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Cincinnati (0-0-0) at Cleveland (0-0-0)
- When: Sep 7 2025, 1:00 PM
- Where: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
- Where to watch: FOX
- Last Meeting: CIN 24-6, December 22nd, 2024
Cincinnati vs Cleveland Preview & Prediction
Spread: Cincinnati -5.0
Moneyline: Cincinnati -240
Total: 48.0
Cincinnati Bengals: Time to Flip the Script
The Bengals enter Week 1 as 5-point favorites, but let’s be real, the biggest opponent early in the season hasn’t been Cleveland. It’s been September itself. Under Zac Taylor, Cincinnati has stumbled out of the gate almost every year, posting a 1-11 record in their first two games across his tenure. Bettors know the Bengals love to heat up late, but this year the goal is different: hit fast, hit early.
Joe Burrow is healthy, and that alone gives Cincinnati massive upside. He just put together a franchise-record season with nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase claimed the elusive “Triple Crown” in receiving categories. This offense is designed to win shootouts and bury teams quickly. On defense, questions remain after Lou Anarumo’s exit, but the return of Trey Hendrickson brings stability.
If Cincinnati starts with urgency, bettors leaning on the Bengals to cover may finally cash in early this season.
Cleveland Browns: Can Experience Carry the Day?
Cleveland’s rebuild continues, and they’ll roll out a 40-year-old Joe Flacco under center. He’s one of just 18 quarterbacks in NFL history to start at that age or older, so expect the Browns’ offense to look conservative and veteran-driven. Don’t expect fireworks, more like cautious clock management.
The bright spot, as usual, is Myles Garrett. The Browns gave him a four-year, $160 million extension, making sure their defensive anchor remains the face of the franchise. Garrett’s ability to pressure Burrow is Cleveland’s best chance to disrupt the Bengals’ high-powered passing attack.
The Browns will try to keep this one close, but against a divisional rival who swept them in 2024, that’s no easy task.
Gambling Outlook & Prediction
The spread is Bengals -5, with the total sitting at 48.0. Bovada expect Cincinnati’s offense to dictate tempo, and the Browns’ limited firepower makes the over less appealing unless Flacco somehow finds rhythm.
Prediction: Cincinnati covers, and bettors finally see this team handle business in September.
Final Score: Bengals 27, Browns 17
Lean: Cincinnati -5.0
Total: Under 48.0
- NFL Football Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
