NFL Picks Week 12: Why Upstart Bengals Will Run Over Hapless Browns

This ain't your granddaddy’s Cincinnati Bengals.

The barriers of this franchise have been lifted (besides their owner) and the sun is currently shinning bright at Paul Brown Stadium.

Rookie QB Andy Dalton (197-of-332 for 2,239 yards, 15 TDs, 12 INTs) is as polished of a player you’ll ever see with almost zero offseason preparation.

His release is quick and tight, he has poise beyond his years and he never makes the same mistake twice.

Dalton’s emergence is particularly impressive when you compare him to second-year starter Colt McCoy. Calling 2011 a sophomore slump would be an understatement (214-of-359 for 2,181 yards, 11 TDs, seven INTs) for the former Texas Longhorn. His lack of arm strength has really crippled the offensive flexibility and the non-existent running game doesn’t help either. Peyton Hillis has already been ruled out for Sunday.

Joshua Cribbs is always a threat on special teams, but he has never returned one for a touchdown against the Bengals. He has emerged as a better receiver this year with 28 receptions for 350 yards and four touchdowns, all of which are career highs. This is about the only positive thing you can say about a Browns offense that is currently ranked 29th in the NFL (29th in rushing, 23rd in passing).

The Bengals' incredibly deep sixth-rated defense should force some bad decisions out of McCoy with its ferocious front four bringing the heat. The eight-man rotation keeps everybody healthy, fresh and hungry.

The loss of CB Leon Hall would only hurt if the Browns had a deadly weapon at receiver, something Greg Little certainly is not. Speaking of deadly weapons, Bengals rookie receiver sensation A.J Green is expected to make his return after suffering a knee injury two weeks ago.

Expect the Bengals to build a comfortable lead early, with RB Cedric Benson getting 15-20 second-half carries to eat up the clock.

Fun fact: Marvin Lewis is 12-5 in his career against the Browns.

Prediction: Bengals 24, Browns 13