The showdown between the Browns and Bengals in Week Two was one of the NFL's best games this season.
The teams scored a combined 96 points as Cleveland edged Cincinnati.
After getting dismantled by the Steelers in Week One behind QB Charlie Frye, Browns coach Romeo Crennel figured it was time for a change.
He was right.
Frye was terrible in Week One, completing only four of his 10 passes and getting sacked five times. That ultimately earned him a trade to Seattle—and left the door wide open for Derek Anderson against Cincinnati.
Little did we know the game would be Anderson's coming out party.
DA was 20-33 for 328 yards and five touchdowns—good for a 121.0 quarterback rating.
Cleveland receivers Braylon Edwards and Joe Jurevicius both caught two touchdowns, and tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. caught one.
The running game was also big for the Browns, as Jamal Lewis ran for 216 yards.
For the Bengals, meanwhile, Carson Palmer was 33-50 for 401 yards and six touchdowns. Receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Chad Johnson both caught two TDs apiece, and Johnson had 209 yards receiving.
Running back Rudi Johnson had no touchdowns, but did rush for 118 yards.
The Browns won 51-45 in Week Two. We may not see that kind of score again, but you can expect it to be another shootout.
The passing game will be a key factor again, as both defenses are terrible against the air attack.
The Bengals run defense has improved since the teams' last meeting, although it was awful against the 49ers last week. Don't bet on Lewis' posting another 200 yard game.
Then again, Cleveland's offensive line has improved tremendously since Week Two, and has done an exceptional job protecting Anderson and Lewis.
The Browns are on the brink of making the playoffs, and looking to win 10 games for the first time since...
Well, let's just say it's been awhile.
Cincinnati, however, is 5-9 and will miss the playoffs for the second straight season.
Since his breakout game, Anderson has thrown 21 more touchdowns, and is four away from breaking the franchise record.
Prediction: Browns 30, Bengals 24
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