Quick answer
- Winner
- Cleveland Browns
- Final score
- Cleveland Browns 20–18 Cincinnati Bengals
- Halftime
- Cleveland Browns 14–12 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- Ja'Marr Chase
- Top passer
- Joe Burrow
- Biggest EPA play
- (1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.B…
- Game date
- 2026-01-04
Game summary
The Cleveland Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20–18 on 2026-01-04. Ja'Marr Chase posted a game-high +7.87 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 18 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Cleveland Browns | 7 | 7 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 20 |
 Cincinnati Bengals | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 18 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
CLECleveland Browns
(8:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
(14:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 86-N.Fant to CIN 46 for 5 yards (17-J.Baker; 9-G.Delpit). FUMBLES (17-J.Baker), RECOVERED by CLE-27-S.Webb at CIN 47. 27-S.Webb for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-27-S.Webb, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down by contact ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
(:33) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CLE-27-S.Webb, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
(8:05) 25-A.Szmyt 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
(1:34) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CLE-27-S.Webb was injured during the play.
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.Burrow pass to 88-M.Gesicki is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.
(:03) 25-A.Szmyt 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. ** Injury Update: CIN-23-D.Hill has returned to the game.
END GAME
CINCincinnati BengalsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q1 8:02TD Charles BrownPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 4
- Score
- 0-6
(8:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q1 1:11TD Devin BushPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 7
- Score
- 6-6
(1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q1 0:56XP Andre SzmytPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 30
- Score
- 7-6
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 14:19TD Noah FantPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 59
- Score
- 13-6
(14:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 86-N.Fant to CIN 46 for 5 yards (17-J.Baker; 9-G.Delpit). FUMBLES (17-J.Baker), RECOVERED by CLE-27-S.Webb at CIN 47. 27-S.Webb for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-27-S.Webb, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards, enforced between downs. The Replay Official reviewed the runner was not down by contact ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field stands.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q2 14:06XP Andre SzmytPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 30
- Score
- 14-6
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:33TD Tee HigginsPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 13
- Score
- 14-12
(:33) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CLE-27-S.Webb, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q3 8:05FG Andre SzmytPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 9
- Score
- 17-12
(8:05) 25-A.Szmyt 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 1:34TD Ja'Marr ChasePoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 4
- Score
- 17-18
(1:34) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CLE-27-S.Webb was injured during the play.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 1:29TD Mike GesickiPoints+6
- Yard line
- CLE 2
- Score
- 17-18
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.Burrow pass to 88-M.Gesicki is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q4 0:03FG Andre SzmytPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 31
- Score
- 20-18
(:03) 25-A.Szmyt 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. ** Injury Update: CIN-23-D.Hill has returned to the game.
- CLECleveland Browns
Q4 0:00FG Points+3
- Yard line
- —
- Score
- 20-18
END GAME
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1Ja'Marr Chase · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +7.87 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 2
Jerry Jeudy · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +2.73 total EPA · 1 snaps · +2.73 EPA/play - 3Charles Brown · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +2.38 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
- 4Mike Gesicki · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +2.22 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.74 EPA/play
- 5
Cedric Tillman · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.20 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.10 EPA/play - 6
Malachi Corley · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.70 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play - 7
Drew Sample · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.31 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.44 EPA/play - 8
Raheim Sanders · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.22 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.22 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Ja'Marr Chase — CIN · Receiving
Ja'Marr Chase posted the highest total EPA (+7.87) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cincinnati Bengals. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.79 EPA per play.
Ja'Marr Chase's top snap (+2.01 EPA): (1:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 1-J.Chase to CLE 4 for 21 yards (27-S.Webb).
Biggest single play (-12.62 EPA): Joe Burrow — (1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Condu
Quarterback report card
Joe Burrow led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) · 43 dropbacks · 67.4% completion · +6.8% CPOE · -0.28 EPA/play · -11.84 total EPA
Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns) · 30 dropbacks · 36.7% completion · -11.8% CPOE · -0.28 EPA/play · -8.41 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Cleveland Browns | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.095 | -0.134 |
| Offensive success rate | 35.8% | 54.8% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.280 | -0.275 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.086 | +0.198 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.134 | +0.095 |
| Defensive success rate | 45.2% | 64.2% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cleveland Browns -0.10, Cincinnati Bengals -0.13) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Cleveland Browns: -0.10 EPA/play (24th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: -0.13 EPA/play (18th percentile vs. 2025 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 11 drives, -11.23 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
- Cleveland Browns: 11 drives, -6.36 total EPA, 2 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cincinnati Bengals — Charles Brown (Joe Burrow pass)
- Cleveland Browns — Devin Bush
- Cleveland Browns — Noah Fant (Joe Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — Tee Higgins (Joe Burrow pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — Ja'Marr Chase (Joe Burrow pass)
Field goals
- Cleveland Browns — Andre Szmyt
- Cleveland Browns — Andre Szmyt
- Cleveland Browns — unlisted player
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–6. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 4 (Q1 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the CLE 7 (Q1 1:11); Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the CIN 30 (Q1 0:56) — 25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez..
The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–6. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the CLE 59 (Q2 14:19); Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the CIN 30 (Q2 14:06) — 25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 13 (Q2 0:33).
The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 3–0. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the CIN 9 (Q3 8:05) — (8:05) 25-A.Szmyt 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 12–6. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 4 (Q4 1:34) — (1:34) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CLE-27-S.Webb was injured during the play.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CLE 2 (Q4 1:29) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.Burrow pass to 88-M.Gesicki is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the CIN 31 (Q4 0:03); Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal (Q4 0:00) — END GAME.
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 0:03) — (:03) 25-A.Szmyt 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. ** Injury Update: CIN-23-D.Hill has returned to the game.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 1:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Condu
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 86-N.Fant to CIN 46 for 5 yards (17-J.Baker; 9-G.Delpit). FUMBLES (17-J.Baker), RECOVERED by CLE-27-S.Webb at CIN 47. 27-S.Webb for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 0:39) — (:39) (Shotgun) 12-S.Sanders pass short left to 3-J.Jeudy to CIN 38 for 11 yards (23-D.Hill). CIN-23-D.Hill was injured during the play.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:57) — (1:57) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 5-T.Higgins pushed ob at CLE 25 for 17 yards (20-D.Ross).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q1 1:11) — (1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Condu
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 86-N.Fant to CIN 46 for 5 yards (17-J.Baker; 9-G.Delpit). FUMBLES (17-J.Baker), RECOVERED by CLE-27-S.Webb at CIN 47. 27-S.Webb for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 10:29) — (10:29) (Shotgun) 12-S.Sanders sacked at CLE 25 for -5 yards (96-C.Sample). FUMBLES (96-C.Sample) [96-C.Sample], RECOVERED by CIN-95-H.Cross at CLE 29.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q2 0:33) — (:33) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CLE-27-S.Webb, Defensive Pass Interference, declined.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q1 8:02 · CLE 4 · Score 0-6
(8:02) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short right to 30-C.Brown for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 1:11 · CLE 7 · Score 6-6
(1:11) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left intended for 5-T.Higgins INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bush (93-S.Harris) at CLE 3. 30-D.Bush for 97 yards, TOUCHDOWN. PENALTY on CLE-30-D.Bush, Unsportsmanlike Condu - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 0:56 · CIN 30 · Score 7-6
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 14:19 · CLE 59 · Score 13-6
(14:19) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 86-N.Fant to CIN 46 for 5 yards (17-J.Baker; 9-G.Delpit). FUMBLES (17-J.Baker), RECOVERED by CLE-27-S.Webb at CIN 47. 27-S.Webb for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q2 14:06 · CIN 30 · Score 14-6
25-A.Szmyt extra point is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q2 0:33 · CLE 13 · Score 14-12
(:33) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 5-T.Higgins for 13 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Penalty on CLE-27-S.Webb, Defensive Pass Interference, declined. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q3 8:05 · CIN 9 · Score 17-12
(8:05) 25-A.Szmyt 27 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 1:34 · CLE 4 · Score 17-18
(1:34) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short left to 1-J.Chase for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. CLE-27-S.Webb was injured during the play. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 1:29 · CLE 2 · Score 17-18
TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-J.Burrow pass to 88-M.Gesicki is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q4 0:03 · CIN 31 · Score 20-18
(:03) 25-A.Szmyt 49 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-50-R.Sunahara, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez. ** Injury Update: CIN-23-D.Hill has returned to the game. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q4 0:00 · Score 20-18
END GAME
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- Joe Burrow (CIN) finished above expected through the air (positive CPOE).
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2026-01-04?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals 20-18 in Week 18, 2025.
What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q1: Cleveland Browns 7, Cincinnati Bengals 6; Q2: Cleveland Browns 7, Cincinnati Bengals 6; Q3: Cleveland Browns 3, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q4: Cleveland Browns 6, Cincinnati Bengals 12; Final: Cleveland Browns 20, Cincinnati Bengals 18.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Brown (J. Burrow pass) (Q1 8:02) Cleveland Browns touchdown — D. Bush (Q1 1:11) Cleveland Browns touchdown — N. Fant (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 14:19) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — T. Higgins (J. Burrow pass) (Q2 0:33) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Chase (J. Burrow pass) (Q4 1:34) Cleveland Browns field goal — A. Szmyt (Q3 8:05, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — A. Szmyt (Q4 0:03, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — unlisted player (Q4 0:00, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals), 67.4% completion, +6.8% CPOE, -0.28 EPA per dropback, -11.84 total passing EPA. Shedeur Sanders (Cleveland Browns), 36.7% completion, -11.8% CPOE, -0.28 EPA per dropback, -8.41 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Ja'Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.87 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 10 snaps. Their top snap (+2.01 EPA): (1:52) (Shotgun) 9-J.Burrow pass short middle to 1-J.Chase to CLE 4 for 21 yards (27-S.Webb)..
Was Cleveland Browns vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Cleveland Browns won 20-18 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cleveland Browns
Entered 4-12 Now 5-12 W
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 6-10 Now 6-11 L
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