The Bengals make their way to Cleveland as this divisional series and intrastate rivalry is renewed for the first time since 1995.

The Browns own a three-game lead (27-24) in the standings and pick up where they left off four years ago, prevailing in the last seven meetings between the teams (1992-95).

The Bengals have lost five straight (1991-95) and are 8-17 lifetime at Cleveland dating back to 1970.

Numbers: After committing just one turnover in their first five games (2-3) in '98, the Bengals have committed 30 turnovers in their last 15 games (1-14) dating back to '98. The Bengals have been limited to 17 or fewer points in three straight games. They have allowed three or more sacks in three straight games.

The Browns have been limited to fewer than 250 total yards in each of their first four games in '99. They have allowed three or more sacks in each of their first 4 games in '99. They have been limited to 10 or fewer points in each of their first four games in '99. WR Kevin Johnson has scored at least one touchdown in three straight games.

Things To Look For: The Akili Smith Era begins in Cincinnati, but it's hard to believe he'll fare any better than Jeff Blake as the Bengals look like the worst team in the AFC. And that includes the expansion Browns, who are making definitive strides on a weekly basis. In this battle of rookie quarterbacks, Smith will likely take a back seat to Browns' QB Tim Couch, who will find WR Kevin Johnson early and often.

Etc.: The Bengals are 0-4 for the first time since 1994 and the fourth time in the last nine seasons (1991-99), while Browns are 0-4 for the first time since 1975 (team was not in existence from 1996-98). The Bengals are 17-28 under Bruce Coslet dating back to '96. Over the past nine years (1991-99), the Bengals are a combined 11-57 over the first half of the season. They have lost five straight games dating back to '98.