The Cleveland Browns are set to face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in their first game of the 2023-2024 NFL season. With both teams looking to start the season off on the right foot, there are sure to be some exciting moments on the field. This article will make four bold predictions for the Browns' Week 1 game against the Bengals. We will discuss the Browns' performance in the previous season, as well as how Deshaun Watson, Elijah Moore, and Myles Garrett are expected to perform in this game.

Cleveland Browns' Performance in the 2022 NFL Season

The Cleveland Browns finished the 2022 NFL season with a 7-10 record. While this was a disappointing outcome for the team, there were some bright spots throughout the season. Quarterback Deshaun Watson struggled, but running back Nick Chubb had a solid season, tallying over 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns. The Browns' defense was also a bright spot, with defensive end Myles Garrett recording 16 sacks on the season. Despite these individual performances, the team struggled to find consistency and ultimately fell short of their goals.

As the 2023 NFL season kicks off with Week 1, it's time to make some bold predictions about the Browns' upcoming game against the Bengals. We'll break down what we can expect from key players and even venture a guess about the game's outcome.

4. Deshaun Watson Starts Strong against the Bengals

Deshaun Watson had a bit of a rough time last year, only throwing seven touchdowns and having five interceptions in six games. However, this season, he's aiming for a comeback. The Browns are counting on him to play like a superstar if they want a shot at the Super Bowl. The first test? The Bengals. It's a great chance to see how he matches up against Joe Burrow, the Bengals' quarterback. Of course, there are also the Bengals' solid defensive linemen like Sam Hubbard and Trey Hendrickson.

Still, we think Watson will have a strong game against the Bengals. Even though the Bengals have a good defense, Watson's talent for extending plays and making accurate throws gives the Browns an edge. Keep an eye out for Watson connecting with wide receiver Elijah Moore for some big plays during the game. We have Watson going over 250 yards with two touchdowns against the Bengals.

3. Elijah Moore's Receives over 70 yards

The Browns acquired Elijah Moore during the offseason, making a trade with the New York Jets. He showed promise during training camp. This could mean he'll have a significant role this season. While Amari Cooper is expected to be the top target, don't be surprised if Moore comes in a close second.

Moore is poised for a breakout game against the Bengals in Week 1. Again, he's been impressive during the preseason. Last season, he had 49 yards on four catches against Cincy. This year, we think he can quickly go past that. Yes, that's even with Cooper running alongside him. With his speed and agility, Moore should be able to get away from the Bengals' defenders and make big plays down the field.

2. Myles Garrett Sacks Joe Burrow

Imagine you could create the perfect edge rusher, and that's pretty much Myles Garrett. He has the perfect frame and all the qualities a team could wish for in a pass-rusher. Whether it's size, strength, bend, or athleticism, he's got it all. In the last two seasons, Garrett set a Browns franchise record with 16 sacks each season. He also had a career-high 60 total stops last year. He's been consistently among the top defensive linemen in the league. Unless he gets hurt, it's a safe bet that he'll have another excellent year in 2023.

As such, we expect Garrett to have a dominant game against the Bengals in Week 1. He's widely regarded as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Garrett should disrupt the Bengals' offense and constantly put pressure on Burrow. It won't be surprising to see him sack Joe Cool at least once and possibly even force a turnover.

1. Browns Win a Close Game

Now, let's talk about the game's outcome. There's some concern about Joe Burrow's calf, especially after his slow start in 2022. However, this game's betting line favors Cincinnati, which is interesting. Given how far they went in 2022, many may think Cincinnati has the upper hand.

That comes with big caveats, though. In fact, the Browns have some promising factors in their favor. With Watson leading the offense and Garrett anchoring the defense, they have the potential to control the game. We predict that the Browns will emerge victorious in a closely contested battle, with a final score of 24-21.

Looking Ahead

In summary, Week 1 of the 2023 NFL Season promises excitement as the Browns take on the Bengals. We anticipate strong performances from Deshaun Watson, Elijah Moore, and Myles Garrett. Despite the odds favoring the Bengals, don't be surprised if the Browns secure a hard-fought victory. Football fans, get ready for an action-packed kickoff to the season!