CLEVELAND (AP) — The Browns still have a playoff pulse — and more drama.
Nick Chubb ran for 99 of his 106 yards after halftime and the Browns outlasted the Bengals 27-19 for their fourth straight win at home.
Baker Mayfield and Kareem Hunt had scoring runs for the Browns. But Cleveland’s win was overshadowed by reports wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. wants out of Cleveland. Beckham wouldn’t address the speculation.
The Browns caught a big break in the fourth quarter when Mayfield’s third interception was overturned by an interference call.
Joe Mixon had a career-high 146 yards rushing and a touchdown for the Bengals (1-12), who bungled away a possible second win.
Cincinnati won the statistical battle, but couldn’t take the “Battle of Ohio,” losing the first meeting of the cross-state rivals.
The Bengals posted season highs in total yards, rushing yards and even had fewer turnovers but couldn’t stop from losing their 10th straight game in the AFC North and falling to 1-12.
Mixon said he’s looking forward to facing the Browns again in the season finale in three weeks.