The 2025 NFL season is finally here, which means it's time to make some bold predictions for the Cleveland Browns' week one matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

After a long offseason that included multiple franchise-altering moves, the Cleveland Browns are now set to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in week one of the 2025 NFL season.

Prior to last season, Cleveland held a commanding 6-2 record over their rivals down south. However, last season completely flipped the script for head coach Kevin Stefanski and his squad after losing both contests in 2024. Luckily for the struggling organization, the Browns return former veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, along with a couple of key rookies to lead the attack this season.

Here are three bold predictions for the Browns week one matchup at home.

David Njoku Finishes With 60+ Receiving Yards, One Touchdown

Cleveland's beloved tight end David Njoku is set for another big game to kick off the season.

Last year, the Bengals ranked 25th in yards allowed to tight ends with 1,114 receiving yards. This was clear in the two contests last season between both teams, as Njoku totaled 18 receptions for 142 receiving yards and one touchdown with inconsistent quarterback play. And with strong safety Jordan Battle returning to his starting role on defense, Njoku has a huge advantage week one.

Obviously, the secondary unit for Cincinnati is still missing talent across the board, which means wide receiver Jerry Jeudy could be due for a big performance. However, the consistency of Njoku and Stefanski's play action-heavy offense gives the veteran tight end an easy path to success on Sunday. 

Defense Keeps Joe Burrow Under 250 Passing Yards

All the talk surrounding the Browns this offseason focused on the offensive side of the ball, while the defense remains to be one of the best-kept secrets about the organization heading into the season.

Cleveland added two rookies this offseason that are set to become day one impact players this year in defensive tackle Mason Graham and linebacker Carson Schwesinger. The pair of newcomers will now join a defense that features star defensive end Myles Garrett, creating a stout front seven unit for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. This is perfect for Browns, as Schwartz's defense requires an excellent pass rush to support the secondary.

Despite the defensive backs unit suffering multiple injuries ahead of week one, Cleveland's ability to get after Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will play a key role in limited his efforts through the air.

Offensive Line Allows No More Than One Sack

The Browns' offensive line had a dramatic fall off last season after the unit's impressive run in 2023.

During the team's playoff run two years ago, the offensive line was able to fight through multiple injuries and maintain there stellar play for Flacco. This, however, dramatically changed last year when quarterback Deshaun Watson returned from a season-ending injury. Stefanski's blocking scheme was completely different under Watson, as his scrambling put more pressure on his players up front.

But now, Flacco is back as the organization's starting quarterback, which means the offensive line play should show signs of improvement this season. Flacco has been one of the best quarterbacks in Stefanski's system due to his ability to play within structure. And with the Bengals' pass rush being subpar outside of star EDGE rusher Trey Hendrickson, the veteran quarterback should have enough time to get the ball out.