Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 game
The battle of Ohio kicks off these teams' 2023 NFL season.
The Cleveland Browns licked their wounds from last season and have a fresh start against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Deshaun Watson enters his second season with the Browns — his first full one — and has Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones and tight end David Njoku to help power the offense. Last year, Nick Chubb held it down with his fourth 1,000-yard rushing season. Myles Garrett, who was tied for second in the league in 2022 with 16 sacks, will bolster the defense.
For Cincinnati, the dynamic Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase return. Burrow threw for 4,475 yards and a career-high 35 touchdowns last season while his receiver had 1,046 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Burrow suffered a calf injury in training camp, but was back practicing last week.
The Browns beat the Bengals 32-13 on Halloween night last year. Does Cleveland have enough to spook their in-state rival again in the season opener?
More: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow returns to practice as team prepares for Browns
Browns vs. Bengals odds, moneyline, over/under
The Bengals are favorites to defeat the Browns, according to the BetMGM NFL odds. The game is among the best bets for NFL Week 1 games at top NFL betting apps.
Spread: Bengals (-2.5)
Moneyline: Bengals (-135); Browns (+115)
Over/under: 47.5
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NFL Week 1 odds, predictions and picks
Chiefs vs. Lions | Falcons vs. Panthers | Ravens vs. Texans | Browns vs. Bengals | Colts vs. Jaguars | Vikings vs. Buccaneers | Saints vs. Titans | Steelers vs. 49ers | Commanders vs. Cardinals | Bears vs. Packers | Broncos vs. Raiders | Chargers vs. Dolphins | Patriots vs. Eagles | Seahawks vs. Rams | Giants vs. Cowboys | Jets vs. Bills
Lorenzo Reyes: Bengals 29, Browns 19
This is my favorite line of the week. Joe Burrow is healthy, the offense should be rolling and the Browns are banged up on defense. I don’t see a way, assuming no injuries, that Cincy doesn’t clear the spread by at least a field goal.
Tyler Dragon: Bengals 27, Browns 21
The Browns have won five of the last six Battle of Ohio matchups. Cleveland should try to run the football and chew up the clock against the Bengals. But the Browns probably won’t be able to score enough to keep up with the Bengals’ potent offense.
Victoria Hernandez: Bengals 24, Browns 21
Ja'Marr Chase and Joe Mixon shouldn't have a problem carrying the Bengals toward victory over the iffy Browns, even if their fearless quarterback is still recovering from injury.
Jordan Mendoza: Bengals 24, Browns 20
All eyes will be on whether Joe Burrow plays or if he’s 100% healthy. Regardless, Cincinnati has enough firepower offensively to get past the Browns.
You can view the full list of USA TODAY's NFL expert predictions here.
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Correction: A previous version of this story stated the incorrect winner of the Oct. 31 Browns vs. Bengals game.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns: Game predictions, picks, odds
