The Cleveland Browns (5-3) and the Cincinnati Bengals (5-2) will collide in a Thursday Night Football showdown at Paul Brown Stadium in a match that could shake things up in the AFC North standings.
The Bengals are currently on top of the AFC North standings and a win will solidify their grip on the first spot, while the Browns could get a share of the lead with the Pittsburgh Pirates, who hold a 6-3 card.
Browns tackle Joe Thomas knows that all eyes will be on them as they go up against their in-state rivals, saying that they need to get past the Bengals if they want to have a chance to finish on top of their division.
"If we want to win the AFC North, we're going to have to beat Cincinnati and this is our first opportunity," Thomas said. "The stage is a little bit bigger because it's the Thursday night game. You're the only game on TV."
The odds won't be on their side, though, as they have lost in their last five games against the Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium with their last victory coming on Sept. 28, 2008.
"They're a good team, and one hallmark of good teams is that they win at home," Thomas said of the Bengals.
But Thursday's match could be the game where the Browns will snap that streak, especially with the way they are playing this season. The Browns have already surpassed their four-win total last season, but Thomas said that the match against the Bengals will be an acid test for them.
"This will be the best opponent we've played in a few games so it will certainly be a good measuring stick," Thomas said of the Bengals, who has not lost in their last 14 games at home.
Quarterback Matchup - Brian Hoyer vs. Andy Dalton
After almost getting beaten out by rookie Johnny Manziel for the starting spot, Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer has been living up to expectations so far. The 29-year-old has completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 2,014 yards with 10 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season.
On the other hand, Dalton has completed 64.9 percent of his passes for 1,874 with eight touchdowns, but has already tallied six interceptions -- two in their 33-23 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
TV Schedule & Where To Watch
The Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals match will start at 8:25 PM ET and will be broadcasted live on NFL Network. Football fans can also catch the action through online live stream via Watch NFL Live.
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