Browns Faced With Must-Lose Sunday.

It just wouldn’t be a Browns/Bengals game in December unless there was some serious draft positioning on the line—and this year is no different.

Fans of poor, sloppy football are in for a treat as this battle spotlights two of the best turnovermen in the nation—Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ken Dorsey

Ladies and gentlemen, the “Battle of Ohio!”

Cleveland Browns Stadium is sure to feature a cacophony of boos, jeers and expletives— most of which directed at embattled and rotund head coach Romeo Crennel—as the hometown Brownies take the field to continue their spirited ascent up the 2008 draft board.

Standing in their way are the frisky Bengals, coming off a demoralizing victory against the Redskins last week.

The win, described by head coach Marvin Lewis as “disappointing,” destroyed Cincinnati’s prime real estate behind the Lions at the second overall draft pick and now has the Bengals struggling to stay in the top five.

“There is so much great talent coming out of college,” Lewis said. “Until last week we had worked hard to earn the pick of the litter; we can’t accept any more slip-ups.”

Despite four straight convincing defeats, there are no delusions of coasting in the Cleveland locker room.

“As a defender I have to be ready for (Bengals quarterback Ryan) Fitzpatrick to deliver the ball right into my chest,” said Browns linebacker Andra Davis. “I’ve got to make sure to tip that ball up and hope it falls into the hands of one of their receivers.”

Romeo Crennel’s consistent game-day demeanor of staring blankly at the field and losing track of downs and in which quarter the game has progressed to should work in Cleveland’s favor.

“Normally putting on the pads gets me fired up,” center Hank Fraley explained. “But Romeo’s uninspired, monotone pregame talks really lull me into a state that allows me to miss those key blocks.”

A loss for the Browns will all but lock up a 4-12 finish, as they travel to Pittsburgh for the season finale.

The road is not as easy for Cincy, which puts its perfect 0-7 road record on the line Sunday. They end the season at home, hosting the 2-12 Chiefs. With only “don’t know any better” quarterback Tyler Thigpen and future Hall-of-Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez still playing hard, the K.C. game will be anything but an easy loss.

“People have been doubting us all year,” said receiver Chad Johnson. “I can sit here and guarantee a 2-13-1 finish; and you can print that!”