Man, if you're a Bengals fan, the last few months have been a complete rollercoaster. Or maybe more like a brick falling off a building. People keep asking, "What's the score of the Cincinnati Bengals?" like there's one simple answer, but the reality is way messier than a single box score.
The Bengals wrapped up their 2025-2026 regular season with a frustrating 18-20 loss against the Cleveland Browns on January 4, 2026.
Yeah, you read that right. They lost by two points at home to a Browns team that basically had nothing to play for. It was a classic "trap game" that didn't even have a trap because everyone knew the season was already circling the drain. That final score really put the cherry on top of a 6-11 season that most of us in the "Who Dey" nation would rather forget.
Why the Cincinnati Bengals Score Tells a Sadder Story Than You Think
If you just look at the 18-20 final from that last game, it looks like a close, competitive NFL matchup. It wasn't. Honestly, it was a slog. Joe Burrow went 23 for 36 for 236 yards and a touchdown, which sounds fine on paper, but the offense just couldn't find the end zone when it mattered.
Chase was doing his thing—96 yards on the day—but the connection felt... off. Sorta like they were already thinking about their off-season vacation plans in Cabo.
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The Breakdown of the Season's Final Stretch
Looking at the what's the score of the Cincinnati Bengals across their final five games reveals a team that had a weird, late-season identity crisis.
- Week 14: They lost a shootout to the Buffalo Bills, 34-39. This was actually a fun game to watch, even if the result sucked.
- Week 15: A total embarrassment. They got shut out by the Ravens, 0-24. At home. In December. That's the kind of score that gets coaches fired or at least makes them lose a lot of sleep.
- Week 16: Suddenly, they look like Super Bowl contenders again? They crushed the Dolphins 45-21.
- Week 17: They kept the momentum going, beating the Cardinals 37-14.
- Week 18: And then, the 18-20 thud against Cleveland.
Basically, the Bengals were the most inconsistent team in the AFC North. They finished 3rd in the division, which is technically better than the Browns (who finished 5-12), but it doesn't feel like a win.
The Numbers Nobody Wants to Talk About
Most people just want the live score, but if you're trying to figure out why the Bengals are where they are, you have to look at the defense. Or the lack of one.
For the second year in a row, the Bengals' defense ranked near the bottom of the league. It's tough to win when you're giving up 47 points to the Chicago Bears (which happened in Week 9, by the way—final score 42-47). That's a Madden score, not a professional football score.
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Joe Burrow’s Health vs. Production
Is Joe 100%? That’s the million-dollar question in Cincy. He finished the season with decent stats, but the explosive "big play" ability seemed muted compared to that magical 2021 run.
There's a lot of talk about the offensive line, too. It’s the same old song, right? Burrow gets pressured, the play breaks down, and we’re left hoping for a Ja'Marr Chase miracle. Sometimes it happens. Often, it doesn't.
What Happens Now?
Since the Bengals missed the playoffs for the third straight year, the conversation has shifted from "What's the score?" to "Who's staying?"
Zac Taylor is under a massive microscope. The fans are restless. When you have a generational talent at quarterback and a superstar receiver like Chase (who made 1st Team All-Pro again, by the way), a 6-11 record is unacceptable.
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Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to keep up with the team during this long, cold off-season, here is what you actually need to do:
- Watch the Draft Order: Because they finished 6-11, the Bengals are looking at a top-10 pick. Keep an eye on the scouting reports for offensive tackles and interior defensive linemen.
- Free Agency Fever: The Bengals have some cap space. March is going to be huge. If they don't sign a legitimate veteran pass rusher, expect another season of high-scoring losses.
- Check the 2026 Opponents: The schedule for next year is already set based on their 3rd place finish. They’ll be playing a "3rd place schedule," which should be easier, but in the NFL, there are no easy weeks.
The era of just being happy to be there is over. The Bengals have the talent, but the scores from this past season prove that talent without consistency equals a lot of lonely Sundays in January.
For now, the only score that matters is 0-0, because the 2026 season can't get here fast enough.