Who knew a meaningless Week 18 Battle of Ohio could deliver NFL history and redemption in one afternoon?
The Cleveland Browns closed out their tough 2025 season with back-to-back division wins, rallying for a dramatic 20-18 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on January 4, 2026—thanks to Myles Garrett’s record-breaking sack and Andre Szmyt’s walk-off field goal.
Score Summary
Defense dominated early, with Cleveland scoring twice via turnovers before a late offensive surge:
1st Quarter: Bengals 6, Browns 0 – Chase Brown 4-yard TD pass from Joe Burrow (PAT blocked).
2nd Quarter: Browns 14, Bengals 0 – Devin Bush 97-yard pick-six; Sam Webb 47-yard fumble return TD after Jerome Baker strip of Noah Fant.
3rd Quarter: Browns 3, Bengals 0 – Andre Szmyt field goal.
4th Quarter: Browns 3, Bengals 12 – Tee Higgins one-handed TD catch (missed PAT); Szmyt 49-yard FG as time expired for the win.
Turning Points
Defensive Scores Flip Script: Two quick non-offensive TDs (pick-six and fumble return) gave Cleveland a 14-6 lead despite early struggles.
Garrett’s Historic Sack: In the fourth quarter, Myles Garrett’s takedown of Burrow for No. 23 set the NFL single-season record, killing a Bengals drive and preserving momentum.
Missed PATs Haunt Cincinnati: Blocked and missed extra points kept the door open for Cleveland’s comeback.
Late Rally and Walk-Off: After Ja’Marr Chase’s TD grab gave Bengals an 18-17 lead with 1:29 left, rookie QB Shedeur Sanders led a clutch drive, setting up Szmyt’s redemption kick (after his Week 1 miss vs. Cincinnati cost a win).
Standout Performances
Myles Garrett (Browns DE): Record 23rd sack; constant pressure in a legendary performance.
Shedeur Sanders (Browns QB, Rookie): Struggled early but delivered key completions on game-winning drive (e.g., to Jerry Jeudy and Isaiah Bond).
Andre Szmyt (Browns K): Game-winning 49-yarder; earlier FG for crucial points.
Defense (Browns): Two defensive TDs (Bush, Webb); forced fumbles and picks.
Joe Burrow (Bengals QB): Orchestrated late TD drive; battled despite pressure.
Both teams were long eliminated entering Week 18, playing only for pride, draft position, and individual milestones. The Browns finish 5-12 with positive momentum (two straight wins) but face an uncertain offseason—questions around HC Kevin Stefanski, QB development for Shedeur Sanders, and building around Garrett. The loss drops Cincinnati to 6-11, denying a three-win streak to end the year and likely securing a top-10 draft pick; focus shifts to bolstering defense around Joe Burrow and decisions on free agents. A fittingly chaotic end to disappointing seasons for these AFC North rivals.
