If you’re checking your phone today wondering what was the score of the browns football game, you missed a finish that was basically the definition of "peak AFC North." The Cleveland Browns managed to pull off a literal last-second heist against the Cincinnati Bengals, finishing their season with a 20-18 victory at Paycor Stadium.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, for about three quarters, it felt like one of those games where neither team really wanted to take control. But in the end, a rookie kicker and a defensive legend ensured Cleveland went into the offseason with a win.
The Final Score: How the Browns Stole One in Cincy
The final score was Browns 20, Bengals 18.
If you just look at the box score, you might think it was a defensive slugfest. In reality, it was a game of missed opportunities and massive swings. The Bengals actually led 18-17 with only 1:29 left on the clock after Joe Burrow found Ja'Marr Chase for a 4-yard touchdown. It felt like the dagger. The Cincinnati crowd was deafening, and the Browns' offense—led by Shedeur Sanders—had been struggling all afternoon.
👉 See also: Dodgers Black Heritage Night 2025: Why It Matters More Than the Jersey
Then, the script flipped.
Sanders, who had been sacked six times and looked out of sync for most of the game, suddenly found his rhythm. He orchestrated a 10-play, 40-yard drive that didn't necessarily feature highlight-reel bombs, but it was efficient enough to move the chains. With time expiring, Andre Szmyt stepped onto the field.
Szmyt, who had missed two critical kicks earlier in the season against this very same Bengals team, drilled a 49-yard field goal as the clock hit zero. Game over. 20-18.
✨ Don't miss: College Football Top 10: What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Rankings
A Historic Day for Myles Garrett
While the score is what most people are searching for, the real story for many Browns fans was Myles Garrett. Coming into this game, everyone was watching the sack count. Garrett didn't disappoint.
With 5:16 left in the fourth quarter, Garrett broke through the line and took down Joe Burrow. That wasn't just any sack—it was his 23rd of the season, officially breaking the NFL single-season sack record. The game actually stopped for a moment as his teammates hoisted him onto their shoulders. It’s rare to see a record of that magnitude fall in the middle of a divisional scrap, but Garrett has been the heartbeat of this roster all year.
Defensive Chaos and Special Teams Woes
How did the Browns stay in this game while being outgained 364 to 200 in total yards? Short answer: The defense scored more touchdowns than the offense.
🔗 Read more: Cleveland Guardians vs Atlanta Braves Matches: Why This Interleague Rivalry Hits Different
- Devin Bush Jr. kicked things off with a massive 97-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter.
- Sam Webb followed that up in the second quarter with a 47-yard fumble recovery for a score.
The Browns actually went into halftime leading 14-12 despite only having 40 yards of total offense at the break. It was bizarre. Cincinnati's kicker, Evan McPherson, also had a rough day at the office, missing two extra points that ultimately proved to be the difference. When you lose by two points and your kicker leaves two points on the board, that’s a tough pill to swallow.
Why the Browns Score Matters for the Future
Despite the win, the Browns finished the 2025-2026 season with a 5-12 record. It’s a bit of a "good news, bad news" situation. The good news is they swept their final two games against the Steelers and Bengals. The bad news? The front office moved quickly, and head coach Kevin Stefanski was fired the very next day, January 5, 2026.
The victory in the finale didn't save jobs, but it did give the fan base a glimpse of what a post-Stefanski era might look like with Shedeur Sanders under center and Myles Garrett continuing his Hall of Fame trajectory.
Actionable Next Steps for Browns Fans
- Check the Draft Order: With a 5-12 record, the Browns are locked into a top-10 pick for the 2026 NFL Draft. Keep an eye on the scouting reports for offensive line depth.
- Coach Watch: Since the vacancy is official, follow local reporters like Mary Kay Cabot for the shortlist of candidates to replace Stefanski.
- Garrett Gear: If you're a memorabilia collector, now is the time to grab "23 Sacks" commemorative items before the off-season rush.
The 2025 season is officially in the books. It was a rollercoaster that ended on a high note in Cincinnati, but the real work for the "New Look Browns" starts now.