The NFL’s opening weekend will feature one of the league’s fiercest rivalries under the bright Sunday night lights. On September 7, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals will host the Cleveland Browns at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM Eastern. Oddsmakers currently list the Bengals as 5.5-point favorites, but history has shown that when these Ohio rivals meet, anything can happen.
Background: A Rivalry That Never Disappoints
The Bengals and Browns share one of the NFL’s most heated divisional rivalries, dating back to Cincinnati’s founding by the legendary Paul Brown after his departure from Cleveland in the late 1960s. In recent years, the series has tilted toward Cincinnati, thanks in large part to the emergence of quarterback Joe Burrow and a dynamic passing attack. However, the Browns have had notable success at disrupting the Bengals’ rhythm, often pushing them to the limit in critical AFC North matchups.
Heading into the 2025 season, both teams carry playoff ambitions. Cincinnati has established itself as a perennial AFC contender, earning postseason appearances in three of the last four years, while Cleveland is attempting to prove it can sustain consistency behind its talented core. With the AFC loaded with contenders such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens, early divisional victories will be crucial to building momentum.
Cincinnati Bengals: Burrow’s Time to Reclaim Dominance
The Bengals enter the season with expectations sky-high. Joe Burrow, now fully healthy after battling nagging injuries in previous years, remains one of the brightest stars in the NFL. When he is at his best, Cincinnati’s offense hums at an elite level, capable of taking the top off defenses with surgical precision. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, one of the most dangerous playmakers in the league, returns to lead a receiving corps that also includes Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd.
On the defensive side, Cincinnati boasts a talented front anchored by Trey Hendrickson, who has developed into one of the AFC’s most feared pass rushers. The unit’s ability to generate pressure on Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will be a critical storyline Sunday night.
After last season’s early playoff exit, head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the team’s need for more balance. Expect the Bengals to lean on the running game, featuring emerging star Chase Brown, to help keep defenses honest and reduce the wear and tear on Burrow.
Cleveland Browns: Searching for Consistency
Cleveland enters 2025 still looking for answers at quarterback. Deshaun Watson’s tenure has been hampered by inconsistency and off-the-field distractions, but the Browns are betting on his ability to regain Pro Bowl form. When Watson is sharp, Cleveland’s offense can stretch defenses with speed on the outside and a punishing ground game. Nick Chubb, returning from injury, is the centerpiece of the Browns’ attack. If he is healthy and effective, the Bengals’ defense will need to bring its best tackling performance to slow him down.
Defensively, the Browns are anchored by All-Pro pass rusher Myles Garrett, who continues to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines. Cleveland’s defensive front will be tasked with creating pressure and limiting Burrow’s time in the pocket. In past meetings, aggression from the Browns’ pass rush has disrupted Cincinnati’s rhythm, a formula they will certainly look to replicate.
Recent Performances and Trends
Over the past three seasons, the Bengals hold the upper hand overall, but the Browns have not been an easy opponent. In fact, Cleveland stunned Cincinnati in early 2023 with a gritty Monday night upset, reminding fans that records and spreads go out the window when these two teams collide.
In 2024, Cincinnati once again outperformed Cleveland in the standings, finishing with a 12-5 record and securing a Wild Card berth, while the Browns stumbled down the stretch to finish 8-9. However, both teams have shored up weak spots during the offseason, with Cincinnati focusing on offensive line depth and Cleveland adding secondary help to deal with explosive AFC passing attacks.
Key Matchups to Watch
Joe Burrow vs. Myles Garrett: Burrow’s ability to read defenses and get the ball out quickly will be tested against one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.
Nick Chubb vs. Bengals’ Run Defense: If Chubb controls the tempo on the ground, Cleveland can shorten the game and keep Burrow on the sidelines.
Ja’Marr Chase vs. Browns Secondary: Chase has shown time and again his capability to turn any play into a touchdown. The Browns’ defensive backs will need to limit his explosive plays.
Prediction
This matchup has all the ingredients of a classic: divisional stakes, superstar talent, and a primetime platform. While Cleveland’s defense is capable of causing problems, Cincinnati’s offensive firepower and Burrow’s elite decision-making are difficult to bet against at home.
Expect the Browns to keep it close early with a heavy dose of Chubb, but the Bengals’ passing attack should eventually open things up in the second half. Look for Cincinnati to cover the spread, with Burrow connecting on a pair of touchdowns to Chase as the Bengals seize the early AFC North lead.
Projected Final Score: Bengals 27, Browns 20
Broader NFL Week 1 Context
This showdown caps off an opening weekend packed with storylines. The Dallas Cowboys face the Philadelphia Eagles in a marquee NFC East clash on Friday (Eagles favored -8.5), while Kansas City travels to Los Angeles to face the Chargers on Saturday in an AFC West battle (Chiefs favored -3.5). Sunday night will see not only Bengals vs. Browns, but also divisional tilts like the Buccaneers vs. Falcons (Tampa Bay -1.5) and Dolphins vs. Colts (Indianapolis -1.5).
With so many playoff contenders squaring off, Week 1 will offer an immediate testing ground for teams to prove their mettle. But in Ohio, the spotlight will be on Burrow, Watson, and the battle for early AFC North supremacy.
