Quarterbacks:
Browns. Cleveland's patience with Tim Couch is paying a big dividend in his third season. He leads the AFC in fourth-quarter passing with 9.10 yards a completion, one touchdown and a 106.1 passer rating.
Bengals. Jon Kitna and his receivers need to get in sync. He is 27th in the league with a third-down-passer rating of 53. The Browns have an NFL best defensive passer rating at 39.0.
Edge: Browns. Running backs:
Browns. With James Jackson leading the way at 247 yards, Cleveland is actually ranked two places higher (18th) than the Bengals in rushing. The Browns gain an average of 105.3 yards rushing, enough to balance the pass game.
Bengals. Corey Dillon hasn't gotten untracked since Game 1. He's due. He has 538 yards in four games against the Browns. Look for the Bengals to follow the Steelers' lead and try to diversify the run game.
Edge: Bengals. Wide receivers/tight ends:
Browns. Rickey Dudley's injury hurts at tight end. Wide receiver Kevin Johnson is Couch's top target with 17 receptions for 195 yards. Like Couch, the receivers play best late in the game.
Bengals. More talent here than the Browns, but the Bengals' pass offense has been disconnected the past two games. This area needs to get better against the NFL's sixth-ranked defense.
Edge: Browns. Offensive line:
Browns. The line is playing well enough to help the Browns hold a 3 1/2-minute advantage in possession and limit defenses to 10 sacks in four games. The Browns are converting 41 percent of their third downs, compared to the Bengals' 29 percent.
Bengals. After four games, the line is protecting the passer better than it is run blocking. Kitna has been sacked just seven times. But holding penalties at the wrong times have helped limit the running game.
Edge: Browns. Special teams:
Browns. Kicker Phil Dawson has made eight of 11 field goals. Punter Chris Gardocki is 4 yards a punt better than the Bengals' Nick Harris. The Bengals are better at field position for and against on kickoffs.
Bengals. Neil Rackers hasn't made a field goal since Game 1. Nick Harris' punting average is climbing. Keaton's kickoff return average is dropping.
Edge: Browns. Defensive line:
Browns. Even without DE Courtney Brown, linemen have held their own and allowed standout linebacking corps to shine. End Keith McKenzie has been getting a great deal of pressure on quarterbacks.
Bengals. Defensive tackle Tony Williams is out. Rush defense has slipped to bottom third in league at 134.8 yards a game. Rookie end Justin Smith beginning to produce.
Edge: Browns. Linebackers:
Browns. Free-agent pickup Dwayne Rudd leads team with 34 tackles. Jamir Miller has five sacks for 23 yards in losses.
Bengals. One of the best units in the NFL is consistent, makes big plays against the pass and run. Embarrassed by defensive showing at Pittsburgh.
Edge: Bengals. Defensive backs:
Browns. Secondary has nine of teams' NFL-high 11 interceptions. Nickel back Anthony Henry has three picks. Browns are sixth in pass defense at 160.8 yards a game.
Bengals. JoJuan Armour gets first NFL start at strong safety to improve tackling against the run. Pass defense improved statistically, up to 14th at 198 yards, but still showing problems stopping third-down pass conversions.
Edge: Browns. Coaching:
Browns. Butch Davis is off to a 3-1 start. New offensive coordinator Bruce Arians has helped Couch. But credit Davis and new coordinator Foge Fazio for improved defense. Is Cleveland good enough at this stage in rebuilding to win four in a row?
Bengals. Position comparisons appear to point to a Browns victory, but don't be deceived. This game will show whether offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski can repair the pass offense and if Dick LeBeau can refocus and reenergize his team. Home field is difference.
Edge: Even. Mark Curnutte's prediction: Cincinnati 17, Cleveland 16
Who's got the edge?
