If you’re refreshing your sportsbook app or frantically checking Twitter to see who did the Cleveland Browns play today, I have some news that might be a little disappointing, or maybe a relief depending on how much you’ve stressed over this season.
The Cleveland Browns did not play a game today. Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026. If you follow the NFL calendar closely, you know we are currently sandwiched in that high-tension gap between the Wild Card round and the Divisional playoffs. While the league is buzzing with postseason energy, the Browns are already back in Berea (or on vacation) because their 2025-2026 campaign officially hit the finish line a couple of weeks ago.
The Browns Season Wrapped Up Early
Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching the regular-season finale. The Browns played their last game of the season on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
They went out on a high note, which is something for the "Dawg Pound" to chew on during the cold winter months. They traveled to Paycor Stadium to face their division rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, and managed to scrap together a 20-18 victory. It wasn't exactly a masterclass in offensive football—the Bengals actually outgained them significantly—but a win in the AFC North is a win.
That victory gave Cleveland a final record of 5-12.
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While 5-12 isn't the kind of record that gets you a parade, it did mean the Browns finished the season with back-to-back wins. Before beating Cincinnati, they took down the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 in Week 17. Ending the year by sweeping your two biggest rivals in the final two weeks? That’s basically the Cleveland version of a Super Bowl when the playoffs aren't on the table.
Why the Browns Aren't Playing in the Postseason
You might be wondering why a team that ended the year with momentum isn't playing today. The math just didn't work out. The AFC North was a bit of a meatgrinder this year, and the Browns struggled through a mid-season slump that buried their playoff hopes early.
- Final Standings: They finished 4th in the AFC North.
- Conference Rank: They weren't even close to the Wild Card conversation.
- Draft Positioning: On the bright side, that 5-12 record secured them the 6th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Because they aren't in the playoffs, the Browns are currently in "evaluation mode." General Manager Andrew Berry and Head Coach Kevin Stefanski are likely already grinding through tape and preparing for the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine.
Who Is Playing Today?
If you're just looking for some football to watch because you're used to the Thursday Night Football routine, you're out of luck there, too. The NFL usually clears the schedule on the Thursday before the Divisional Round.
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The upcoming playoff games are set for the weekend of January 17-18. That’s when the real heavy hitters like the Jacksonville Jaguars (who had a monster 13-4 season) and the Denver Broncos will be fighting for a spot in the Championship games.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since you won't find a score for who did the Cleveland Browns play today, the next best thing is looking at who they will play. The 2026 opponents are already locked in, even if the exact dates aren't.
Next season, the Browns have a pretty fascinating slate. They’ll be playing the entire AFC South and NFC South. That means games against:
- The Houston Texans (Home)
- The Indianapolis Colts (Home)
- The Atlanta Falcons (Home)
- The Jacksonville Jaguars (Away)
- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Away) - A potential reunion with Baker Mayfield?
They also have a date with the New York Jets and the Las Vegas Raiders. Of course, you can count on the usual home-and-away battles with the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers.
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What Fans Should Do Now
Since there’s no game to watch, the focus for Browns fans shifts entirely to the offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. Having that No. 6 pick is huge.
There's been a ton of talk about whether they'll stick with rookie Shedeur Sanders or look for more veteran help, especially after a season where the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm. Plus, Myles Garrett just set an NFL single-season record with 23 sacks, so the defense clearly has the "bones" to be elite if the other side of the ball can just do... literally anything.
Basically, today is a day for rest. No stress, no heart-breaking fourth-quarter fumbles, and no yelling at the TV.
If you're looking to stay productive as a fan, now is the time to start scouting the top college prospects. Look at the interior defensive line or perhaps another weapon for the passing game. The Browns also hold a second first-round pick from the Jaguars (thanks to the trade that landed DT Mason Graham last year), so the 2026 Draft could be the most important one in recent history for this franchise.
Check the playoff scores this weekend to see which of Cleveland's 2026 opponents are looking dangerous, but for today, the jersey can stay in the closet.