Baker Mayfield, Browns More Dangerous Super Bowl Contender Without Odell Beckham Jr.

Baker Mayfield was electric in his first start since the Cleveland Browns released wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Mayfield completed 14-of-21 passes for 218 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland's dominant 41-16 win over the Bengals.

The Browns got themselves back in the playoff race with the win, and Mayfield looked reinvigorated under center without the pressure of force feeding Beckham. This has been a constant trend since the team acquired the former All-Pro receiver, the Browns have actually fared better without him.

Donovan Peoples-Jones returned from injury this past week and continued his solid second season, catching a deep pass from Mayfield that he took to the house.

With the likes of DPJ, Jarvis Landry and tight end Austin Hooper, the Browns offense may be benefitting from some addition by subtraction. If the team is able to stay healthy, they can be a threat in the AFC given how wide open it is at the moment. Currently, the club is +1200 to win the AFC and +2000 to win the Super Bowl at WynnBET Sportsbook.

Cleveland has a talented backfield with Nick Chubb and one of the most feared pass rushers in the league in Myles Garrett. With Mayfield looking better without Beckham, don't count out the Browns just yet.

The team has another opportunity to make a statement with OBJ on Sunday against the New England Patriots on the road. Can Mayfield follow up one of the best games of his career with another on Sunday?