Browns proving they don’t need Odell Beckham to score at will

The Cleveland Browns offense has looked explosive against the Cincinnatti Bengals – despite the absence of Odell Beckham Jr.

After weeks of speculation and talking points, it was announced this week that the Cleveland Browns would be releasing Odell Beckham Jr. on Monday. This also excused him from playing in the Browns’ Week 9 game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Where many thought this would be another obstacle that the Browns would have to overcome this season, it appears that it may be more of a benefit to the team.

The Browns have looked offensively unstoppable against the Bengals. The Browns have scored on every offensive possession in the first half, behind Baker Mayfield’s 87.5 completion percentage for 121 yards and a touchdown. Donovan Peoples-Jones was able to use the extra snaps that Beckham’s absence provided and break out for a 60-yard touchdown.

Despite under-performing this season, the Browns are still contenders

The Browns were starting to climb offseason power rankings this year, but have since fallen after unfortunate injuries and poor play have held them to just 4-4 this season.

However, with over half of the season left, the Browns have plenty of time to get healthy, tighten the screws, and put together a late push for a divisional title and a deep playoff run.

Meanwhile, OBJ will hit the waiver wire after his release on Monday, where all 32 teams will have the ability to claim him and put him on their team. However, if he falls through the waiver wire, which seems likely due to his $7.5 million price tag, he will become a free agent and get to negotiate his way onto a contender.