The infamous slow start out of the gate for Joe Burrow manifested itself again to open the 2025 season. Burrow was held to a lowly 113 passing yards and one touchdown in Cincinnati's 17-16 win in Cleveland. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins were held to a combined 5 receptions for 59 yards in an ugly day at the office for Cincinnati's offense.
Burrow has a history of struggling early in new seasons, but there was hope that extended preseason reps and being fully healthy would alleviate the sluggish start.
It did not.
Burrow's 113 passing yards were his lowest in a full game since he was held to a paltry 82 passing yards in the season-opener of the 2023 campaign. Coincidentally, that also happened to come against the Browns.
Cleveland's defense deserves credit for creating a ton of pressure against Cincinnati's anemic offensive line.
The Bengals only mounted 7 yards of offense in the second half. Per ESPN, that's the fewest yards of offense for a winning team in a half in at least the last 25 years.
Cleveland out-gained Cincinnati 327-141 but it was the Bengals who won the turnover battle 2-0, and the game.
Burrow should bounce back next week as the Bengals make their home debut against a Jacksonville defense that allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing QBs last season.
A quick look at the most important matchup data to consider when making Week 10 start/sit decisions, including implied points, projected plays, WR/CB matchups, and adjusted fantasy points allowed.
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We know Jaelan Phillips can get after the QB, but his new home could supercharge his sack production. Here's why (plus more IDP notes from around the league).
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Let's dig into the impact of the Rashid Shaheed and Jakobi Meyers trades, the Jayden Daniels injury, and backfield ambiguity for the Giants and Bears. Plus ... is Kenneth Walker a BUY?
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