Anytime the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals have played in recent years, it’s been a pretty good watch on the television.

There have been close games, as well as games with a bunch of points scored. Nick Chubb has run wild and Joe Burrow has racked up the passing yards.

Week 1 with Cincinnati traveling to Cleveland expects to be no different, it should be a good one.

With that being said, it’s time to get to a few predictions.  

Myles Garrett will have at least two sacks

In nine career games against the Bengals, Garrett has 11 sacks. In their second matchup of 2022, the All-Pro pass rusher had two sacks. Expect Garrett to start the 2023 season strong.

Garrett will be playing in his first game with the improved defensive line that the Browns went out and got this offseason. We will see the improvements right away from the additions of players like Dalvin Tomlinson, Za’Darius Smith, and Ogbonnia Okoronkwo.

Pressuring Burrow is going to have to happen if the Browns want a chance. Recently made the highest-paid player in the NFL, I have no doubt that Burrow comes out playing well to start the season.

Deshaun Watson tosses two touchdown passes

This season is huge for Watson as it is the Browns. Watson needs to show why the Browns traded away three first-round picks and gave him a fully guaranteed contract. The last six games of last season are in the past, it’s time for Watson to be that guy for Cleveland.

Cleveland is going to have to put up points and likely a lot of them if they want to beat Cincinnati. Expect Watson to toss at least a couple of touchdowns to start the season. Not a bold take or anything, just what I’m expecting.

The Bengals win a close one in Cleveland

I very well could see this one being a single-possession game either way once it is all said and done. In Week 1 to start the season, I’m going to take the Bengals 31-28.

Cincinnati boasts the better kicking game and that will be the difference, an Evan McPherson field goal. These are two teams that could split their two games this season. 

Crossing Enemy Lines: Will Joe Burrow’s calf injury be an issue against Browns?

Catching up with our Bengals’ writer on their perspective heading into Week 1.

Featured image via Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports.