If you're asking about the score of the Cincinnati Bengals game, you probably missed a heartbreaker. Honestly, looking at the scoreboard doesn't tell half the story of how that Week 18 matchup unfolded at Paycor Stadium.
The final score was 20-18 in favor of the Cleveland Browns.
It was a cold, sunny Sunday afternoon on January 4, 2026. The Bengals entered the game hoping to finish a rough season on a high note, but the Battle of Ohio had other plans. Despite outgaining the Browns by over 150 yards, Cincinnati fell victim to the kind of "preventable errors" that Joe Burrow later lamented in the locker room.
The Final Score of the Cincinnati Bengals Game Explained
The Bengals (6-11) lost a nail-biter that stayed competitive until the very last second.
You've probably seen the highlight of Andre Szmyt’s 49-yard field goal. It sailed through the uprights as time expired, capping off a 10-play, 40-yard drive led by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. For Bengals fans, it was a cruel way to end the 2025-2026 season, especially since Ja'Marr Chase had just given Cincinnati an 18-17 lead with a 4-yard touchdown catch only 89 seconds earlier.
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Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
- 1st Quarter: The Bengals struck first with a 4-yard TD pass from Burrow to Chase Brown, though the extra point was blocked. The Browns responded with a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown by Devin Bush. (CLE 7, CIN 6)
- 2nd Quarter: Burrow found Tee Higgins for a 13-yard score. The Browns answered with a touchdown of their own before the half. (CLE 14, CIN 12)
- 3rd Quarter: A defensive stalemate. Cleveland managed a field goal to extend their lead. (CLE 17, CIN 12)
- 4th Quarter: The Bengals took the lead late on a Ja'Marr Chase touchdown, but failed the 2-point conversion. Szmyt hit the game-winner at the buzzer. (CLE 20, CIN 18)
Why the Stats Didn't Match the Scoreboard
It’s kinda wild when you look at the box score. Usually, when a team has 24 first downs and the other only has 11, the team with 24 wins.
Not this time.
Cincinnati dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for over 35 minutes compared to Cleveland’s 24. Joe Burrow put up 236 yards and three touchdowns. On the other side, Shedeur Sanders was held to just 111 passing yards.
So, how did they lose?
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Turnovers and penalties. The 97-yard pick-six in the first quarter was a massive 14-point swing. Plus, a missed extra point and a failed 2-point conversion meant the Bengals left three "easy" points on the field. In a two-point game, that is basically the entire story.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Season Finale
Many fans think this game was a meaningless "basement bowl" between two teams out of the playoffs.
Actually, it was a historic day for the rival across the field. Cleveland’s Myles Garrett broke the NFL single-season sack record during this game, a feat that overshadowed much of the Bengals' offensive rhythm.
Furthermore, this game was the final straw for Cleveland’s coaching staff; despite the win, the Browns fired Kevin Stefanski the following Monday. It’s rare to see a team win their season finale and then immediately clean house, but that's the AFC North for you.
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Taking Action: What’s Next for the Bengals?
The score of the Cincinnati Bengals game confirms they will pick 10th in the 2026 NFL Draft.
If you're a Who Dey faithful, the focus now shifts entirely to the offseason. The roster is set to face some serious changes, but there is a silver lining. Because they finished third in the division, the 2026 schedule is officially set.
Here is what you can do to prepare for next season:
- Track the Draft: With the 10th overall pick, experts like Mel Kiper are already mocking offensive line help or a high-end defensive tackle to Cincinnati.
- Monitor Free Agency: Keep an eye on the "Core Three." Keeping Burrow, Chase, and Higgins together is the priority, but the cap space is getting tight.
- Check the 2026 Opponents: We already know the Bengals will host the Kansas City Chiefs and travel to face the Miami Dolphins next year.
The 2025 season might be over, but the road back to the top of the AFC North starts with fixing the mental errors that defined this 20-18 loss. Watch the waiver wire and the coaching staff changes—this is where the next season is won.