thought it would be tough, I don't see it. Colt and the Hill-Train, aka The Young Guns, will lead the Browns to a season sweep of the Bengals.

Prediction: Browns 28 Bengals 17