For those Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns players not sidelined by injuries this week, Thursday Night Football will be an intense in-state rivalry game.
‘Thursday Night Football’ 2015 live stream: How to watch Browns vs. Bengals online
The Bengals could be looking at 8-0 after this AFC North matchup.
It’s Week 9 and the Browns have seemingly given up on the 2015 season. Despite offering trades for almost the entire offensive line, their steep asking prices squashed any trades ahead of Tuesday’s deadline. Left tackle Joe Thomas, who has started every game in Cleveland since he was drafted in 2007, was this close to landing in Denver, though.
While they didn't lose any players to a trade, the Browns have four players in concussion protocol. On a short week, the team is without wideouts Brian Hartline and Andrew Hawkins, cornerback Joe Haden and safety Donte Whitner.
With quarterback Josh McCown battling a rib injury he suffered Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, Johnny Manziel is making the start in Cincinnati. The young quarterback made his career debut against the Bengals last December, where he went 10-of-18 passing for 80 yards and had two interceptions. The Browns lost that game 30-0, and it was an eye-opener for the rookie under center.
The Bengals remain undefeated, though last week’s game against the Steelers went down to the wire. Still, Cincinnati currently holds a healthy 3.5-game lead in the AFC North and is on its way to cruising to the division title.
A big difference for the Bengals’ offense this season is that quarterback Andy Dalton isn’t falling apart when the team is down late in a game. He’s been able to rally when the team needs it. Dalton went into the season never wanting to be booed by Bengals fans again, and stuffing the Browns in Cincinnati could be a great way to get some cheers.
How to watch
When: 8:25 p.m. ET
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: NFL Network
Announcers: Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson
Online: NFL Game Pass
See More:
