Cleveland Browns Week 1 Best Bets - NFL Betting Lines
The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 NFL betting season eager to shake off a 3–14 campaign that saw them tumble to the bottom of the AFC North standings. With the offense incapable and the defense still able to punch in its weight class, NFL bettors found more success backing Cleveland totals, with the under cashing at a 10–7 clip. Against the spread, however, the Browns proved to be the ultimate fade, with the 4-13 tally resulting from instability at quarterback, defensive lapses, and a revolving door of injuries across both sides of the ball.
Despite their struggles, the offseason wasn’t about wholesale change, but instead, a measured course correction. Futures odds reflect the cautious tone surrounding the franchise. Cleveland opened 100-1 to win the Super Bowl and has since drifted all the way up to +24266. Their conference odds moved from +8000 to +12570, and division odds ticked up from +2200 to +3350. Browns fans can now wager on the NFL using crypto across BookMaker Sportsbook. The storyline entering Week 1 reads: “Quarterback carousel; Kevin Stefanski playing it close to the vest.” In typical Stefanski fashion, the Browns kept any depth chart changes quiet, but signs point to settling on a starter capable of providing rhythm and continuity. That starter proved to be veteran Joe Flacco after it was announced heading into Week 2 preseason action.
Browns vs. Bengals Week 1 Betting Lines
Spread: Bengals -6
Total: 46
Money Line: Bengals -270, Browns +222
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Cleveland Browns Week 1 Matchup
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Cleveland Browns will host the Cincinnati Bengals at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET with television coverage on FOX. This early-season AFC North showdown features familiar foes looking to assert themselves immediately in one of the NFL’s tightest divisions. Oddsmakers initially listed Cleveland as 5-point home underdogs, with early money backing Cincinnati and pushing the line to +5.5. The total nudged from 44.5 to 45. These modest adjustments suggest a cautious expectation for scoring and a belief in Cincinnati’s roster continuity.
Cleveland has been inconsistent at home recently, managing both 4–6 straight-up and against the NFL spread records. But the Browns have held their own against the Bengals in recent years, winning two of their last three home meetings against their Ohio rivals and covering the spread in both victories.
The key matchup hinges on pass protection and defensive containment. Myles Garrett remains the leader of this defense and the Browns’ most dangerous weapon. If healthy, his ability to disrupt Joe Burrow’s rhythm will be essential. The Bengals enter this game looking to snap a three-game losing streak in season openers and boast one of the league’s most efficient offenses when firing on all cylinders.
Cleveland’s secondary is banged up with cornerback Greg Newsome listed as questionable to play in the season opener, leaving a thin group tasked with slowing down Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. If cleared, the Browns will need big performances from veteran safety Grant Delpit and LB Devin Bush to hold down the middle of the field.
Offensively, Cleveland’s focus will be on controlling tempo. Running back Jerome Ford and wideout Jerry Jeudy are both key playmakers who could tip the balance if active. The running game will also be bolstered by a pair of rookies in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. The offensive line, while solid on paper, needs to improve in pass sets to avoid putting Flacco long yardage situations against a Bengals defense that has grown stingier in the red zone.
Cleveland Browns 2024-25 Recap
Cleveland wrapped up last season with a disappointing 3–14 straight-up record, managing just four wins against the spread (4–13 ATS) and seeing 10 of their 17 games go under the total. That profile highlights a team often playing from behind that forced the defense onto the field due to the offenses overall ineptitude. The quarterback carousel defined the year. Injuries, inconsistency, and conservative play-calling stalled the offense. Still, All-Pro Myles Garrett continued to perform at an elite level, and the front office took steps to shore up defensive depth entering 2025.
This offseason, the Browns looked to bring clarity to the quarterback position with the drafting of both Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, while also plugging key holes at linebacker and receiver. While the preseason offered few answers publicly, internal confidence seems to be building around the team’s offensive core and the potential for Garrett to elevate the defense again if healthy.
The Week 1 showdown with Cincinnati is far from an easy test, but it’s exactly the type of divisional tone-setter Cleveland needs. A win wouldn’t just change perception. It would immediately shift momentum in a season where progress must be proven, not promised.
2025 Cleveland Browns Schedule, Results & Record
The wide receiver position outside of Jerry Jeudy continues to be a concern for the Browns, who haven't done much to improve that area of their team this offseason. The Browns have, however, added much-needed depth to their offensive and defensive lines, led by the first-round pick of Mason Graham. Cleveland also may have found an adequate replacement for Chubb in second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for a whopping 45 touchdowns during his three seasons in college.
Quarterback continues to be an enigma for the Browns, who will be in a prime position to select a top quarterback in next year's draft after they picked up another first-round pick in the trade that moved the Jaguars up to the No. 2 spot. This season, the Browns have several options for QB1. At this point, it appears to be a two-man race between former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and 40-year-old Joe Flacco, with rookies Gabriel and Sanders competing for one of the backup spots.
Cleveland Browns Past Seasons (2000)
| YEAR |
RECORD |
PLAYOFFS |
| 2024 |
3-14 |
None |
| 2023 |
11-6 |
Lost Wild Card Round |
| 2022 |
7-10 |
None |
| 2021 |
8-9 |
None |
| 2020 |
11-5 |
Lost Divisional Round |
| 2019 |
6-10 |
None |
| 2018 |
7-8-1 |
None |
| 2017 |
0-16 |
None |
| 2016 |
1-15 |
None |
| 2015 |
3-13 |
None |
| 2014 |
7-9 |
None |
| 2013 |
4-12 |
None |
| 2012 |
5-11 |
None |
| 2011 |
4-12 |
None |
| 2010 |
5-11 |
None |
| 2009 |
5-11 |
None |
| 2008 |
4-12 |
None |
| 2007 |
10-6 |
None |
| 2006 |
4-12 |
None |
| 2005 |
6-10 |
None |
| 2004 |
4-12 |
None |
| 2003 |
5-11 |
None |
| 2002 |
9-7 |
Lost Wild Card Round |
| 2001 |
7-9 |
None |
| 2000 |
3-13 |
None |
The wide receiver position outside of Jerry Jeudy continues to be a concern for the Browns, who haven't done much to improve that area of their team this offseason. The Browns have, however, added much-needed depth to their offensive and defensive lines, led by the first-round pick of Mason Graham. Cleveland also may have found an adequate replacement for Chubb in second-round pick Quinshon Judkins, who rushed for a whopping 45 touchdowns during his three seasons in college.
Quarterback continues to be an enigma for the Browns, who will be in a prime position to select a top quarterback in next year's draft after they picked up another first-round pick in the trade that moved the Jaguars up to the No. 2 spot. This season, the Browns have several options for QB1. At this point, it appears to be a two-man race between former first-round pick Kenny Pickett and 40-year-old Joe Flacco, with rookies Gabriel and Sanders competing for one of the backup spots.
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