Final score predictions for Bengals vs. Browns in Week 18

The second Battle of Ohio this year will be more like the Battle of the Backups.

Not that Cincinnati Bengals fans would ever complain. Their team heads to the playoffs and will host at least one postseason game at Paul Brown Stadium. That could be more if they manage to grab the No. 2 seed on Sunday.

As such, the Bengals won’t start Joe Burrow. And Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield won’t be on the field due to injury. The Bengals have also been pretty mum on just how many starters will actually see the field, though hinted it won’t be a ton based on some recent roster moves.

That means we’re looking at a battle between quarterbacks Brandon Allen and Case Keenum in Week 18. Both have been serviceable in spot duty, but the game’s more likely to come down to players surrounding the quarterback.

If the Bengals reach far into depth, some fun names like rookie running back Chris Evans and wideout Auden Tate could have big days. Defensively, the pass-rush could still have a big day if names like Mike Daniels get reps.

Much of the game will also come down to approach. We know the Bengals want to keep the momentum rolling into the playoffs. Will this be a Browns team looking to play a spoiler or a Browns team just looking to end the season?

Either way, the absence of Mayfield is huge. He seems to have Cincinnati’s number, as his best games have come against the in-state rival. Earlier this year, Cleveland won, 41-16. Odds are Keenum isn’t going to be able to do the same, and the Bengals won’t throw him familiar looks without starters, anyway.

A win doesn’t guarantee the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, but Bengals backups were assuredly still be firing on all cylinders.

Prediction: Bengals 20, Browns 17

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