Final Predictions for Bengals at Browns: Battle of Ohio features two rivals with their own demons to fight
The 104th Battle of Ohio should be a close game.
Week 1 provides us with the very first AFC North matchup of the 2025 NFL season as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Cleveland Browns.
This rivalry has seen a slight shift in the tide over the last few years. Cincinnati has won the previous three meetings and four of the last five after Cleveland experienced a five-game win streak in the “Battle of Ohio.” It remains one of the closest NFL rivalries in both all-time series record and proximity, and the expectation is every matchup will also end up close on the scoreboard.
That’s what myself and A to Z Sports Browns beat writer Brandon Little envision Sunday’s installment looking like as well. Let’s get to our official predictions for Bengals at Browns.
Bengals 23, Browns 19
They’re going to make me regret this I’m sure of it.
The Bengals haven’t won a Week 1 game in four years, which was also the lone season-opening victory in Zac Taylor’s tenure as Cincinnati’s head coach. It’s borderline irresponsible to predict them starting a season 1-0, but history is the only thing supporting the alternative outcome.
Everything that could’ve been done to avoid a stinker out the gate was done by Taylor and Co. The offseason program was more intense and competitive. Training camp started earlier and practices were of higher quality with Joe Burrow being fully healthy for a change. Burrow and the starting offense played extensively in the preseason for the first time.
The players know exactly what narrative surrounds them, and despite being favored in this game, they will not take playing on the road against a division rival lightly. It’ll probably be ugly at times, but I think they squeeze out a victory. — John Sheeran
Bengals 24, Browns 17
The Browns have had success against Joe Burrow throughout his career, but the Bengals got the better of them last season during what was a rough year in Northeast Ohio.
Coming off a 3-14 campaign, Cleveland faces a tough start to the season—one in which they must show real improvement. Cincinnati gave its starters, including Burrow, plenty of preseason reps, while Cleveland took the opposite approach and played its starters sparingly.
Joe Flacco should be able to operate the offense well enough to put some points on the board, but the Browns’ run game without Quinshon Judkins will be something to watch. They’ll also need another wide receiver to step up alongside Jerry Jeudy. Defensively, Cleveland should be able to keep them in the game, even against a juggernaut offense like Cincinnati’s.
In the end, though, I don’t think the offense has quite enough to get it done. A tough way to open the season at home, though it should be competitive. — Brandon Little
Cincinnati Bengals News
Bengals vs Browns NFL Week 1 Broadcast Map: Will you be able to watch on TV?
Cincinnati’s Week 1 game will be broadcasted in specific parts of the country.
