If you just look at the final Browns vs Eagles score of 20-16 from their last meaningful regular-season meeting, you’re missing the actual story. It wasn't just a four-point gap. It was a chaotic, frustrating, and weirdly defensive battle that felt much wider at some points and narrower at others. Honestly, the game was a mess.
Philadelphia walked away with the win, but they didn't exactly skip off the field. Jalen Hurts and the offense looked stuck in the mud for huge chunks of the afternoon. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s defense did everything humanly possible to keep them in it, including one of the wildest special teams plays you’ll see all year.
The Play That Changed Everything
The most electric moment didn't even come from an offensive player. Right before halftime, the Eagles were lining up for a 57-yard field goal. Jake Elliott is usually money, but Myles Garrett is a freak of nature. Garrett timed the snap perfectly, leapt over the line, and blocked the kick.
Rodney McLeod Jr. scooped that ball up and sprinted 50 yards for a touchdown. Just like that, a potential 13-3 Eagles lead turned into a 10-10 tie at the break.
The stadium went silent.
It was the kind of momentum shift that usually ruins a team. But the Eagles have a weird way of surviving these self-inflicted wounds. They didn't panic. They just ground it out.
Breaking Down the Browns vs Eagles Score
Cleveland’s offense was the real problem. You can’t win in the NFL without scoring an offensive touchdown. Period.
Deshaun Watson finished 16-of-23 for 168 yards, which sounds "fine" on paper, but it was hollow. The Browns settled for field goals every single time they got close. Dustin Hopkins was the most active man on the Cleveland roster, hitting from 43, 49, and 31 yards.
Key Game Stats (October 13, 2024)
- Final Score: Eagles 20, Browns 16
- Passing: Jalen Hurts (PHI) 264 Yds, 2 TD | Deshaun Watson (CLE) 168 Yds, 0 TD
- Rushing: Saquon Barkley (PHI) 47 Yds | Pierre Strong (CLE) 43 Yds
- Receiving: A.J. Brown (PHI) 116 Yds, 1 TD | Amari Cooper (CLE) 42 Yds
Philadelphia’s stars eventually woke up. DeVonta Smith took a short pass 45 yards to the house in the fourth quarter to put the Eagles up 20-13. That was the dagger. Even when the Browns clawed back with another field goal to make it 20-16, they couldn't get the ball back.
Jalen Hurts iced the game by lofting a beautiful 40-yard ball to A.J. Brown down the sideline. Game over.
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The Preseason Rematch Flips the Script
Fast forward to August 16, 2025, and the vibe was totally different. Sure, it was preseason, but the Browns vs Eagles score flipped to 22-13 in favor of Cleveland.
This game was all about the young guys. Dillon Gabriel, the rookie the Browns are high on, made his first start. He looked poised, going 13-of-18 for 143 yards. He did throw a nasty pick-six to Andrew Mukuba—who looks like a legitimate steal for Philly—but Gabriel bounced back.
Philly’s offense was non-existent in this one. They finished with only 88 total yards. You read that right. Eighty-eight. Kyle McCord managed to find Ainais Smith for a 9-yard score, but that was about the only highlight for the home crowd.
Why the Browns Keep Falling Short
The recurring theme in these matchups is Cleveland's inability to finish drives. Whether it’s Watson in the regular season or the backups in August, they move the ball just well enough to break your heart.
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In the 20-16 loss, they had 1st-and-goal at the 8-yard line. They ended up with a field goal after a false start and a sack. You can't do that against a team like Philadelphia. The Eagles aren't always perfect, but they have the "explosive" button. Between A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, they only need one or two plays to ruin your day.
What to Watch Moving Forward
If you're betting on or tracking the next time these two meet, keep an eye on the defensive line matchups. The Eagles' pass rush, led by Jalen Carter, eventually wears teams down.
On the flip side, Cleveland’s defense is championship-caliber, but they are being wasted by an offense that can’t find the end zone. Until the Browns figure out their red-zone efficiency, the final score will almost always favor their opponent in close games.
Actionable Insights for Fans
- Check the Injury Report Early: In the October game, Jordan Mailata went down with a hamstring injury, which changed how Philly protected Hurts. These mid-game shifts are huge.
- Monitor Red Zone Stats: Don't just look at total yards. Look at "Touchdown Percentage in the Red Zone." The Browns are currently near the bottom of the league, which explains why they lose these 20-16 nail-biters.
- Watch the Special Teams: As we saw with the Garrett block, this matchup often turns on a single mistake in the kicking game.
The rivalry between these two isn't about blowout wins. It’s about grit, mistakes, and which quarterback can make one big throw in the final two minutes. Right now, that’s Jalen Hurts.