Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow watches from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Washington Commanders Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Joe Burrow and Zac Taylor spent the offseason talking about the importance of the Cincinnati Bengals getting off to a fast start.

They get a chance to back it up on Sunday.

The Bengals are 5 1/2-point favorites for their season opener at Cleveland. Last year, Cincinnati was a nine-point favorite at home against New England but lost 16-10.

Cincinnati began 0-3 and ended the season on a five-game winning streak to finish 9-8. The loss to the Patriots loss loomed large as the Bengals missed the playoffs by one game.

Cincinnati is 1-5 in opene

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