What to Expect During Bengals vs. Browns, Week One Divisional Showdown
Football is back, and what’s better than kicking it off with an AFC North Clash? On September 7th, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals head into Cleveland to take on the Browns in what looks to be a gritty, hard-hitting Week One matchup. Cincinnati enters the season with high expectations and a roster built to deliver. After missing the 2023 playoffs due to a significant injury to their starting quarterback and again in 2024 with a 9-8 record, having lofty championship ambitions, they must have a strong start to their season if the Bengals want to see the playoffs and, more importantly, another Super Bowl appearance.
The Bengals enter the 2025 season with their eyes set on another Super Bowl run. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow is reportedly sharper and healthier than he’s ever been and is determined to kick off the season with a banging start. However, patterns from previous seasons show that his worst performances often come in the first four weeks. If Burrow can shake off those early challenges, Cincinnati’s passing attack will be nearly impossible to stop. Furthermore, with Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas on the outside, the Bengals’ passing game has the tools to overwhelm opposing defenses. The recent addition of veteran Dalton Risner strengthens the protection for Burrow and crucial depth across the line. This is especially important for going against Cleveland’s Myles Garrett and rookie Mason Graham, who was a top draft pick for the Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Chase Brown is set to be the Bengals’ lead runner. Coming off a productive 2024 season, where he gained over 1,300 scrimmage yards, Brown cemented his role as a key player. With his combination of speed, vision, and resilience, Brown gives Cincinnati an edge, which they’ve missed. Bengals’ head coach, Zac Taylor, and the Cincinnati coaching staff know that the team cannot solely rely on Burrow’s arm. Getting Brown involved consistently will aid in slowing down the pass rush and maintaining offensive balance. Expect him to see somewhere around 18-22 touches with the potential to top 100 yards from scrimmage.
All eyes will be on the battle between Burrow and Garrett, a matchup that could swing the game. If Risner and the rest of the Bengals’ line keep Burrow safe and clean, the offense will control the tempo. On defense, how Bengals’ defense coordinator Al Golden uses his front to pressure Cleveland’s quarterback, Joe Flacco, could set the tone for the entire year. The Browns recently named Flacco their starting quarterback for the 2025 season, following his impressive comeback performance in 2023. Expect Cincinnati to test Cleveland’s secondary early and often with deep shots to Chase and Higgins.
For Cincinnati, this game is more than just a season opener; it’s a chance to show the improvements they’ve made to take the next step. Burrow and the offense can prove they’re ready to dominate, while Golden’s defense can establish a new identity. A convincing win would send a clear message to the rest of the division that the Bengals remain the team to beat. Rivalry games are not an easy feat, but the Bengals have the firepower to get it done.
Questions surrounding the Bengals’ history of a slow start still loom. Can Burrow break the cycle after the work he’s done during the offseason? Can a veteran like Risner elevate younger linemen, or will there still be growing pains against elite pass rushers like Myles Garrett? All that to say, Cincinnati’s balance of firepower on offense and a fresh defensive approach under Golden gives them the clear edge. Burrow should have success moving the ball, while under the defense pressures Flacco into mistakes. Cleveland’s defense might keep things close early, but ultimately, Cincinnati’s consistency will win out.
