You've felt it if you've ever stood in a parking lot in Columbus. It's that weird tension where the state of Ohio splits right down the middle. North of I-70, it’s all orange and brown. South of it? Tiger stripes. When we talk about cleveland browns vs bengals live, we aren’t just talking about a game on a Sunday afternoon. We are talking about the "Battle of Ohio," a rivalry born from a literal family feud involving the legendary Paul Brown.
Honestly, the 2025-2026 season finale we just witnessed on January 4, 2026, was the perfect example of why this matchup is never boring. Even with both teams out of the playoff hunt, they played like a Lombardi Trophy was on the line.
The Chaos of the Recent Cleveland Browns vs Bengals Live Finale
The most recent showdown at Paycor Stadium was a total heartbreaker for Cincy fans. I mean, imagine this: Joe Burrow finally looks like himself again after a season of nagging injuries. Ja’Marr Chase is out there setting records—he literally became the only player in NFL history with 120-plus catches in consecutive seasons during this game.
The Bengals take an 18-17 lead with only 72 seconds left on the clock. You’re thinking, "Okay, this is it. We end the season on a high note."
Then, Shedeur Sanders—who has had a wild rookie year in Cleveland—starts dealing. He didn't have the best stats on paper, going 11 for 22, but he moved the chains when it mattered. He found Jerry Jeudy for a clutch 11-yard gain to get them into field goal range. And then there’s Andre Szmyt. The kid missed a game-winner in Week 1 against these same Bengals, but with the clock hitting zero, he drilled a 49-yarder to win it 20-18.
The Browns didn't even score an offensive touchdown until the very end. Their points came from a 97-yard interception return by Devin Bush Jr. and a 47-yard fumble return by Sam Webb. That’s just "AFCN" football. It’s ugly. It’s gritty. It’s exactly why we watch.
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Myles Garrett and the Record That Shook Cincinnati
While everyone was focused on the score, Myles Garrett was hunting. He entered the game needing one big play to make history. In the fourth quarter, he absolutely bullied the left side of the line and dropped Burrow for his 23rd sack of the season.
That is the new NFL single-season record.
It’s sorta poetic that he broke it against a division rival. Burrow, to his credit, was incredibly classy about it afterward, but you could tell that sack changed the momentum of the final drive. Garrett is a cheat code. Period.
How to Catch Cleveland Browns vs Bengals Live in 2026
If you’re looking to watch the next installment of this rivalry, the 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape. Since both teams are in the AFC North, they are guaranteed to play twice—once at Huntington Bank Field (formerly Cleveland Browns Stadium) and once at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
Usually, these games are staples for the CBS afternoon slot, which means you can stream them through:
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- Paramount+: This is the easiest way if you have the local CBS broadcast in your area.
- NFL+: Great for mobile viewing, though it’s restricted to phones and tablets for live local games.
- YouTube TV / NFL Sunday Ticket: The go-to if you live outside of Ohio and need to see every snap.
- FuboTV: A solid cable-cutter option that carries all the local affiliates.
The broadcast teams often feature guys like Tom McCarthy or Jay Feely, but for the big December or January matchups, don't be surprised if the "A-team" shows up if there are playoff implications.
Breaking Down the All-Time Series
The Bengals currently lead the all-time series 56-49. It’s remarkably close when you consider the Browns "didn't exist" for a few years in the late 90s.
People forget that Paul Brown founded the Bengals specifically because he was fired from the Browns. He kept the colors almost the same just to spite the Cleveland ownership. That level of pettiness is the foundation of this entire rivalry.
Historically, the streaks in this series are insane. Cleveland once won 14 straight. Cincinnati once won 13. Right now, it’s a back-and-forth affair. In 2025, they split the series. Cincy took a nail-biter 17-16 in Week 1, and Cleveland got their revenge 20-18 in Week 18. Total point differential over two games? Zero.
What to Watch For in the Next Matchup
Looking ahead to the 2026 meetings, the storylines are already writing themselves.
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1. The Quarterback Progression
Joe Burrow is entering that "veteran elite" stage of his career, while Shedeur Sanders is trying to prove he’s the long-term answer for Cleveland. Watching a young, mobile QB try to out-process a mastermind like Burrow is a chess match.
2. The Receiver Battle
Tee Higgins hit a career-high 11 touchdowns this past season. On the other side, Cleveland is leaning heavily on Jerry Jeudy and the speed of Isaiah Bond. The secondary play in the AFC North is notoriously physical, so seeing how these refs call "hand-fighting" usually decides the game.
3. The Run Game Identity
Chase Brown has officially taken over the Cincy backfield, hitting his first 1,000-yard season in 2025. Cleveland, meanwhile, is trying to find consistency after a series of injuries to their backfield. If one team can’t run the ball, the pass rushers (Garrett and Hendrickson) will simply take over the game.
Actionable Tips for Fans Planning to Watch Live
If you’re planning on attending one of these games in person or hosting a watch party, here is how to handle it:
- Check the Flex: The NFL loves moving Browns-Bengals games to Sunday Night or late afternoon if the division is on the line. Don't book your travel until the 12-day flex window has passed.
- Colors Matter: If you’re at Paycor, wear the stripes. If you’re in Cleveland, stay away from orange and black unless you want some very loud "constructive criticism" from the Dawg Pound.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Both teams have been snake-bitten recently. In the Jan 4 game, Cleveland had 17 players on the report. Always check the Friday status before placing any friendly wagers or setting your fantasy lineup.
The Battle of Ohio is more than a game; it’s a measurement of where football stands in the Midwest. Whether it's a Week 17 slugfest or a Week 1 opener, the intensity never dips.
Next Steps for Fans:
To stay ahead of the next cleveland browns vs bengals live event, sync your calendar with the official NFL schedule release in May 2026. If you plan on traveling to Cincinnati, look for hotels in the Banks district at least three months in advance, as they sell out fast during divisional weekends. For those watching from home, ensure your Paramount+ or YouTube TV subscription is active at least 48 hours before kickoff to avoid login issues during the pre-game show.