Browns vs Bengals Keys To The Game

Originally posted on Cleveland Browns on SI
By Anthony Moeglin | Last updated Jan 7, 2024 11:05 AM ET

The Browns and Bengals suit up for one last time on Sunday in the 2023 regular season and the result is meaningless for both sides.

Cleveland has their ticket punched for the playoffs. They are locked in as the five seed with no ability to move up or down. They will be playing the AFC South Champion, either Jacksonville or Houston.

For Cincinnati, Sunday marks the end of their disappointing season. Joe Burrow was never healthy throughout the season and when his year came to a halt about a month ago, it put an end to their season.

While the result on Sunday has no meaning, there are still a few keys that Browns fans can keep their eye out for when this one gets kicked off.

1. No Injuries

This is wishful thinking given the year that Browns fans have experienced. This team is one of the most injured teams in the history of the NFL but getting through Sunday unscathed is what the Browns need. Unfortunately, they are going to have to play a couple of key players, and their impact players must make it through Sunday healthy and ready for the playoffs.

2. Run Pierre Run!

The feature running back on Sunday is going to be Pierre Strong Jr. Strong has shown flashes this year that he has some explosion in him and on Sunday he will be able to put it all on display. He needs to protect the football and put on a show running and catching the ball.

3. Wide Receiver One, Cedric Tillman

Cedric Tillman is going to get his chances on Sunday afternoon. With no Amari Cooper and this game being meaningless, I'd love to see this game plan highlight Tillman so that we can see what he is capable of.

Win or lose on Sunday doesn't change anything for next week. The Browns are locked in as the five seed so the goal is to get out of Cincinnati healthy and get ready for the second season.

This article first appeared on Cleveland Browns on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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