The Cleveland Browns are on course for a third successive victory after opening up a 17-3 advantage over the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at the Paul Brown Stadium.

It was a disappointing start for the Bengals as their opening drive ended with Craig Robertson intercepting a pass from Andy Dalton.

The Browns took advantage by taking the lead on their first possession when Ben Tate rushed into the endzone from four yards out.

Dalton's difficulties continued as the Cincinnati offense struggled to trouble Cleveland, but the hosts would reduce the deficit when Mike Nugent converted a 43-yard field goal.

However, Cleveland were in firm control early in the second quarter as they extended their lead through Isaiah Crowell, who burst through the Bengals defence from two yards for the touchdown.

Neither Dalton nor Cleveland quarterback Brian Hoyer was able to find top gear in a below-par first half from both sides on the offensive front, but the advantage stayed with the Browns as Billy Cundiff made it 17-3 before the interval.