The Cincinnati Bengals survived two crucial first half fumbles, and a third in the second half, defeating the Browns 28-14.  This was helped by Cincinnati intercepting Brian Sipe thrice, and forcing a fumble of their own.  As Cleveland was looking to tie the game at seven, Tommy Casanova read Sipe's eyes, stepping in front of an outlet pass intended for RB Greg Pruitt at the 8 yard line.  No matter, though, as reserve running back Archie Griffin would soon fumble the possession back to the Browns, and this time Cleveland would capitalize.  On the ensuing drive, Cincinnati looked to be in fine position to score, making their way methodically inside the Cleveland red zone when Big Pete Johnson gave up the goods.  A last second desperation pass, intended for Ricky Feacher ended up in the hands of Casanova again to end the first half, with the score knotted at seven.    

The Bengals began the third quarter by quickly taking advantage of a muffed Cleveland kickoff.  QB Ken Anderson eventually found Isaac Curtis in the end zone for a 30 yard TD pass.  Curtis had been quiet as of late, and controversially, Curtis did not even receive one target in the first match up between these teams- a game Cincinnati lost 21-14.  This time, Curtis ended up with 4 grabs 149 yards and 2 scores, while Ken Anderson put in a phenomenal performance, going 11/12 (91.6%) for 214 yds and 3 TDs.  

The Bengals would push the lead to 21-7, but Cleveland stayed in the game by putting together a fine drive, resulting in a Greg Pruitt rushing TD.  In the first meeting, Pruitt was unstoppable, carving up the Bengal defense for 200 yards, but this time Cincinnati was ready, and more disciplined, to stop the speedy and shifty back, holding Pruitt to just 48 yards on 10 carries, which included a long of 20 yards. Cincinnati would recover the onside kick attempt, and score once again to close out the game.