The 2025-26 NFL season for the Cleveland Browns felt like a fever dream that finally broke on a cold Sunday in Cincinnati. If you’re looking for a quick answer, the Cleveland Browns score in their final game on January 4, 2026, was a narrow 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
It was a weird, gritty game at Paycor Stadium. Honestly, the kind of game that summarizes the chaos of being a Browns fan. You have a defense that scores more than the offense, a rookie quarterback trying to find his footing, and a kicker who went from being the most hated man in Cleveland to a local hero in the span of four months.
Breaking Down the Browns 20-18 Win Over Cincinnati
This game was basically a tale of two halves, but with a lot of defensive fireworks in between. The Browns finished their season with a 5-12 record, but somehow, they walked out of Cincinnati feeling like they’d won the Super Bowl.
The hero? Andre Szmyt.
The kid had a rough start to the year. Back in Week 1, he missed an extra point and a field goal that cost the Browns a 17-16 loss to these same Bengals. Fast forward to the season finale, and he nails a 49-yard field goal as time expired to seal the win. Talk about a redemption arc.
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The Defensive Masterclass (and Offensive Struggles)
At halftime, the box score looked like a prank. The Bengals had 231 total yards. The Browns had 40. The Bengals had 14 first downs. The Browns had 2. Yet, the Browns were leading 14-12.
How does that even happen?
- Devin Bush snagged a 97-yard Pick-6.
- Sam Webb scooped up a fumble and returned it 47 yards for another touchdown.
It was essentially a game where the defense said, "Don't worry, we'll do it ourselves." Joe Burrow was efficient—he finished 29 of 39 for 236 yards and three touchdowns—but those two massive mistakes turned the tide.
Myles Garrett Makes History
While the final score was the main story, the "game within the game" was Myles Garrett. He entered the day chasing the single-season sack record. With 5:16 left in the fourth quarter, he finally got home.
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Garrett took down Burrow for his 23rd sack of the season, officially breaking the NFL record. The Browns' sideline absolutely lost it. They literally hoisted him on their shoulders during a timeout. Even in a 5-win season, watching a future Hall of Famer hit that milestone was something special.
Why the Score of the Cleveland Browns Game Mattered
Normally, a Week 18 game between two teams with losing records doesn't move the needle. This one was different. It was the end of the Kevin Stefanski era.
The win brought the Browns to 5-12, but it wasn't enough to save jobs. On January 5, 2026, the day after the game, the Browns officially fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. It’s sort of a bittersweet way to go out—winning your final game against a division rival but knowing the moving trucks are already at the house.
Shedeur Sanders: A Work in Progress
This game also gave us another look at Shedeur Sanders under center. It wasn't pretty. He went 11-of-22 for 111 yards. No touchdowns. No picks, which is good, but he was sacked three times and lost a fumble early.
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However, when the game was on the line, he did just enough. After Ja'Marr Chase caught a 4-yard TD to put the Bengals up 18-17 with only 1:29 left, Sanders directed a 10-play, 40-yard drive. He hit Isaiah Bond for a crucial 13-yard gain on 3rd-and-10 to keep the chains moving and set up Szmyt for the winner.
What’s Next for Cleveland?
The season is over, and the "what was the score" questions have turned into "who is the coach" questions. The Browns are officially in the hunt for a new leader to navigate the 2026 season. They hold the No. 6 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and the roster needs are clear:
- Offensive Line: With Joel Bitonio considering retirement and injuries piling up, the front needs a total retooling.
- Quarterback: Is Shedeur the guy, or do they look at the draft board again?
- Coaching: Names like Jim Schwartz (the current DC) or even high-profile external candidates are already being floated in Cleveland circles.
The 20-18 win gave the fans one last reason to cheer, but the real work starts now. If you're keeping tabs on the off-season, keep an eye on the coaching search and the draft order, as that No. 6 pick is going to be the cornerstone of whatever this team becomes next year.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch the Draft Order: The Browns are locked into the 6th spot. Look at mocks focusing on offensive tackle or secondary help.
- Coaching Search: Follow local beat writers like Tony Grossi or Mary Kay Cabot for the latest on the Stefanski replacement.
- Season Tickets: Renewal windows usually open soon; weigh the new coaching hire before committing for 2026.