We are now just one day away from the season-opener at Cleveland Browns Stadium as the home team is set to take on their interstate rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. The Browns come into this season desperate to get back into the playoffs in 2023, while the Bengals come in off of back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances and feeling arrogant about it.
This means the Browns have a chance to make a big-time statement on Sunday afternoon. The Bengals are the obvious favorites in this game, and that is nothing new to the Browns. However, with a revamped and now lethal defensive line, the optimism that the offense will find far more explosive plays and the support of the hometown fans, the Browns have the making of a team that could surprise this season.
Buy Browns TicketsAs the Browns and Bengals get set to lock horns on Sunday, here are some score predictions from our staff here at Browns Wire.
Jacob Roach (@roachizm): 20-27 Browns
The showdown in Cleveland is finally here as both teams have high hopes for this season. Joe Burrow finally beat the Browns last season as Cleveland showed they understood how to contain him. Fast forward to now and the Browns defensive line has been massively upgraded.
If this new defensive line can contain Joe Mixon then Jim Schwartz’s pass rush has a chance to wreck the game. On the other side the team faces a young unproven safety room they should be able to capitalize against. Deshaun Watson says they’re comfortable in the new scheme and he is ready to show he’s evolved since Houston.
Browns Alchemy (@BrownsAlchemy): 27-32 Browns
As Kevin Stefanski and Zac Taylor prepare for their seventh matchup, their game plans have been etched in stone. The Bengals will sell out to defend the run and force the quarterback to beat them.
Nick Chubb might have a slow start against the combined efforts of defensive tackles DJ Reader, BJ Hill, and nickel Mike Hilton. Stefanski will respond by using play action to create easy throws for the quarterback down the field. If Deshaun can remain accurate and poised, the Browns’ offense should have no problem scoring on the Bengals’ depleted secondary.
Stefanski’s offense scored over 32 points in four of the six matchups. I am expecting a fireworks-filled Sunday on offense. Zac Taylor’s game plan on offense prioritizes the quick game to help neutralize Myles Garrett. Myles and the Browns’ revamped defensive line cannot sack Joe Burrow if Burrow releases the ball a second after the snap. Jim Schwartz emphasizing more man coverage should limit most quick concepts better than Joe Woods’ quarters coverage.
Ja’Marr Chase can score whenever and wherever he gets the ball, so stopping their passing game is easier said than done. If the Browns can force the Bengals into obvious passing situations, the Browns could run away with the game.
Cory Kinnan (@fakecorykinnan): 27-28 Browns
Week 1 has arrived, and the Browns have a chance to make a statement and prove their hype is real after upgrading their roster and revamping their offense. Facing the team that has appeared in back-to-back AFC Championship Games, however, is a tough task.
The Bengals will score points. The Browns will line up against their receivers and trust their cornerbacks to give the defensive line time to get home. Nick Chubb will run the ball and D.J. Reader will take on doubles to clog up lanes.
We are in for quite the Week 1 showdown. All-in-all, let’s hope this game does not come down to the leg of Dustin Hopkins. Instead, we are predicting the Browns to get a final drive stop and solidify a win in this one.
