Quarterbacks

        Browns. Tim Couch's passer rating is more than 10 points higher than Jon Kitna's, even though Couch doesn't have the benefit of a proven running game. He has led the Browns to as many victories this season, five, as the expansion franchise had in its first two years.

        Bengals. Kitna's weakness of throwing interceptions is beginning to show. He had 35 the past two years in Seattle, and eight of his 10 picks this season have come in Bengals losses. He has, however, led the vastly improved passing game.

        Edge: Browns

        Running backs

        Browns. The running back-by-committee setup is averaging just 3.1 yards a game. Rookie kickoff returner Benjamin Gay has given the running game added strength with his 56-yard game against the Ravens.

        Bengals. Corey Dillon averages 135.6 yards rushing against the Browns, and the Bengals will need another big game from him. He has been held to a combined 96 yards on 34 carries the past two games.

        Edge: Bengals

        Wide receivers/tight ends

        Browns. The Bengals have to contain Couch's favorite target, Kevin Johnson, who leads the team with 44 receptions, 610 yards and five touchdown catches. In five games against the Bengals, he has 31 for 522.

        Bengals. Darnay Scott might be out with bruised ribs, but rookie Chad Johnson should return from a broken collarbone to add outside speed. Peter Warrick's consistency and concentration have improved.

        Edge: Bengals

        Offensive line

        Browns. The Browns' line has given up almost twice as many sacks, 29, as the Bengals' (15), and Cleveland has rushed for almost 200 fewer yards overall.

        Bengals. The line dominated the Browns' front seven in the first game, allowing no sacks and leading the way for 199 rushing yards. It could happen again.

        Edge: Bengals

        Special teams

        Browns. Kicker Phil Dawson is making 80 percent of his field goals. Gay is averaging 25.6 yards a return, which could increase today against the Bengals' NFL-worst kick coverage average of 31.2 yards.

        Bengals. Until proven otherwise, the Bengals have a weakness covering kickoffs. Derrick Mason's 101-yard TD return last week was the difference. Is coach Dick LeBeau beginning to show a lack of confidence in kicker Neil Rackers?

        Edge: Browns

        Defensive line

        Browns. Even without starting end Keith McKenzie and tackle Gerard Warren, the Browns have second-year end Courtney Brown back; he missed the first Cincinnati game but has four sacks and eight quarterback pressures.

        Bengals. The Bengals played without defensive tackle Tony Williams the first time against the Browns, and Williams makes the rest of the line better. Coach Tim Krumrie has done a good job defining their roles.

        Edge: Bengals

        Linebackers

        Browns. Strong side linebacker Jamir Miller leads the team with eight sacks and in second with 72 tackles. First-year free agent Dwayne Rudd leads with 73, and Wali Rainer rounds out a corps that's every bit as dominant as the Bengals'.

        Bengals. Brian Simmons and Takeo Spikes continue to get to the quarterback and make tackles, but the linebackers have been a part of a rush defense that has been hurt by several long runs, including quarterback scrambles.

        Edge: Even

        Defensive backs

        Browns. The secondary has 16 of the team's NFL-high 20 interceptions. They're giving up five more yards a game passing than the Bengals, but Cleveland has allowed five fewer touchdown passes. Rookie Anthony Henry has seven picks as nickel back.

        Bengals. Credit defensive backs coaches Kevin Coyle (cornerbacks) and Ray Horton (safeties) for the best position coaching job of the season. The Bengals are giving up 30 fewer yards a game passing, a jump from 23rd in league rankings to 13th.

        Edge: Browns

        Coaching

        Browns. Butch Davis held his team together after two overtime losses at Chicago and against Pittsburgh, and it responded by completing a sweep of the Ravens. Davis further cemented his hold on his team by suspending three players, including starter Warren, who were arrested early in the week.

        Bengals. A troubling element of the Bengals' two-game losing skid is the second-half breakdown, when they've been outscored 33-0. It suggests the inability of coaches to recognize and adapt to halftime adjustments made by opposing coaches.

        Edge: Browns

        MARK CURNUTTE'S PREDICTION:

        Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 19.

Dillon key to Battle of Ohio Browns favored for first time Balanced offense worked the first time Who's got the edge? Players to watch Bengals-Browns by the numbers NFL power ratings Today's NFL predictions

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