The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 season opener with a combination of uncertainty and renewed hope as they host the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Stadium on September 7 in what will be one of the most watched games of the weekend due to the debut of rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. After a dismal 3–14 finish in 2024 that led to sweeping changes across the coaching staff and roster, Cleveland hopes that Sanders—selected early in the draft and groomed as the future of the franchise—can be the dynamic leader they’ve long needed under center. While the buzz surrounding his athleticism and leadership is justified, Week 1 against a Bengals team that boasts one of the AFC’s most complete rosters presents a steep challenge. Sanders will need protection from a still-developing offensive line that struggled to create clean pockets and open running lanes last season. Running back Nick Chubb, if fully healthy, remains the centerpiece of the offense and will be leaned on heavily to alleviate pressure on Sanders and establish tempo. The receiving corps, led by Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore, offers big-play potential, but their success depends heavily on the rookie quarterback’s ability to read complex NFL defenses, especially against Cincinnati’s disguised coverages and timely blitzes. Defensively, the Browns were among the league’s worst in 2024 in both scoring defense and third-down conversion rate allowed, but the addition of new coordinator Anthony Weaver brings a fresh philosophy built around aggressive pass rushing and situational discipline. Myles Garrett remains the face of the unit and will need to be dominant if the Browns are to disrupt Joe Burrow’s timing and keep Cincinnati’s potent passing game from finding its rhythm.

Linebackers Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and Sione Takitaki bring speed to the middle of the field but will have their hands full trying to contain Bengals running backs and intermediate threats like tight ends. In the secondary, Denzel Ward leads a talented but often inconsistent group that must step up to prevent deep strikes from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Cleveland’s special teams have been inconsistent, and flipping the field may fall on punter Corey Bojorquez, while kicker Cade York looks to bounce back after a shaky 2024. From a betting standpoint, the Browns were one of the worst ATS teams in the NFL last season at 4–13, reflecting both their underperformance and inflated lines in several matchups. With a rookie QB, new scheme, and a defense still seeking identity, Cleveland enters as a 5.5-point underdog and will need everything to go right to stay competitive. Their best chance of success lies in a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair that minimizes turnovers and leverages home-field energy. If Chubb can dominate time of possession, Garrett can generate consistent pressure, and Sanders avoids critical mistakes, the Browns could keep this game close and potentially cover the spread. However, the gap in experience and cohesion between these two teams makes Week 1 an uphill battle, and anything more than a moral victory would be a surprise in what is very much a foundational year for Cleveland’s future.