The Cleveland Browns season ended with a score that felt like a fever dream. If you missed the final whistle on January 4, 2026, the Cleveland Browns score was 20-18, a gritty, ugly, and somehow beautiful win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was the kind of game that defines AFC North football—a lot of mud, a lot of defense, and a kicker becoming the hero while the stars barely kept their heads above water.
Honestly, the 5-12 final record for the season looks pretty grim on paper. But for the fans in the Dawg Pound, those last sixty minutes at Paycor Stadium felt like a small, desperate victory for the future. You’ve got to look at how they actually got those 20 points, because the offense basically didn't show up.
The Cleveland Browns Score Breakdown: A Defensive Masterclass
The weirdest part about the Cleveland Browns score in this finale? The defense outscored the offense for most of the day. While rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggled to find a rhythm—throwing for only 111 yards—the defense decided to take matters into their own hands.
Devin Bush turned the game on its head early. He stepped in front of a Joe Burrow pass and took it 97 yards the other way for a touchdown. It was a massive momentum swing. Later, Sam Webb scooped up a fumble and sprinted 47 yards for another defensive score. By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the Browns had 14 points on the board without their offense even touching the end zone.
- Final Score: Browns 20, Bengals 18
- Defensive TDs: 2 (Bush 97-yard INT return, Webb 47-yard fumble return)
- The Game-Winner: Andre Szmyt 49-yard field goal
- Historical Milestone: Myles Garrett’s 23rd sack of the season
Myles Garrett finally did it, too. He’s been chasing that single-season sack record like a man possessed, and he officially hit 23 sacks by taking down Burrow late in the fourth. It’s funny how a season with only five wins can still produce a Hall of Fame-level individual performance.
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Why the Offense Felt So Quiet
It’s no secret that the Browns have been through the ringer. They moved on from the Kevin Stefanski era, and the transition has been rocky, to say the least. Sanders looked like a rookie out there. He was 11-of-22, which isn't exactly going to win you many games in the modern NFL.
But when it mattered most, the kid grew up a little.
After Ja'Marr Chase caught a touchdown to put the Bengals up 18-17 with only 1:29 left, everyone thought it was over. The Browns had no business winning. Yet, Sanders orchestrated a 40-yard drive in about a minute. He hit Isaiah Bond for a crucial 13-yard gain on third down and then found Jerry Jeudy to get the team into field goal range.
Andre Szmyt and the Final Kick
Kickers in Cleveland usually have a rough time, but Andre Szmyt ended 2025 on a high note. His 49-yarder as time expired didn't just change the Cleveland Browns score; it gave the team its first back-to-back win streak in two years.
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It was a bit of redemption for Szmyt. Back in Week 1, he missed a kick that cost them a 17-16 loss to these same Bengals. Football has a weird way of circling back like that.
The Bengals actually outgained the Browns significantly—364 total yards to Cleveland's 200. Cincinnati dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 35 minutes. Usually, when you lose the yardage battle and the possession battle that badly, you lose the game. But the Browns' defense forced two massive turnovers that resulted in 14 points. That is the only reason the score stayed competitive.
What This Means for the 2026 Draft
While the win felt good, it actually impacted the Browns' draft position. They ended up with the 6th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If they had lost, they might have been looking at a top-three spot.
General Manager Andrew Berry has a lot of capital to work with, though. Thanks to the Travis Hunter trade with Jacksonville, the Browns also hold the Jaguars' first-round pick. Depending on how Jacksonville finishes their playoff run, that could be another significant asset for a team that desperately needs offensive line help and maybe another weapon for Sanders.
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Actionable Next Steps for Browns Fans
Now that the 2025 season is officially in the rearview mirror, the focus shifts to the rebuild. Here is what you should be watching over the next few months:
Track the Coaching Search: With the season over, the Browns are officially looking for the person who will lead the Shedeur Sanders era. Watch for names like Mike McDaniel or rising coordinators who can fix the 31st-ranked offense.
Monitor the Draft Board: Keep an eye on the top offensive tackle prospects. The Browns struggled with protection all year, and with the 6th pick, they are in prime position to grab a foundational left tackle.
Free Agency Moves: The Browns have some cap space to play with. Look for them to target veteran wide receivers to help take the pressure off Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman.
The 20-18 win over the Bengals was a nice way to go out, but the real work starts now. The score told us the defense is elite, the kicker is reliable, and the quarterback is still a massive question mark.