Bengals dominate first two quarters, lead Browns 17-0 at halftime

The Bengals need to keep winning to keep their slim postseason hopes alive, and they’re not having much trouble with the Browns on Sunday.

Cincinnati has a 17-0 lead over Cleveland at halftime.

Joe Burrow tossed a pair of touchdown passes in the first two quarters. He capped a 99-yard drive with a 2-yard scoring strike to Tee Higgins midway through the first quarter — getting the pass off just before his knee hit the ground for a sack. Burrow then connected with receiver Andrei Iosivas for a 6-yard touchdown midway through the second quarter.

While Bengals kicker Cade York — who was drafted by the Browns in the fourth round a couple of years ago — missed a 47-yard field goal wide left in the first quarter, he nailed a 59-yard attempt as time expired in the half.

The Bengals have been dominant, gaining 15 first downs to Cleveland’s three. The team has outgained the Browns 229 to 86.

Making his first start of the season, quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson again looks overmatched. He’s 3-of-6 passing for just 15 yards. He’s rushed for 10 yards on five attempts.

Jerome Ford started the game with a 66-yard run but finished the half with 69 yards on three carries.

The Bengals will receive the second-half kickoff.