If you turned off the TV before the clock hit zero, you missed the most chaotic ending of an otherwise frustrating season. Honestly, being a Browns fan is exhausting, but the way they wrapped things up this year was actually kind of poetic. The final score of the browns game was a gritty 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026.
It wasn't a masterpiece. Not even close.
But for a team that has spent most of the 2025-2026 season looking for an identity, walk-off wins at Paycor Stadium are always worth talking about. Especially when they involve a rookie quarterback and a kicker looking for redemption.
How the Final Score of the Browns Game Settled at 20-18
The game was a defensive slugfest from the jump. You’ve got to give credit to Jim Schwartz’s unit because they were basically the only reason Cleveland stayed in this one. While the offense struggled to move the chains for three quarters, the defense decided to score the points themselves.
Early in the first half, Devin Bush Jr. picked off Joe Burrow and took it 97 yards to the house. Then, Sam Webb scooped up a fumble for a 47-yard score. Think about that: the Browns scored two defensive touchdowns before their offense even woke up.
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But the Bengals aren't exactly easy to put away. Burrow eventually found his rhythm, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for a 4-yard touchdown with just 1:29 left on the clock. At that point, the score was 18-17 in favor of Cincinnati. The stadium was rocking, and it felt like another classic "find a way to lose" moment for Cleveland.
The Game-Winning Drive
Shedeur Sanders had other plans. Despite only throwing for 111 yards all day, he kept his cool when it mattered most. He orchestrated a 10-play, 40-yard drive that didn't feature any highlight-reel bombs, just smart, situational football. A 13-yard catch by Isaiah Bond on third-and-10 saved the game. Then an 11-yard strike to Jerry Jeudy put them in field goal range.
With no time left, Andre Szmyt stepped up. After missing a crucial kick against the Bengals back in Week 1, he drilled a 49-yarder as the whistle blew. Final score: 20-18.
Breaking Down the Numbers: Why it Was So Ugly
If you look at the stat sheet, you’d wonder how Cleveland won. They were outgained 364 to 200 in total yardage. That is a massive gap.
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The passing game was basically non-existent for long stretches, with the Browns finishing with only 82 net passing yards. You just don't see teams win in the modern NFL with fewer than 100 passing yards very often. But turnovers are the great equalizer. The Browns forced two huge mistakes from a high-powered Bengals offense and turned both of them into six points.
- Total Yards: Bengals 364, Browns 200
- Time of Possession: Bengals 35:34, Browns 24:26
- Turnovers: Bengals 2, Browns 1
- Sacks: Bengals 6, Browns 2
Myles Garrett did his part, too. He finally secured his 23rd sack of the season during this game, setting a new NFL single-season record. It’s sort of wild that a record-breaking defensive performance happened in a game where the team finished 5-12, but that’s the Cleveland experience in a nutshell.
What This Result Means for the Offseason
Even though the final score of the browns game was a win, it doesn't mask the reality of a 5-12 season. Finishing at the bottom of the AFC North is a bitter pill to swallow, especially when the Steelers are heading to the playoffs with 10 wins.
The victory gave Cleveland two straight wins to end the year, which is basically the only momentum they have heading into a massive offseason. There is already talk about coaching changes and how the front office will handle the next draft. Does Shedeur Sanders' late-game heroics earn him the undisputed starting job for 2026? Or was the lack of offensive production throughout the rest of the game a sign that they need more help?
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Most fans are looking at the defensive side of the ball with a bit more optimism. You have the sack king in Garrett and a secondary that can clearly score points on their own. But the offense needs a total overhaul if they want to avoid another year of living and dying by the foot of a kicker in the final seconds.
Immediate Next Steps for Fans
If you're following the team's trajectory after this season finale, keep a close eye on the NFL Draft order. With a 5-12 record, the Browns are sitting on a high pick that could redefine the roster. You should also watch the "Head Coach Interview Tracker" on the official team site, as the rumors about Kevin Stefanski’s future are only going to get louder now that the season is officially over.
Check the final 2025-2026 standings to see how the rest of the AFC North finished, then start looking toward the 2026 opponent list which includes the AFC East and NFC East next year. It’s not going to be an easy road back to the top.
Next Steps for Browns Fans:
- Monitor the Draft Lottery: Confirm Cleveland's exact position in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Scout Offensive Talent: Look at the upcoming free-agent wide receivers to see who can help stretch the field for Sanders.
- Track Coaching Updates: Follow local beat writers for news on potential staff changes in the coming weeks.
The 20-18 win over Cincinnati was a nice way to go out, but the real work starts on Monday morning.