CINCINNATI (AP) — Baker Mayfield threw two touchdown passes, Nick Chubb ran for 137 yards and the Browns capped a chaotic week by smashing Joe Burrow and the Bengals 41-16.
The Browns came in desperate for a win after dropping three of four.
Their situation turned dramatic on Wednesday when star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was exiled for poor behavior and the team decided to release him.
Cleveland got an early spark from Denzel Ward’s 99-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Chubb scored twice and the Browns sacked Burrow five times and intercepted him twice.
It was the second straight loss for the Bengals, who head into their bye week at 5-4 and tied with the Browns in the AFC North.
The Bengals spent all day chasing and not catching the Browns.
Cincinnati had three turnovers, including Ward’s interception of Burrow’s pass toward rookie Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase had a tough day with two drops and a fumble.