The air at Paycor Stadium was biting, that late-season Ohio cold that gets into your bones no matter how many layers you're wearing. For fans asking what was the score of the Cincinnati Bengals football game, the final number on the board was a stinging 20-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Honestly, it was a weird one. If you just looked at the box score without seeing the game, you'd think the Bengals dominated. They outgained the Browns significantly—364 yards to 200. Joe Burrow threw for three touchdowns. Ja'Marr Chase was doing Ja'Marr Chase things. Yet, when the clock hit zero on January 4, 2026, it was the Browns celebrating on the Bengals' logo.
The Heartbreak at the Buzzer
The game basically came down to the final 90 seconds. Cincinnati had just clawed their way back. Burrow found Ja'Marr Chase for a 4-yard touchdown that put the Bengals up 18-17 with only 1:29 left on the clock. The stadium was shaking. It felt like, finally, they were going to end a rough season on a high note.
But the defense couldn't hold.
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Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' rookie signal-caller, didn't blink. He orchestrated a 10-play, 40-yard drive that looked far more veteran than his stats might suggest. He didn't need to be flashy; he just needed to get kicker Andre Szmyt into range. With three seconds left, Szmyt stepped up for a 49-yard field goal. It sailed right through the uprights as time expired.
Why the Score Was So Low
You might be wondering how a Joe Burrow-led offense only put up 18 points against a struggling Browns team. The answer is kinda frustrating: mistakes and missed opportunities.
- Special Teams Woes: Evan McPherson, usually "Money Mac," had a day he'd rather forget. He had an extra point blocked early on and then missed another one later. In a two-point game, those four missed points are the whole story.
- Defensive Scores: The Browns didn't actually score an offensive touchdown all day. Let that sink in. They won because Devin Bush Jr. took an interception 97 yards to the house and Sam Webb returned a fumble 47 yards for another score.
- The Myles Garrett Factor: Myles Garrett was a nightmare. He dropped Burrow for his 23rd sack of the year, breaking the NFL single-season record right there in Cincinnati.
A Disappointing 6-11 Finish
This loss wasn't just about one game; it was the final nail in a 6-11 season. It’s been a tough stretch for the Who Dey nation. Missing the playoffs for three straight years isn't what anyone expected when this core reached the Super Bowl a few years back.
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Zac Taylor mentioned after the game that it felt "fitting" for how the season went—playing well in spurts but failing to finish. There's a lot of talk about whether the coaching staff is safe. Burrow has backed them publicly, but the frustration in the locker room, especially from guys like Ja'Marr Chase, is starting to show. Chase actually finished the season with 125 catches, leading the league, but individual records don't mean much when you're sitting at home in January.
Key Stats from the Season Finale
If you’re a numbers person, here is how the primary contributors shook out in that 20-18 loss:
Joe Burrow finished 29-of-39 for 236 yards and those three scores. Chase Brown finally hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season, which is a massive silver lining for a guy who has really stepped up. On the other side, Shedeur Sanders only threw for 111 yards. Usually, holding a team to 111 passing yards means a blowout win. Not this time.
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What This Means for 2026
The Bengals are heading into an offseason full of questions. The defense ranked near the bottom of the league for most of the year, and the offensive line, while improved, still let Burrow get hit too much.
Actionable Insights for Bengals Fans:
- Watch the Draft Order: With a 6-11 record, the Bengals are looking at a top-10 pick. Defensive line depth and secondary help are likely the top priorities.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: While the word is that Zac Taylor will return for an eighth season, keep an eye on coordinator changes. The defense needs a fresh philosophy.
- Health is Wealth: Burrow noted he's proud of how he returned from his previous injuries. Keeping him upright for a full 17-game slate in 2026 is the only way this team gets back to the postseason.
The "what was the score of the Cincinnati Bengals football game" question might bring a sour taste today, but in the NFL, things flip fast. A healthy Burrow and a high draft pick can change the vibe by September.
For now, the focus shifts to the scouting combine and free agency. The Bengals have some cap space to work with, and they'll need every penny of it to fix a defense that gave up too many big plays in 2025.