It was already known the Cleveland Browns would end the season in Cincinnati but we now know what time they will face the Bengals.
Last night, the NFL officially released the Week 18 schedule and the Browns will face the Bengals at 1 p.m.
Cleveland started the season with a 24-3 win over the Bengals, who still had QB Joe Burrow at the time before he was lost for the season with an injury. On the other hand, Deshaun Watson played in that game too.
With both starting and quarterbacks sidelined for the season, it will be the backups facing off. These two teams are in two very different positions. Cleveland has locked up the No. 5 seed, while Cincy has officially been ruled out from making the postseason.
Cleveland no longer has a shot at the No. 1 seed in the AFC, so they’ll surely opt to rest players against the Bengals. Cleveland’s playoff spot won’t change no matter if they win or lose, so there’s no point in risking injury, as we all know they’ve dealt with a boatload this year.
Expect the Browns to start QB P.J. Walker on Sunday with Jeff Driskel being his backup. Cleveland won’t have to put Joe Flacco out there in a game that doesn’t mean a whole lot.
Cleveland can take a 2-0 season sweep of the Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.