Bengals vs. Browns Week 1 Preview: Can Cincinnati Avoid Another Slow Start?
The beginning of the season usually contains stress and questions for Cincinnati fans due to recent history, and this year is no different. Under Zac Taylor, the Bengals have earned a reputation for slow starts. They kicked off the season 0-3 last year before fighting their way back into the mix. Despite their strong finish, it wasn’t enough to land them in the playoffs. A disappointment that still lingers amongst fans.
Now, the Bengals open the 2025 season on the road in Cleveland, a place that has caused problems for Joe Burrow and the Bengals in the past. Burrow is coming off an impressive season as he led the league in both passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43) last season (Pro Football Reference). And once again, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins will be lined up with him, which makes for one of the most dangerous offenses in football. Still, this won’t be an easy game. Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett and a fired-up team will be waiting to test Cincinnati right from the start.
This game is more than just another opener. It's an opportunity for Cincinnati to prove they have learned from the past and are ready to set the tone right away.
Keys to the Game
1. Protect Joe Burrow at All Costs
The Bengals' offensive line remains a huge question mark entering the season, as the unit allowed 44 sacks last year. Week 1 isn’t providing an easy start as a freshly paid Myles Garrett and rookie defensive tackle Mason Graham are prepared to pressure Burrow every opportunity. Burrow's ability to produce numbers speaks for itself, but he can’t do it alone; the offensive line has to give him protection and time to work.
2. Get Chase Brown Going Early
Cincinnati hasn’t leaned on a featured running back since Joe Mixon's prime years, but Chase Brown seems prepared to take on that role. He’s been projected for a breakout season and could easily project 100+ yards if Zac Taylor commits to running the ball early and often. Getting Brown going early would help slow down Cleveland’s pass rush and open up the passing game for Joe Burrow and his elite receivers.
3. Pressure Flacco
At 40 years old, Joe Flacco still has the arm strength to test defenses when throwing downfield, but turnovers remain a concern. The Browns finished with the second-most giveaways in 2024, according to StatMuse. The Bengals' secondary needs to stay sharp against receivers such as Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku, making their presence felt. While Trey Hendrickson and other pass rushers make things difficult, bringing pressure to Flacco and creating turnovers.
Prediction
This matchup is exactly what fans of the AFC North live for: physical and unpredictable. Cleveland’s defense should keep it close, and Burrow is likely to take his share of hits, but the Bengals offense has the edge. Burrow makes connections to Chase and Higgins, creating big plays, Brown keeps the run game going steady, and the defense comes up with a crucial turnover, sealing the game.
Final Score: Bengals 23, Browns 20
The Bengals can’t risk another slow start like years past. Pulling out a hard-fought week 1 win against a divisional rival would make a statement that this team is ready to compete for the AFC title.