Sat Sep 06 13:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
The Cincinnati Bengals are set to begin their 2025 season against the Cleveland Browns. The Browns, who struggled offensively in 2024, have retooled their attack, bringing back veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. They’ve also made changes in their running back room, drafting two rookies and potentially starting Jerome Ford in Week 1, due to Judkins contract situation.. Cleveland’s offensive line is looking to improve, having struggled with injuries and performance last season. Defensively, the Browns are anchored by star edge rusher Myles Garrett and bolstered by rookie additions in the draft. The Bengals, currently healthy, will look to exploit a Browns secondary dealing with an injury to Martin Emerson and a new kicker. The Bengals also recently extended center Ted Karras through 2026.
**News Article:**
**Bengals Kick Off 2025 Season Against Re-Tooled Browns**
**CINCINNATI, OH** – The Cincinnati Bengals will open their 2025 campaign at home this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, a team looking for a fresh start after a disappointing 3-14 season in 2024. The Browns, who were swept by the Bengals last year, have focused on addressing their offensive woes, which saw them ranking last in the NFL in points per game and big plays.
The most significant change is the return of veteran quarterback Joe Flacco. The 40-year-old, who previously led Cleveland to a 4-1 record and a playoff berth in 2023, will be under center for the Browns. This marks Flacco’s first start exactly 17 years after his first NFL start, also against the Bengals, making him one of the oldest quarterbacks to start a Week 1 game since 1950.
Cleveland has also revamped its running back corps, drafting Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. However, with Judkins yet to sign his rookie contract, veteran Jerome Ford may get the starting nod. The Browns will rely on receivers Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku and rookie Harold Fannin Jr. to help improve their offense. The Browns are hoping new additions to the offensive line, including Tevin Jenkins and Cornelius Lucas, will provide more consistency and protection.
Defensively, the Browns are led by superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett, who recently signed a massive contract extension. The team further strengthened its defense with the additions of rookie DT Mason Graham and LB Carson Schwesinger.
The Browns enter the game with a new kicker, Andre Szmyt, who replaces Dustin Hopkins.
The Bengals enter Week 1 with a clean bill of health and recently announced the extension of center Ted Karras through 2026.
The stage is set for an AFC North showdown as the Bengals aim to start the season strong against a Browns team eager to prove they’ve turned the page.
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