Browns vs. Bengals Week 1 Preview: Matchups, Keys to the Game, and Final Prediction

The Browns' 2025 NFL season opens with an AFC North showdown: the Browns host the Cincinnati Bengals in a “Battle of Ohio” opener. The Browns turn to veteran Joe Flacco to take the helm, while the Bengals follow Joe Burrow and their high-powered offense to set the tone early and encapsulate the win.

Keys to the Game

1. Flacco’s Stability vs. Bengals’ Pass Rush

Joe Flacco’s presence gives Cleveland much-needed stability after last season’s quarterback carousel. However, Flacco is not the quarterback he was two seasons ago. His ability to manage the offense is going to be a significant factor in whether the Browns can take the win and move to 1-0 on the season against a stacked Bengals roster. 

2. Greg Newsome II’s Shift to Outside Corner

With Martin Emerson Jr. out for the season with a torn Achilles, Greg Newsome II returns to his natural outside corner spot. Newsome has emphasized he isn’t just “filling a void” but wants to re-establish himself as a premier cover man, per dawgsbynature.com. He’ll need to be on his best against Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, one of the NFL’s most explosive wideout duos.

3. Myles Garrett’s Impact

Fresh off signing a record deal, Myles Garrett remains the Browns’ defensive anchor. Last year, he finished among the NFL leaders in pass-rush win rate and pressures, and his ability to collapse pockets will be a big factor in shutting down Burrow, who thrives when given time to push the ball downfield, even dating back to his LSU days. Garrett’s success against the Bengals’ offensive line could be the deciding factor in who wins this game.

Prediction

This game sets up as a classic AFC North game: physical, defensive, and close. Flacco’s veteran steadiness and Garrett’s game-wrecking ability give the Browns a real shot to dictate the tempo at home. Still, Burrow and Chase can flip the game in one drive, making turnovers a huge matter for the Browns.

Bengals 24, Browns 10