The Cincinnati Bengals are set to kick off their 2025 NFL season with an away game against the Cleveland Browns. This AFC North showdown will take place at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Fans can catch the action live on FOX as both teams aim to start the season on a positive note.
Under the guidance of head coach Zac Taylor, the Bengals will be looking to improve on their preseason performance, which included a notable win against the Washington Commanders and a close loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. The team will depend on key players, such as Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, to set the tone for their offensive strategy. Meanwhile, their defense, led by coordinator Al Golden, will aim to tighten up after allowing 41 points in their last preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Browns, coached by Kevin Stefanski, enjoyed an undefeated preseason, with wins over the Rams, Eagles, and Panthers. Playing at home, they will look to capitalize on their strong defensive performance, particularly from players like Adin Huntington and KJ Henry. Cleveland’s offensive unit, directed by Tommy Rees, will be eager to maintain their momentum, as they aim to leverage their home-field advantage and favorable weather conditions to secure a victory in front of their fans.
Browns vs Bengals At a Glance
- Game Date and Time: Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM
- Stadium Location: Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, OH
- Weather Forecast: Mild day with breezy conditions and ‘Broken Clouds’
- Broadcast Information: The game will be aired on FOX
- Moneyline Odds: Bengals -239, Browns +198
- Point Spread: Bengals -5.5 (-106), Browns +5.5 (-112)
Cleveland Browns Prepare for an Exciting Showdown
Offensive Struggles
The Cleveland Browns enter the upcoming game with an offense that has faced challenges throughout the season. Ranking 30th in scoring, the Browns have managed to accumulate only 258 points over the course of their last regular season. Their passing game, while slightly better, ranks 22nd with 3,506 yards, highlighting the need for improvement in the air attack.
The ground game has not been a strong suit for the Browns, ranking 28th with only 1,608 rushing yards. First downs have also been hard to come by, placing them at 25th in the league. The Browns’ third down conversion rate stands at a meager 29.5%, indicating struggles in maintaining drives.
Defensive Outlook
Defensively, the Browns have shown moments of promise but have room for growth. They rank 25th in opponent scoring, conceding 435 points during the season. However, their pass rush has been effective, ranking 8th with 41 sacks.
While they have managed to recover eight fumbles, placing them 7th, the Browns’ defense has been average in forcing interceptions, ranking 15th with four. They have allowed 5,816 opponent offensive yards, which ranks them 19th in the league. This suggests a need for a more formidable defensive front.
Injury Concerns
Injuries have plagued the Browns, impacting their performance on the field. Key players like Deshaun Watson and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah are out for the season, which could significantly affect both the offense and defense. The absence of these players necessitates depth stepping up to fill the void.
Additional players, including Ethan Pocic and Denzel Ward, are questionable heading into the game. These uncertainties create challenges in planning and execution, as the Browns will have to rely on backup players to contribute effectively.
Preseason Performance
Despite regular season challenges, the Browns had a successful preseason, winning all three of their games. They defeated the Los Angeles Rams 19-17, showcasing their ability to close tight games. Their victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, 22-13, highlighted improved defensive efforts.
The standout win came against the Carolina Panthers, with a convincing 30-10 scoreline. This preseason success offers a glimpse of potential, but translating these performances into the regular season will be key.
Betting Trends
- Browns are 3-0 in their last three preseason games.
- They have averaged 23.7 points per game in preseason.
- The defense allowed an average of 13.3 points per game in preseason.
The Bengals Look to Roar: Cincinnati Bengals Game Preview
Offensive Powerhouse
The Cincinnati Bengals offense has been a force to reckon with, ranking first in passing yards with an impressive 4,640 yards. Their scoring ability also stands out with a total of 472 points, placing them 6th in the league. However, their rushing game needs improvement, as they are ranked 29th with 1,574 rushing yards.
Joe Burrow continues to be a key player for the Bengals, leading the league in passing yards with 4,918 and passing touchdowns with 43. His connection with top receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who also leads the league with 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, has been instrumental for their offense. As the Bengals prepare for their upcoming game, maintaining this offensive rhythm will be crucial.
Defensive Challenges
The Bengals defense has had its ups and downs, ranking 24th in opponent scores with 434 points allowed. They have been effective in causing turnovers, ranking 5th in opponent passing interceptions with 15. Their ability to recover fumbles is also noteworthy, with a rank of 5th in the league.
However, the team has struggled in limiting opponent offensive yards, allowing 5,921 yards, placing them 25th in the league. Improving their defensive consistency will be key to their success in the upcoming games.
Preseason Performance
The Bengals’ preseason has been a mixed bag, starting with a 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Their win against the Washington Commanders, 31-17, showcased their potential. However, they faced a tough defeat against the Indianapolis Colts, losing 41-14.
Key players like Desmond Ridder and Mitchell Tinsley have shown promising performances during these games. Isaiah Thomas, with two sacks against the Colts, highlighted the defensive efforts. The preseason provided the Bengals a chance to assess their strengths and areas needing improvement.
Upcoming Game and Betting Trends
The Bengals are set to face the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field. This game will test their away performance as they look to start the season strong. Key players like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will be pivotal in this matchup.
Team Betting Trends
- The Bengals are 5-0 against the spread in their last five games as an underdog.
- The total has gone over in 4 of the Bengals’ last 5 games on the road.
- The Bengals are 7-1 against the spread in their last 8 games against the Browns.
- The total has gone under in 6 of the Bengals’ last 9 games when playing in Cleveland.
- The Bengals are 4-2 straight up in their last 6 games in September.
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are set to kick off their 2025 season at Huntington Bank Field. Historically, the last few encounters between these two teams have leaned towards lower scoring affairs. Notably, the previous two meetings in 2024 ended with scores of 6-24 and 21-14, both well under the current total of 47.5 points.
The Bengals’ offense, ranked 6th in scoring last season, managed to put up points consistently, but their games against the Browns often end up lower than anticipated. The Browns struggled offensively in 2024, ranking 30th in total points. Given their offensive struggles and the Bengals’ strong defensive unit, the under seems a logical choice.
Weather conditions for the game are expected to be mild with broken clouds, which should not significantly impact play. However, outdoor conditions can always introduce unexpected variables, reinforcing the potential for a lower scoring game. These elements, combined with the teams’ recent trends, suggest a lower point total.
Taking into account the statistics from last season, the Browns’ inability to consistently find the end zone, and the Bengals’ defensive capacity, an under bet of 47.5 seems prudent. My projected final score is Bengals 27 – Browns 17, comfortably under the 47.5 total.
Browns vs Bengals Prediction: Under 47.5
- Browns vs Bengals Prediction: Under 47.5
- Browns vs Bengals Score: Bengals 27 – Browns 17
