Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats: Key Performances & Complete Match Insights
The Week 18 AFC North clash of Bengals vs Cleveland Browns delivered a tightly contested defensive battle at Paycor Stadium. In front of 62,230 fans, Cleveland secured a narrow 20–18 victory on January 4, 2026, despite being outgained through the air.
The game ultimately turned on defensive execution and turnover impact. While Cincinnati moved the ball efficiently through Joe Burrow, Cleveland Browns capitalized on a decisive interception return touchdown and maintained composure in high-pressure moments. Field position, red-zone outcomes, and pass rush intensity shaped the difference.
Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Match Info
- Date: January 4, 2026
- Time: 1:00 PM
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Attendance: 62,230
- Final Score: Cleveland Browns 20 – Cincinnati Bengals 18
- Referee: Alex Kemp
- Umpire: Brandon Ellison
For more AFC North breakdowns, visit Vector Digest and explore our detailed coverage inside the NFL Match Stats Category.
Offensive & Defensive Breakdown
This matchup reflected contrasting offensive styles, with Cincinnati leaning on passing rhythm while Cleveland relied on balanced rushing and defensive disruption.
Cincinnati Bengals Performance
Joe Burrow completed 29 of 39 passes for 236 yards and three touchdowns, posting a 104.2 rating despite one interception. The rushing unit added 142 yards on 25 carries (5.7 average), led by Chase Brown and Samaje Perine. With 29 total receptions and 378 combined yards, Cincinnati’s offensive efficiency was strong, but two missed extra points and a lost fumble limited scoring output.
Cleveland Browns Performance
Shedeur Sanders finished 11 of 22 for 111 yards without touchdowns or interceptions, taking six sacks. Cleveland’s ground attack produced 118 rushing yards on 24 carries (4.9 average). The Browns recorded 111 receiving yards on 11 catches and leaned heavily on defensive scoring and special teams precision to secure the win
Browns Standout Performers
1. Joe Burrow (QB)
- 29/39 passing
- 236 yards
- 3 TD
- 1 INT
- 2 sacks taken
- 104.2 rating
Burrow controlled tempo and delivered three touchdown passes, maintaining composure under pressure. However, the interception proved costly given the narrow margin.
2. Ja’Marr Chase (WR)
- 8 receptions
- 96 yards
- 1 TD
Chase provided explosive production and consistent chain-moving ability. His 96 yards led all receivers and helped sustain multiple scoring drives.
3. Tee Higgins (WR)
- 6 receptions
- 67 yards
- 1 TD
Higgins added red-zone value and reliable intermediate gains, forming a balanced passing tandem alongside Chase.
4. Chase Brown (RB)
- 13 carries, 72 yards
- 4 receptions, 18 yards
- 1 receiving TD
Brown contributed 90 total yards and a touchdown, adding versatility both on the ground and in the passing game.
5. Samaje Perine (RB)
- 8 carries, 42 yards
- 3 receptions, 10 yards
Perine averaged 5.3 yards per carry and provided complementary rushing production.
6. Cam Sample (DE)
- 6 tackles
- 2 sacks
- 2 QB hits
Sample spearheaded Cincinnati’s pass rush, contributing significantly to the team’s six-sack total.
Cleveland Browns Top Player Stats
1. Devin Bush (LB)
- 14 tackles
- 1 interception
- 97 return yards
- 1 TD
Bush’s interception return touchdown defined the contest. His defensive touchdown accounted for half of Cleveland’s scoring output.
2. Shedeur Sanders (QB)
- 11/22 passing
- 111 yards
- 0 TD, 0 INT
- 6 sacks taken
Sanders managed the game conservatively, avoiding turnovers but facing consistent pressure.
3. Dylan Sampson (RB)
- 10 carries
- 32 yards
Sampson handled the majority of rushing attempts, helping maintain offensive balance.
4. Andre Szmyt (K)
- 2/2 field goals
- Longest: 49 yards
- 2/2 extra points
- 8 total points
Szmyt delivered flawless kicking accuracy, contributing eight critical points.
5. Grant Delpit (S)
- 10 tackles
- 1 sack
- 2 QB hits
Delpit combined tackling production with interior pressure, impacting both run defense and pass disruption.
6. Myles Garrett (DE)
- 1 sack
- 2 QB hits
Garrett added pass-rush presence, contributing to Cincinnati’s two sacks allowed.
Side-by-Side Statistical Comparison
| Category | Browns | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 111 | 236 |
| Rushing Yards | 118 | 142 |
| Total Receptions | 11 | 29 |
| Passing TDs | 0 | 3 |
| Rushing TDs | 0 | 0 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 1 |
| Fumbles Lost | 1 | 1 |
| Total Sacks | 2 | 6 |
| Total Tackles | 82 | 59 |
| QB Hits | 5 | 9 |
Cincinnati dominated aerial production and overall yardage, yet Cleveland’s defensive touchdown offset that statistical gap. The Browns’ six sacks faced compared to two conceded by Cincinnati also influenced field position and drive sustainability.
Despite zero offensive touchdowns, Cleveland capitalized on defensive scoring and perfect kicking execution.
Kicking & Return Game Review
Cleveland’s special teams unit played a decisive role.
- Andre Szmyt: 2/2 FG (long 49), 2/2 XP
- Corey Bojorquez: 5 punts, 225 yards (45.0 avg)
- Trayveon Williams: 3 kick returns, 73 yards
For Cincinnati:
- Evan McPherson: 0/0 FG, 0/2 XP
- Ryan Rehkow: 5 punts, 222 yards (44.4 avg), 4 inside 20
- Ke’Shawn Williams: 4 kick returns, 99 yards
Missed extra points proved significant in a two-point final margin.
Core Takeaways from the Match
- Defensive touchdown created immediate scoring leverage
- Cincinnati’s passing success offset by interception impact
- Six sacks by Bengals defense increased pressure intensity
- Perfect field goal and extra-point execution by Browns
- Missed conversion attempts affected final scoring balance
For comparison, read our breakdown of another AFC North battle inside Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys Player Stats and more divisional coverage in the NFL Category.
Bengals vs Browns Head to Head Matches
| Date | Winner | Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 4, 2026 | Browns | 20–18 | Paycor Stadium (CIN) |
| Sep 7, 2025 | Bengals | 17–16 | Huntington Bank Field (CLE) |
| Dec 22, 2024 | Bengals | 24–6 | Paycor Stadium (CIN) |
| Oct 20, 2024 | Bengals | 21–14 | Huntington Bank Field (CLE) |
| Jan 7, 2024 | Bengals | 31–14 | Paycor Stadium (CIN) |
| Sep 10, 2023 | Browns | 24–3 | Huntington Bank Field (CLE) |
| Dec 11, 2022 | Bengals | 23–10 | Paycor Stadium (CIN) |
| Oct 31, 2022 | Browns | 32–13 | Huntington Bank Field (CLE) |
| Jan 9, 2022 | Browns | 21–16 | Huntington Bank Field (CLE) |
| Nov 7, 2021 | Browns | 41–16 | Paycor Stadium (CIN) |
Future Outlook for Both Teams
Cleveland’s defensive resilience highlights sustainability when supported by disciplined special teams. However, offensive production must improve to consistently compete against high-powered passing teams.
Cincinnati demonstrated offensive fluidity but must correct special teams reliability and turnover timing. Improved situational discipline could easily convert similar performances into victories.
Key Fan Questions Answered
1. Who won the Bengals vs Browns game on January 4, 2026?
The Cleveland Browns defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 20–18 at Paycor Stadium, capitalizing on defensive scoring and perfect kicking accuracy.
2. How many touchdowns were scored in the game?
There were four total touchdowns: three passing touchdowns by Cincinnati and one interception return touchdown by Cleveland.
3. How did Joe Burrow perform statistically?
Joe Burrow threw for 236 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 29 completions with a 104.2 passer rating.
4. How many sacks were recorded in the game?
Cincinnati recorded six sacks defensively, while Cleveland recorded two sacks in the contest.
5. Did Shedeur Sanders throw any interceptions?
No, Shedeur Sanders did not throw an interception, finishing with zero touchdowns and zero interceptions.
6. What was the key defensive play of the game?
Devin Bush’s 97-yard interception return touchdown significantly shifted momentum and directly contributed to Cleveland’s scoring advantage.
7. How effective was the Browns’ kicking unit?
Andre Szmyt made both field goal attempts and both extra points, accounting for eight points with a long kick of 49 yards.
8. What were the total rushing yards for each team?
Cleveland rushed for 118 yards on 24 carries, while Cincinnati totaled 142 rushing yards on 25 attempts.
Final Conclusion
The Cleveland Browns secured a narrow 20–18 victory by maximizing defensive impact and special teams efficiency. Despite being outperformed in passing yardage and total receptions, their interception return touchdown and flawless kicking defined the margin.
Cincinnati’s offensive productivity showcased strong quarterback execution, yet turnovers and missed conversions prevented closure. In tightly contested divisional matchups, complementary football often outweighs raw yardage totals — and Cleveland demonstrated that principle effectively.
