The Browns make their way to Cincinnati as the Bengals are in position to sweep this intrastate rivalry for the first time since 1990.

Nine weeks ago at Cleveland Browns Stadium (Week 5), Bengals RB Corey Dillon ran for 168 yards, but it was rookie QB Akili Smith (making his first NFL start) who threw a 2-yard TD pass to WR Carl Pickens with just :05 remaining as Cincinnati prevailed against its cross state rival, 18-17.

Despite the loss, the Browns still own a two-game lead (27-25) in the series standings.

The Browns have won three straight (1993-95) but are just 10-16 lifetime at Cinergy Field dating back to 1970, their last appearance in Cincinnati resulting in a 29-26 overtime victory in 1995.

Numbers: The Browns have allowed 200 or more yards rushing in 5-of-13 contests in '99. They have forced seven turnovers in two wins but have totaled just 10 takeaways in 11 losses in '99. The Browns have been limited to fewer than 100 yards rushing in seven straight games. They have committed two or more turnovers in five straight games, and have been limited to 17 or fewer points in 11-of-13 contests in '99. Their offense has scored 18 touchdowns in 13 games in '99, 8 by rookie WR Kevin Johnson. The Browns have scored 147 points in 13 games in '99, 42 by rookie WR Kevin Johnson.

In 63 career starts with the Bengals (1994-99), QB Jeff Blake is 24-39, throwing 89 touchdown passes and 56 interceptions while being sacked 155 times in those 63 contests. After committing just one turnover in their first five games (2-3) in '98, the Bengals have committed 47 turnovers in their last 24 games (4-20) dating back to '98. The Bengals have allowed 30 or more points in 8-of-13 contests in '99. The Bengals have allowed 30 or more points in 12 of their last 18 games dating back to Week 13 of '98. WR Darnay Scott has scored at least one touchdown in four straight games. The Bengals have forced two or more turnovers in three straight games.

Things to look for: After a bit of a midseason surge, the Browns are looking like a worn down expansion team, even though Chris Palmer's club continues to play hard. As has been the case for the most part in recent years, the Bengals don't start playing their best football until they're out of the playoff race. Look for Cincinnati's offense to have its way here as the Bruce Coslet watch is delayed again

Etc.: The Browns have lost three straight games. The Bengals are 20-34 under Bruce Coslet dating back to '96.