The dust has finally settled on the 2025-2026 NFL regular season, and if you’re looking for the Cleveland Browns current score, you won't find one on the ticker today. As of January 15, 2026, the Browns are officially in "next year" mode.
Their last time on the grass? A gritty, somewhat shocking 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4th.
It was a weird way to end a weird year. The Browns finished 5-12. Usually, a five-win season feels like a total disaster—and honestly, for a lot of people in Northeast Ohio, it still does. But that final score in Cincinnati actually changed the trajectory of the franchise's upcoming spring.
The Finale: Breaking Down the 20-18 Win
Nobody expected much from Week 18. The Bengals were fighting for dignity; the Browns were just trying to get through sixty minutes without another major injury.
Then things got interesting.
The game was a defensive slugfest. Devin Bush, who has been a polarizing figure at times, basically took over the first quarter with a pick-six off Joe Burrow. It wasn't just a lucky bounce; he read the route perfectly.
Key Stats from the Browns Last Game:
- Final Score: Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 18.
- Top Performer: Andre Szmyt. Yeah, the kicker. He nailed a 49-yard field goal with three seconds left to seal it.
- QB Play: Shedeur Sanders, the rookie who took over late in the season, finished with 111 passing yards. Not exactly "Greatest Show on Turf" numbers, but he managed the game.
- The Defense: They forced two turnovers and held Ja'Marr Chase to under 100 yards, which is no small feat given the state of the secondary.
Why the Current Record is 5-12
The Cleveland Browns current score for the total season is 5-12, placing them 4th in the AFC North. It's their second losing season in a row.
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If you look at the schedule, it’s a graveyard of "what ifs." They lost to the Titans by two. They lost to the Bills by three. They even dropped a four-point game to the Vikings in London.
Basically, the Browns were the kings of the close loss.
The Myles Garrett Factor
We can't talk about this season without mentioning Myles Garrett. The man is a freak of nature. He finished the year with 23 sacks, breaking the single-season record previously held by Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt.
He did this on a team that won five games. Think about that.
Usually, when a team is losing, the pass rushers get fewer chances because opponents just run the ball to kill the clock. Garrett didn't care. He was a one-man wrecking crew, earning another First-Team All-Pro nod and likely some Defensive Player of the Year votes.
The Coaching Vacuum
Here is the part most fans are talking about at the local diner: Kevin Stefanski is out.
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After six seasons and two playoff appearances, the Browns decided to move on. It’s a bold move considering the stability he brought compared to the "factory of sadness" years, but 5-12 is 5-12.
Right now, the head coach position is vacant.
The rumors are flying. Names like Mike McDaniel (if he leaves Miami) or even rising college stars are being floated. Jimmy Haslam has called the recent track record "embarrassing," so expect a splashy hire.
Draft Positioning: The Silver Lining
Because the Browns won those last two games—beating the Steelers 13-6 and then the Bengals—they actually dropped a bit in the draft order.
But here’s the kicker: the trade they made with Jacksonville last year.
Because the Jaguars were eliminated in the Wild Card round by Buffalo earlier this week, the Browns now know exactly where they’re picking. Thanks to that trade, Cleveland holds the No. 6 and No. 24 overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Having two first-rounders is a massive win for GM Andrew Berry.
What the Browns Need Most:
- Offensive Line: They ranked near the bottom of the league in pass-blocking efficiency. It was a sieve.
- Wide Receiver Depth: Beyond Jerry Jeudy and a few flashes from Isaiah Bond, they need a true WR1.
- Quarterback Clarity: Is Shedeur Sanders the guy? Or do they use that 6th pick to move up for a generational talent?
The 2026 Outlook
While the Cleveland Browns current score is stagnant for the next few months, the schedule for 2026 is already set. They’ll be hosting the Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Texans, and Colts.
It's a tough road.
But with two first-round picks and a new coaching staff on the way, the "vibes" in Cleveland are surprisingly optimistic. People aren't just looking at the 5-12 record; they’re looking at the fact that they ended the year with a two-game winning streak against division rivals.
In the AFC North, that counts for something.
Actionable Steps for Browns Fans
If you're following the team through the offseason, keep an eye on these specific dates:
- Late January: Watch the Senior Bowl. This is where Berry usually falls in love with mid-round prospects.
- February: The coaching search. This is the biggest domino. If they hire an offensive-minded coach, it tells you everything you need to know about their plan for Shedeur Sanders.
- March: Free agency. They have a decent amount of cap space, but they need to decide if they're keeping veterans like Joel Bitonio or Jack Conklin.
The 2025 season is over. The score is final. Now, the real work begins to make sure the 2026 score looks a whole lot better.