Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (R) talks with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger after their match on Sunday. (Photo : Getty Images)
Struggling squad Cleveland Browns (2-6) is currently on a three-game losing skid and they are about to visit undefeated team Cincinnati Bengals (7-0) at the Paul Brown Stadium on Thursday, November 5 for a 2015 NFL season Week 9 matchup.
The Browns are coming off a humiliating 34-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8 at the FirstEnergy Stadium, as per USA Today.
Cleveland led 20-10 at the half, courtesy of quarterback Josh McCown's three touchdown passes, before getting held scoreless the rest of the way by the Cardinals' defense en route to the disappointing beating.
Meanwhile, the Bengals had started a season 7-0 for the first time in franchise history. Their last win was a very tough 16-10 road victory over the ever-resilient Pittsburgh Steelers at the Heinz Field last Sunday, as reported by Yahoo Sports.
Quarterback Andy Dalton converted a late touchdown pass, the only one they had in the game, to lead Cincinnati to the narrow escape.
The game also marked the return of Steelers' superstar quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but he was a little bit rusty, going 28-of-45 for 262 yards, one touchdown, three interceptions, and three sacks.
Playing at home with the momentum of a seven-game winning streak against a struggling team like Cleveland, Cincinnati is heavily-favored to win this encounter on Thursday.
Prediction: Bengals win, 38-14.
Cleveland Browns starting lineup
Offense: McCown (QB), Crowell (RB), Johnson (FB), Benjamin (WR1), Hartline (WR2), Barnidge (TE), Thomas (LT), Bitonio (LG), Mack (C)¸ Greco (RG), Schwartz (RT)
Defense: D. Bryant (DE), Shelton (NT), Starks (DE), A. Bryant (OLB), Kirksey (ILB), Dansby (ILB), Kruger (OLB), K. Williams (CB1), T. Williams (CB2), Campbell (SS), Gipson (FS)
Cincinnati Bengals starting lineup
Offense: Dalton (QB), Hill (RB), Hewitt (FB), Green (WR1), Jones (WR2), Eifert (TE), Whitworth (LT), Boling (LG), Bodine (C), Zeitler (RG), Smith (RT)
Defense: Dunlap (DE), Peko (DT), Atkins (DT), Johnson (DE), Lamur (OLB), Carter (MLB), Rey (OLB), Kirkpatrick (CB1), Jones (CB2), Iloka (SS), Nelson (FS)
