As Bengals fans prepare for another edition of the “Battle of Ohio,” the good news is most of us in the Midwest won’t have to squint at some grainy illegal stream or squabble with out-of-town relatives for their Sunday Ticket login. CBS has graced us with near-total regional coverage for the Browns at Bengals, making sure that this clash of AFC North foes gets the attention it deserves—well, at least in our corner of the football world.
Let’s talk about the map. If you’re in Ohio, Kentucky, or Indiana, congrats—you’re in the blue zone. This means you’ll have Spero Dedes and Adam Archuleta calling the game live, a solid duo to break down every Joe Burrow dime and Myles Garrett sack attempt. If you’re lucky enough to live in Cincinnati itself, you might as well call it a holiday. It’s as close to a city-wide event as you’ll get without a playoff game. (Someone tell Skyline Chili to double their staff for halftime orders.)
Outside the blue zone, it’s another story. Most of the country, covered in a sea of red, will be stuck watching the Rams take on the Jets. No disrespect to Kevin Harlan and Trent Green—those guys are pros—but let’s face it, the Jets without Aaron Rodgers are like a chili dog without cheese: technically still there, but who really wants it? Meanwhile, the green zone is reserved for the AFC South matchup between the Titans and Colts, but we’ll politely avoid commenting on that.
For Bengals fans outside the Midwest bubble, it’s a tougher pill to swallow. If you’re in, say, Denver, Phoenix, or the entire state of Texas, you’ll need to get creative—hit a Bengals bar, tune in via streaming, or make a “last-minute trip” to visit friends in Cleveland. And yes, I just suggested visiting Cleveland voluntarily. That’s how much this game matters.
As for the game itself, it’s not just about bragging rights. The Bengals are fighting to stay alive in the playoff hunt, while the Browns are trying to figure out if they’re contenders or pretenders. Expect fireworks, division rivalry drama, and a few shots of Zac Taylor with that “did I leave the oven on?” face.
So, grab your Bengals gear, stock up on snacks, and settle in. Whether you’re in the heart of Cincinnati or watching from afar, Sunday’s game is shaping up to be must-watch television—even if your cousin in California has no idea why the Battle of Ohio is such a big deal.
