If you’re asking who did Bengals play last week, you likely already know the vibe in Cincinnati right now is... complicated. It wasn't just a game; it was the final chapter of a 2025 season that felt like a rollercoaster with a loose bolt.
The Cincinnati Bengals wrapped up their season at Paycor Stadium against their long-time rivals, the Cleveland Browns.
Honestly, it was a game that summarized the entire year. High hopes, flashes of brilliance from Joe Burrow, and a finish that left fans staring at the ceiling. The Bengals fell 20-18 in a Week 18 matchup that took place on Sunday, January 4, 2026. If you missed it, you missed a weird one. We’re talking about a game where the defense scored more touchdowns for the opponent than the actual offense did.
That Browns Game: What Actually Happened?
Look, playing the Browns is always a grind. They call it the Battle of Ohio for a reason. Even though Cleveland came into this game with a struggling record, they played like it was the Super Bowl. Maybe it’s because they had nothing to lose. Or maybe it’s because Myles Garrett was hunting history.
The final score was 20-18 in favor of Cleveland.
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It’s kind of wild when you look at the box score. The Bengals actually outgained the Browns by a massive margin. Cincinnati put up 364 total yards compared to Cleveland’s 200. Usually, when you double a team's yardage, you walk away with a comfortable win. Not this time.
The "why" is pretty painful. Joe Burrow threw a 97-yard pick-six to Devin Bush. Then, tight end Noah Fant fumbled, which Sam Webb scooped up and took 47 yards for another defensive touchdown. Basically, the Bengals gave away 14 points on two plays. You can't do that in the NFL. You just can't.
The Stats That Matter (and Some That Just Hurt)
- Joe Burrow: 29 of 39 for 236 yards and 3 TDs. On paper? Great. In reality? That one interception changed everything.
- Ja’Marr Chase: 8 catches, 96 yards, and a clutch touchdown. He showed why he’s still the WR1 in most people’s eyes.
- Chase Brown: He officially hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark during this game. A huge milestone for him, even if the result sucked.
- The Kicking Situation: Evan McPherson, who is usually "Money Mac," missed two extra points. In a two-point loss, those misses haunt you.
Why This Game Was Different
When you think about who did Bengals play last week, you have to realize the context. This wasn't just a random January game. It was the "Shedeur Sanders Game" for Cleveland and the "Myles Garrett Record Game."
Garrett finally broke the NFL single-season sack record, dropping Burrow for his 23rd sack of the year late in the fourth quarter. It’s a bit of a sting that it happened on Cincinnati’s home turf.
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Then there’s the ending. After Ja'Marr Chase caught a 4-yard TD to put the Bengals up 18-17 with only 1:29 left, it felt like the game was over. The Jungle was loud. But Shedeur Sanders—who has had a rocky rookie year—managed to pilot a 40-yard drive. It set up Andre Szmyt for a 49-yard field goal as time expired.
Ball game. Season over.
The 6-11 Reality Check
The loss moved the Bengals to a 6-11 final record for the 2025-2026 season. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a team that not too long ago was a regular in the AFC Championship conversation.
Why has it been so hard lately? Well, injuries played a massive role again. Burrow missed a chunk of the middle of the season with that turf toe issue. We saw Joe Flacco step in and play surprisingly well—like that 470-yard game against the Bears—but the consistency just wasn't there.
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The defense also took a step back. They spent a lot of money on the offense, and it showed on the other side of the ball. Opposing teams found it way too easy to move the chains in critical moments.
What People Are Getting Wrong About the Bengals
A lot of folks are calling for Zac Taylor’s head. But if you look at the official statements coming out of the front office this week, owner Mike Brown has already confirmed that both Taylor and Duke Tobin are staying put for 2026.
The narrative that the team is "broken" might be a bit of an exaggeration. They lost five games this year by three points or less. If McPherson hits a few of those kicks, or if a bounce goes their way against the Jets or Bills, we’re talking about a playoff team.
What’s Next for the Bengals?
Now that the season is officially dead and buried, the focus shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft and free agency.
- Protecting #9: The offensive line still feels like a construction zone. With guys like Lucas Patrick and Dalton Risner hitting free agency, the Bengals have to decide if they’re going to pay up or draft fresh blood.
- Defensive Overhaul: The rookie class didn't produce much this year outside of Demetrius Knight Jr. They need a pass rush that doesn't just rely on Trey Hendrickson.
- The Cap Space Game: They have some room to move, but with the massive contracts for Burrow and Chase kicking in, they have to be surgical.
If you’re looking for a silver lining, it’s that the Bengals will likely have a top-10 draft pick. That’s a prime spot to snag a generational tackle or a blue-chip edge rusher.
The 2025 season might have ended with a whimper against the Browns, but the core—Burrow, Chase, Higgins—is still there. Whether they can actually build a complete team around them before the window shuts is the $100 million question.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check the Draft Order: Keep an eye on the official NFL draft order now that the regular season is over; the Bengals are currently projected to pick 7th or 8th.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: While Taylor is safe, watch for changes in the positional coaches, especially on the defensive side and the O-line.
- Follow Free Agency Rumors: The legal tampering period starts in March. Look for the Bengals to be linked to veteran interior linemen.