If you’re checking your phone or asking around to find out what is the score of the cincinnati bengals football game, the answer is a tough pill to swallow for the Who Dey nation. In their regular-season finale on January 4, 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals lost to the Cleveland Browns with a final score of 20-18. It wasn't just a loss; it was a heartbreak that unfolded in the final seconds at Paycor Stadium.
The game felt like a microcosm of a season that just couldn’t quite get over the hump. One minute you're celebrating a go-ahead touchdown, and the next, you're watching the opposing kicker nail a 49-yarder as the clock hits zero. That's basically how Sunday went.
How the Battle for Ohio Went Down
Honestly, the energy in Cincinnati was electric before kickoff, but the game quickly turned into a defensive slugfest. Joe Burrow was out there grinding, finishing the day with 236 passing yards and three touchdowns. He looked sharp, especially when targeting Ja'Marr Chase, who snagged the late 4-yard TD that supposedly "sealed" it.
But football is never that simple.
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The Browns, led by Shedeur Sanders, kept hanging around. Sanders didn't put up massive numbers—just 111 yards through the air—but he was efficient when it mattered most. The real story, though, was the Bengals' inability to keep the lead. After Chase’s touchdown put Cincinnati up 18-17 with only 1:29 left on the clock, the defense just couldn't get the stop they needed.
A Quick Look at the Final Numbers
- Final Score: Cleveland Browns 20, Cincinnati Bengals 18
- Bengals Record: 6-11
- Browns Record: 5-12
- Key Stat: Andre Szmyt’s 49-yard field goal as time expired.
The Bengals ended the 2025-2026 season with a 6-11 record. It’s a far cry from the Super Bowl expectations fans had back in August. Injuries played a part, sure, but the lack of consistency in the secondary was the glaring issue that stayed with them until the very last play of the year.
Why the Bengals Couldn't Hold On
You’ve gotta look at the turnovers. Earlier in the game, a 97-yard interception return by Cleveland's Devin Bush Jr. completely flipped the momentum. That’s a 14-point swing right there if you think about it. Then there was a Sam Webb fumble return for 47 yards. You simply cannot hand a professional team 14 points on defensive scores and expect to walk away with a comfortable win.
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Joe Burrow did everything he could. He connected with Tee Higgins for a 13-yard score in the second quarter, but Evan McPherson—usually the most reliable guy on the roster—missed the extra point. Those small errors add up. If those kicks go in, we aren't even talking about a game-winning field goal for Cleveland. We're talking about a Bengals victory.
The defense actually sacked Sanders six times. Cam Sample was a beast off the edge. But when the game was on the line during that final 10-play, 40-yard drive by the Browns, the pass rush went cold. Sanders found Isaiah Bond and Jerry Jeudy for crucial gains to get into field goal range, and Szmyt didn't miss.
What This Score Means for the Future
Now that the season is officially over, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency. The Bengals are finishing third in the AFC North, which gives them a specific slate of opponents for next year. We already know they’ll be hosting the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints at Paycor in 2026.
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The front office has some serious soul-searching to do. The offensive line actually held up better than in years past, but the defensive backfield was a revolving door. You can't let a rookie quarterback march down the field in under 90 seconds without a timeout and give up a game-winning kick. It just shouldn't happen at this level.
If you were looking for what is the score of the cincinnati bengals football game hoping for a playoff-bound result, I’m sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The Bengals are heading into the offseason with more questions than answers. Burrow is healthy, which is the biggest plus, but the supporting cast—especially on the defensive side of the ball—needs a massive overhaul if they want to compete with the Ravens and Steelers in 2026.
Next Steps for Bengals Fans
The 2025 season is in the books. To stay ahead of what’s coming next, keep an eye on the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine. The Bengals will likely be looking at cornerbacks and perhaps another interior defensive lineman early in the draft. You should also watch the status of Tee Higgins, as his contract situation will once again be the talk of the town in Cincy. The road back to the top of the AFC North starts now, and it’s going to be a long winter of analyzing what went wrong in those final seconds against Cleveland.