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Bengals Looking for Fast 2025 Start at Browns
Cincinnati’s September Struggles
The Cincinnati Bengals enter the 2025 NFL season with one goal in mind: starting strong. Under head coach Zac Taylor, early-season struggles have been the team’s Achilles’ heel. Cincinnati has won just once in its first two games across six seasons with Taylor at the helm, posting a 1-11 mark in those contests and a 7-14-1 overall record in September.
After a 9-8 campaign in 2024 that began with a 0-3 start, the Bengals rallied late but narrowly missed the playoffs. Now, with expectations high once again, Cincinnati looks to prove it can compete from the very beginning. For more insights and updates across the league, check out the full NFL previews
Joe Burrow and Offensive Firepower
Quarterback Joe Burrow is back healthy and ready to build off a record-setting 2024 season. He led the NFL with 460 completions, 4,918 passing yards, and 43 touchdown passes, all single-season franchise records. Burrow will again be working with one of the deepest receiving groups in football, led by Ja’Marr Chase.
Chase delivered a historic season of his own, becoming the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to achieve the receiving Triple Crown by leading the league in receptions (127), yards (1,708), and touchdowns (17). This dynamic duo will be crucial in a season where the Bengals are viewed as contenders but may still be chasing the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. For expert takes and predictions, visit the NFL picks section
Defensive Changes and Challenges
The biggest unknown for Cincinnati is on defense. Lou Anarumo is out as defensive coordinator, replaced by Al Golden from Notre Dame. Last season’s unit was plagued by poor tackling and an inability to stop the run.
Star defensive end Trey Hendrickson re-signed on a one-year, $30 million deal, giving the Bengals a proven pass rusher to anchor the line. But how quickly Golden can adjust the scheme and improve fundamentals will be a deciding factor in the Bengals’ bid to start 2025 on a high note. Dive deeper into team matchups and rosters on the NFL teams page
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Browns Enter Rebuild Mode
Cleveland is coming off a difficult 3-14 season and enters 2025 in rebuild mode. Still, the Browns secured their most important piece on defense by extending Myles Garrett with a four-year, $160 million contract. Garrett remains one of the league’s most dominant edge rushers and could disrupt Burrow’s timing in Week 1.
On offense, with Deshaun Watson sidelined, 40-year-old Joe Flacco steps in as the starter. The veteran becomes just the 18th quarterback in NFL history to start a game at age 40 or older, giving Cleveland stability but limited upside.
Fans can track spreads, totals, and betting insights leading up to the game on the NFL scores and odds page
Battle of Ohio Storylines
Cincinnati swept Cleveland last season for the first time since 2017, raising the stakes for this season’s first installment of the “Battle of Ohio.” The Bengals’ offensive firepower is expected to be the difference, but their history of stumbling in September remains a concern.
With Burrow and Chase leading the way and the defense under a new system, Cincinnati will be tested right away against a divisional rival. The Browns may be rebuilding, but with Myles Garrett on the field and Joe Flacco under center, they have the experience to make it interesting.
Betting and Expert Insights
For bettors, this matchup presents a fascinating case of proven star power against a rebuilding team. Cincinnati has the talent advantage, but their September record under Taylor is hard to ignore.
Make sure to review the NFL expert betting guide for strategies, browse through buy picks for top plays, and follow the best handicappers leaderboard for daily performance rankings.
