As the NFL roars back into action, the 🏈 Bengals at Browns matchup on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET marks one of the most compelling openers of Preseason Week 1. Not only are these AFC North rivals looking to build momentum early, but both franchises are entering 2025 with bold goals, improved rosters, and rising expectations.
The venue is none other than Cleveland Browns Stadium, where football returns to Lake Erie and fans are eager to witness what the new season might hold. Whether it’s Joe Burrow warming up for another MVP-caliber run or Deshaun Watson striving for redemption, this early clash will carry significant weight—especially for evaluating depth, rookies, and new playbooks.
📅 Game Information
- Matchup: 🏈 Bengals at Browns
- Date: Sunday, September 7, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Cleveland Browns Stadium, Cleveland, OH
- TV Broadcast: CBS (regional), NFL Network
- Live Streaming: NFL+, Hulu Live, YouTube TV, fuboTV
- Tickets: as low as $77
🔍 The Stakes in Preseason Week 1
Though the score won’t count in the standings, the 🏈 Bengals at Browns game offers critical insights into team strategy, personnel decisions, and emerging talent. Preseason Week 1 is about establishing rhythm, identifying standouts, and giving fringe players an opportunity to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
More than that, it’s the beginning of the 2025 journey—one that could end in playoff glory or disappointment. And for two heated rivals, every snap matters.
🐅 Cincinnati Bengals Outlook: Super Bowl or Bust?
The Cincinnati Bengals have firmly entered the “Super Bowl window” with a fully healthy Joe Burrow, an elite supporting cast, and a defense that’s been retooled to complement their explosive offense. After falling short in 2024, the Bengals come into the 2025 campaign hungry and poised for a deep postseason run.
Key Bengals Storylines
- Joe Burrow’s Return: Fully recovered from a calf injury that slowed him early in 2024, Burrow is expected to play at MVP levels. Expect limited preseason reps—but enough to build chemistry with new targets.
- Ja’Marr Chase Contract Year: With talks surrounding a long-term extension, all eyes will be on the star wideout’s performance and involvement.
- Defensive Overhaul: Cincinnati revamped its secondary, bringing in multiple rookies and veterans to stabilize their pass defense.
- Rookie Watch: First-round defensive lineman Jared McGee is expected to get plenty of reps and will be a name to watch during the game.
🐶 Cleveland Browns Preview: Reset, Rebuild, or Rise?
The Cleveland Browns are entering 2025 in an all-or-nothing mindset. The franchise has spent heavily on building around Deshaun Watson, and the clock is ticking to prove that the investment was worth it. With a strong defense led by Myles Garrett and a running game led by Nick Chubb, the Browns still possess the pieces to make noise in the AFC.
Key Browns Storylines
- Deshaun Watson’s Progress: After a shaky 2024, this season could be pivotal in determining his long-term future in Cleveland.
- Rookie WR Terrance Caldwell: Drafted out of USC, Caldwell has been electric in camp and could challenge for a starting role.
- Coaching Adjustments: Head coach Kevin Stefanski is under pressure. Offensive coordinator changes and new schemes will be tested in this preseason opener.
- Injury Comebacks: Chubb, who missed most of 2024 due to injury, is on a snap count but expected to return to form by Week 1.
🧠 Coaching Matchup: Taylor vs. Stefanski
Head Coach Zac Taylor of the Bengals has proven himself as one of the top minds in the AFC. His ability to scheme for Burrow and design creative passing packages gives Cincinnati a weekly edge. Preseason is more about evaluating talent, but his offensive structure will still be on display—especially for backup QB Jake Browning and third-stringer Logan Smothers.
Meanwhile, Kevin Stefanski needs this preseason to answer critical questions. From Watson’s usage to the wide receiver depth, Stefanski will use the Bengals as a measuring stick for how far the team has come—or how far it still needs to go.
🛡️ Defense: Who Will Set the Tone?
Bengals’ Defense
- New Faces: The Bengals invested heavily in cornerback depth and linebacker speed this offseason.
- DJ Reader Replacement: After losing the veteran nose tackle, all eyes are on rookie Raymond Kincaid to step into the interior.
Browns’ Defense
- The Myles Garrett Effect: Garrett remains the most feared edge rusher in the league. Expect him to disrupt even in limited action.
- New Safety Tandem: Free agent signing Marcus Maye pairs with Grant Delpit to provide more coverage versatility.
🔥 Players to Watch: Who Could Steal the Show?
Bengals
- Joe Burrow (QB) – Will likely play one series, but any reps help build momentum.
- Tee Higgins (WR) – Playing on the franchise tag, his chemistry with Burrow is vital.
- Jared McGee (DL) – Rookie defensive end expected to play extended minutes.
- Cam Taylor-Britt (CB) – Looking to solidify a starting outside role.
Browns
- Deshaun Watson (QB) – Desperate for a bounce-back performance.
- Nick Chubb (RB) – Even in limited work, Chubb’s vision and power remain elite.
- Terrance Caldwell (WR) – Rookie standout and potential big-play threat.
- Denzel Ward (CB) – Always reliable, but needs support from the safety group.
📈 Position Battles to Track
Bengals
- Backup Running Back – Trayveon Williams vs. rookie Tyler O’Shea
- Right Tackle – Jonah Williams vs. draft pick Samson Jiles
- Nickel Corner – Between second-year man Dax Hill and new addition Troy Hill
Browns
- WR3 Role – Elijah Moore, David Bell, and Caldwell are all in the mix
- Inside Linebacker – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah vs. Sione Takitaki
- Kicker Competition – Cade York vs. free agent pickup Robbie Gould
🏟️ Game Day Experience in Cleveland
Cleveland Browns Stadium will be buzzing with excitement. Fans have waited since January for football’s return, and this Ohio showdown promises fireworks—even in the preseason.
- Tickets: Starting at $35 on SeatGeek
- Parking: Lots open at 10 AM; tailgating encouraged in designated zones
- Fan Events: Pre-game rally in the Muni Lot, live music, autograph booths
📺 How to Watch 🏈 Bengals at Browns Live
You won’t want to miss a single snap of this preseason opener. Here’s how to catch the action:
- TV: NFL Network (national), CBS (local/Ohio region)
- Streaming: NFL+, YouTube TV, Hulu Live, fuboTV
- Mobile Access: NFL App and official team apps
- Radio: Bengals Radio Network (700 WLW), Browns Radio Network (92.3 The Fan)
🧪 Preseason X-Factors
- Turnovers: Often the deciding factor in preseason games. Watch for strip sacks and misfired throws from backup QBs.
- Penalties: Sloppy football is expected early. The team with fewer mental mistakes will hold the advantage.
- Special Teams: Returns, coverage, and kicking accuracy matter even more with depth charts in flux.
🗣️ Expert Predictions
Bengals 23, Browns 20
Expect a competitive, physical contest. The Bengals’ depth at receiver and quarterback gives them a slight edge, but don’t count out a late-game rally by the Browns’ young talent.
- MVP Candidate: Jake Browning (QB, Bengals) – Should play most of the second half
- Breakout Performer: Terrance Caldwell (WR, Browns) – May score his first pro touchdown
- Big Defensive Play: Sack-fumble by Jared McGee in the second quarter
📌Why 🏈 Bengals at Browns Matters in Preseason Week 1
While the game may not count toward the regular season, the 🏈 Bengals at Browns matchup on Sunday, September 7, 2025, is loaded with implications. From quarterback confidence to roster bubble battles, it’s a proving ground for stars and hopefuls alike.
This is more than a rivalry game. It’s the ignition spark for the 2025 NFL season in Ohio. Both fanbases will be watching with scrutiny, and both coaching staffs will be taking notes that could define the direction of their franchises.