If you’re checking your phone or refreshing your feed to see who won the Browns game today, there's a simple, albeit slightly painful reality for the Dawg Pound: nobody won.
The Cleveland Browns didn't play today.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. While the NFL playoffs are currently in full swing with the Divisional Round—specifically featuring a slugfest between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos—the Browns are already back in Northeast Ohio, or perhaps on a beach somewhere, thinking about the 2026 NFL Draft. Their season officially ended nearly two weeks ago on January 4th.
The Final Score of the Season
The last time the Browns actually took the field, they pulled off something of a shocker. They traveled to Cincinnati for a Week 18 finale that, on paper, didn't mean much for the standings but meant everything for momentum.
In a wild, back-and-forth game at Paycor Stadium, the Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20-18.
It was a classic AFC North grinder. If you missed it, the ending was basically a heart attack in jersey form. Andre Szmyt, the kicker who has had his ups and downs, stepped up and nailed a 49-yard field goal as time expired. That kick didn't just win the game; it gave Cleveland their first two-game winning streak in two years.
Honestly, the game was a mess of turnovers and defensive scores. We saw a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown by Devin Bush Jr. and a 47-yard fumble return by Sam Webb. When your defense outscores your offense for most of the game, you know it's "Browns football."
Why Cleveland is Watching from Home
You've probably noticed the playoff energy in the air, and it's tough to see teams like the Steelers and Ravens still in the mix. The Browns finished the 2025-2026 season with a 5-12 record.
That's why there’s no game today.
They finished dead last in the AFC North. Despite that season-ending win against Joe Burrow and the Bengals, the damage was done much earlier in the year. The transition to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has been... well, it’s been a rollercoaster. Sanders showed flashes of brilliance, like his 364-yard performance against the Titans in December, but the consistency just wasn't there yet.
2025-2026 Final Standings:
- Steelers: 10-7 (Division Winners)
- Ravens: 8-9
- Bengals: 6-11
- Browns: 5-12
It's a bitter pill. But for fans asking who won the Browns game today, the answer is "the off-season." The front office is likely already deep into evaluations for the 13th overall pick in the upcoming draft.
What’s Next for the Dawg Pound?
Since there isn't a game to recap today, the focus shifts to a massive 2026 off-season. Kevin Stefanski survived a rough year, but the seat is getting warm. The big question in Berea is whether they stick with the "Shedeur Experiment" or look for more veteran stability.
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The 2026 opponents are already set, even if the dates aren't. We know the Browns will be facing the NFC South and the AFC South next year. That means home games against the Texans and Colts, and a road trip to see Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers.
If you're looking for live football right now, you'll have to settle for the Bills and Broncos. It’s high-level stuff, but it doesn't quite have that orange-and-brown grit.
Next Steps for Browns Fans:
- Check the Draft Order: With a 5-12 record, the Browns are locked into a top-15 pick. Watch the remaining playoff games to scout potential talent that might fall.
- Roster Health: Keep an eye on the injury reports for players like Nick Chubb and Myles Garrett as they begin their recovery and training cycles for the 2026 season.
- Free Agency Prep: The NFL league year resets in March. Cleveland has some cap space maneuvering to do if they want to bolster that offensive line for Sanders.
The season is over, but the work for 2026 has already started.