CINCINNATI, Ohio – The intense rivalry known as the Battle of Ohio is set to ignite once more as the Cleveland Browns take on the Cincinnati Bengals today, a dramatic showdown unfolding at Paycor Stadium this Sunday, December 22. For those eager to tune in, the action will be broadcast across various streaming platforms, available at no cost.
Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. Eastern. Fans who have liberated themselves from traditional cable can seize the opportunity to watch the game on CBS, capitalizing on free trials offered by services such as DirecTV Stream and Fubo, both extending convenient access for a limited time. As for the budget-conscious, Sling provides enticing promotional deals as well.
Moreover, the spectacle will also stream live on Paramount Plus, which, for newcomers, offers a free trial option. Should one wish to continue, subscription plans start at an accessible $5.99 monthly for the essential package.
As the Browns (3-11) trudge forward after stumbling against the reigning Super Bowl champions—the Kansas City Chiefs— the Bengals (6-8) are riding the momentum of their recent triumph over the Tennessee Titans in an exhilarating shootout.
Matchup Preview: Browns vs. Bengals
For the beleaguered Browns, the season has devolved into a quest for dignity following a dispiriting 21-7 defeat against Kansas City, marking their third consecutive loss. Now, with Dorian Thompson-Robinson stepping into the spotlight as the starting quarterback—having passed for a mere 100 yards alongside three interceptions in his four outings—Cleveland faces an uphill battle.
With veteran QB Jameis Winston sidelined after a string of costly turnovers, the franchise is now honing in on their future, allowing Thompson-Robinson to audition for a potential permanent role next season. Winston’s statistics tell a harrowing tale: 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, yet a staggering 12 interceptions, most notably eight over the previous three games.
The Browns’ offensive struggles have been palpable, averaging a dismal 10.5 points in their last two clashes. Despite the turmoil, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy shines like a beacon, racking up 70 receptions for 1,052 yards—fifth overall in the league—and four touchdowns, proving to be a reliable target amid the chaos.
In the backfield, the loss of Nick Chubb to a broken foot casts a shadow over Cleveland, compelling Jerome Ford to return as the primary running back, having tallied 451 yards and two touchdowns this season.
On the defensive side, the Browns lackluster pass defense has mustered only four interceptions all year, tying for the second fewest in the league. Myles Garrett, despite being a formidable name, has found the last three games challenging, amassing just one sack. The ace cornerback, Denzel Ward, however, has emerged as a standout with 32 tackles and leading the NFL in pass deflections.
In their previous encounter this season, Cleveland succumbed to Cincinnati with a score of 21-14. Although their playoff hopes have dimmed, the Bengals still harbor a glimmer of hope, dependent on a series of favorable outcomes in the coming weeks.
Bengals’ Rising Star Power
Meanwhile, the Bengals, electrified by the presence of Joe Burrow, boast a formidable offense that has surged since the bye week, with point totals of 38, 27, and 37 in their last three games. Burrow, who has thrown for over 3,900 yards and leads the league with 36 touchdown passes against eight interceptions, is a key figure to watch.
While surrounding talent like JaMarr Chase, commanding league-best receptions, yards, and touchdowns, continues to captivate, the defense battles through inconsistencies, having allowed over 35 points on five occasions this season.
As for injuries, the Browns are navigating uncertain waters with multiple key players questionable ahead of kickoff. The Bengals are similarly challenged, with Burrow particularly in need of management for wrist and knee issues.
Viewing Essentials
- Matchup: Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Sunday, December 22, 2024
- Time: 1 p.m. Eastern
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
- Channel: CBS
- Streaming Options: Fubo (free trial and $30 off first month), DirecTV Stream (free trial), Sling (promotional deals), Paramount+ (free trial)
This pivotal matchup promises to be an afternoon of high stakes for both franchises as they navigate the complexities of the season—one striving to reclaim pride, the other seeking playoff fortune.
