The Cincinnati Bengals kick off their 2025 season on the road against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field in a Week 1 Battle of Ohio.
Cincinnati enters fully healthy and determined to avoid another slow start, led by Joe Burrow and a deep offense that includes Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd, and emerging playmakers like Tahj Brooks and Jermaine Burton.
Meanwhile, the Browns enter with a confounding mix in the quarterback room: a 40-year-old and two rookies. Veteran Joe Flacco begins the year under center, with rookie Dillon Gabriel as his backup. Fellow draft pick Shedeur Sanders may not see the field at all this season, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Defensively, Cleveland remains anchored by Myles Garrett, who returned after an offseason standoff, and a revamped secondary.
4 Things to Watch
1. Bengals’ Offensive Momentum
A clean bill of health behind Burrow and a reshuffled offensive line could enable a sharp start to break their habit of sluggish openers.
2. Rookie Impact in Cincinnati
Keep an eye on Tahj Brooks and Jermaine Burton. Both could make early-season waves.
3. Browns’ QB Strategy
The last time Flacco played a full season was in 2017. The Gabriel era may come sooner than expected. But if he falters, watch out for Sanders.
4. Defense vs. Offense
Garrett’s presence looms large. Cleveland’s defense packs a punch. But the Bengals’ fast-breaking offense may tilt the early advantage.
Predictions
Cincinnati is fresh and healthy, while Cleveland is still piecing it all together. The Bengals’ offensive synergy and squad depth create a clear edge on both sides of the ball. While Garrett can disrupt, don’t expect Cincinnati’s balance to be slowed significantly.
Projected Final Score: Bengals 30, Browns 20
Injury Report
Cincinnati Bengals
No starters listed on injury report.
Cleveland Browns
Mike Hall Jr. (knee) — Out
How to Watch Bengals vs. Browns
Kickoff for today’s Bengals-Browns game is set for 1:00 PM Eastern at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.
The game will be broadcast on FOX across Ohio and in parts of neighboring states, with streaming available on the FOX Sports app and website.
Fans outside those regions can watch on YouTube’s NFL Sunday Ticket, starting at $34.50 per month.
Not ready to commit? Services like FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DirecTV Stream all offer free trial periods that include local FOX broadcasts. YouTube TV also provides a 20-minute free preview without requiring registration.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Cleveland Browns
Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM Eastern
Venue: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX Sports app and website, NFL+, YouTube NFL Sunday Ticket
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