Bengals vs Browns — A Deep Dive Into the Stats and Players 2026

The Cincinnati Bengals and the Cleveland Browns have one of the most competitive rivalries in the AFC North. Dating back decades, this matchup has showcased elite quarterbacks, breakout defenders, and tight NFL finishes. The most recent matchup, played on January 4, 2026, added another chapter to this rivalry as the Browns edged the Bengals 20–18 in Cincinnati — a game rich in storylines and statistical intrigue.

In this extensive article, we’ll examine:

• Key player statistics from the January 4, 2026 game
• Individual performances and season summaries
• Historical matchups between these franchises
• Tactical insights and statistical breakdowns
• Performance trends that explain why this rivalry stays competitive

1. The January 4, 2026 Bengals vs Browns Game — Box Score Highlights

Final Score

• Cleveland Browns: 20
• Cincinnati Bengals: 18
  This encounter was close throughout, with both teams trading big plays and dramatic moments.

Scoring Summary (By Quarter)

Quarter	Bengals	Browns
1st	6	7
2nd	6	7
3rd	0	3
4th	6	3
Total	18	20

The Browns sustained their early lead into the second half and, ultimately, a late field goal sealed the victory.

2. Offensive Statistics — Bengals vs Browns

Passing Leaders

Joe Burrow (Bengals)

• Completions/Attempts: 29/39
• Passing Yards: 236
• Touchdowns: 3
• Interceptions: 0

Joe Burrow’s performance reflected both aggression and precision. Though the Bengals trailed for much of the contest, Burrow’s pinpoint passing kept Cincinnati within striking distance, culminating in a late touchdown to Ja’Marr Chase.

Shedeur Sanders (Browns)

• Passing Yards: 222
  Sanders’ final drive demonstrated his clutch ability, guiding the offense into field‑goal range despite Cincinnati’s defensive pressure.

Rushing Leaders

This game featured moderate rushing outputs from both sides, as the defenses tightened in key moments.

• Bengals Rushing Yards: ~82
• Browns Rushing Yards: ~142

Although not known as a run‑heavy affair, the Browns managed a stronger ground game, which helped control the clock and wear down the Cincinnati front.

Receiving Leaders

• Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals): 4‑yard TD reception late in the game to regain the lead
• Tee Higgins (Bengals): 13‑yard TD reception earlier in the contest

Early on, tight end and wide‑receiver contributions were essential to Cincinnati’s offense as Burrow spread the ball effectively.

3. Defensive Plays That Defined the Game

Defense played a pivotal role in this matchup — particularly on the Browns’ side:

Key Defensive Stats

• Devin Bush (Browns): 97‑yard interception return for a touchdown — a game‑changing play that shifted momentum.

This defensive touchdown was crucial; Bengals’ offense was resilient, but crashing defensive scores usually decide close games.

4. Special Teams — The Deciding Factor

Special teams also influenced the final outcome:

• Andre Szmyt (Browns): 49‑yard field goal as time expired to win the game.

Had that kick missed, Cincinnati would likely have secured the upset.

5. Individual Player Highlights and Season Context

To fully appreciate this matchup’s statistical significance, it’s essential to explore individual players’ broader season profiles.

5.1. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals — Quarterback)

Joe Burrow continued to show elite quarterback play during this game:

• 236 passing yards
• 3 touchdowns
• Zero interceptions against a division rival.

This performance occurred in a season where the Bengals faced challenges in the AFC North, yet Burrow remained one of the more consistent passing threats in the league.

5.2. Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals — Wide Receiver)

Ja’Marr Chase caught the critical late touchdown and was again a focal point of Burrow’s passing attack. Over recent seasons, Chase has consistently been among the league’s top receivers — particularly in yards after catch and big play production.

Chase’s continued presence as a high‑impact receiver is reflected in season metrics — including receptions, yards, and touchdown rate — which often put him among the top receivers league‑wide.

5.3. Chase Brown (Bengals — Running Back)

Chase Brown’s performance and season contributions are noteworthy:

• Surpassed 1,000 rushing yards during this game.

Brown battled for consistent yardage throughout the year, and while not always flashy, his yards‑after‑contact and breakaway ability helped the Bengals’ rushing attack.

5.4. Shedeur Sanders (Browns — Quarterback)

Sanders took the baton as a rookie quarterback and showed maturity in close moments:

• Guided the Browns on the final drive.
• Accumulated meaningful yardage under pressure.

Despite some inconsistency throughout the season, Sanders earned recognition and a Pro Bowl nod, marking a rare honor for his first year starting in Cleveland.

5.5. Myles Garrett (Browns — Defensive End)

One of the most impactful defensive players — not just in this game but the entire NFL season.

• Set the NFL single‑season sack record with 23 sacks.

Garrett’s presence on the edge constantly pressured opposing quarterbacks, significantly affecting offensive timing and decisions.

6. Historical Statistical Context: Bengals vs Browns Rivalry

Looking beyond this one game, the head‑to‑head history between Cincinnati and Cleveland shows how evenly matched these rivals often are:

• Bengals hold a 24–16 advantage versus the Browns over the past 20 years.

This historic edge underscores Cincinnati’s consistent competitiveness, but it often comes down to one‑possession games and key plays, as seen in recent meetings.

6.1. Week 1 of 2025 Season — Bengals 17, Browns 16

Earlier in the 2025 season (September 7), the Bengals narrowly defeated the Browns 17–16. Key stats from that matchup:

Bengals

• Joe Burrow: 14/23 for 113 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT
• Chase Brown: 21 carries, 43 yards, 1 rushing TD
• Top Receivers: Tee Higgins, Noah Fant, Ja’Marr Chase contributed in the receiving game

Browns

• Multiple modest offensive stats, with pressure from Cincinnati’s front seven keeping the game tight.

Analysis of this game shows that their rivalry has often been decided by late drives, turnovers, and red‑zone efficiencies, which sets the stage for dramatic Week 18 clashes.

7. Advanced Metrics and Analysis

7.1. Time of Possession and Field Position

In the January 4 matchup:

• The Browns controlled the ball slightly longer, assisting their field‑goal drive.
• A stronger rushing output helped them sustain longer plays.

7.2. Turnovers and Defensive Scoring

• Cleveland’s interception return for a touchdown was pivotal.
• Defensive scoring has swung several Bengals vs Browns games in recent seasons.

Turnovers can dramatically affect the expected points added (EPA) metric and win probability in close NFL games.

8. What This Means for Both Teams

Browns Outlook

• They finished with a narrow road win in paycor Stadium.
• Their defense, led by Garrett, proved game‑changing.
• Their quarterback situation — with Sanders — still has questions, but stellar defensive production created opportunities.

Bengals Outlook

• Despite losing the game, Burrow’s performance showed resilience.
• Strong individual stats from Burrow, Chase, and Brown highlight core offensive strengths.
• The loss may prompt offseason tactical reassessments.

9. Broader NFL Implications and Player Trajectories

Myles Garrett

• With a record‑setting sack season, Garrett is one of the premier defenders in the league, affecting opponent game plans weekly.

Joe Burrow

• He continues to be among the league’s elite quarterbacks, consistently producing high yardage and scoring even in losses.

Shedeur Sanders

• Fresh off his rookie season Pro Bowl nod, his development will be central to Cleveland’s future.

Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins

• Continue as one of the league’s most feared receiver tandems, regularly dominating coverage assignments.

10. Final Thought — Rivalry Beyond Stats

While statistics tell much of the story, Cincinnati vs Cleveland games are also shaped by emotional momentum, weather, coaching adjustments, and situational decisions. Each matchup adds to a long history and produces moments that echo beyond the box score.

Who had the most passing yards in the most recent Bengals vs Browns game?

In the January 4, 2026 game (Browns 20-18 win), Joe Burrow led with 236 passing yards (29/39, 3 TD, 1 INT) for the Bengals, while Shedeur Sanders had 111 yards (11/22, 0 TD) for the Browns.

Which running back performed best in the latest Bengals-Browns matchup?

Dylan Sampson led the Browns with 32 rushing yards on 10 carries. For the Bengals, Chase Brown had a strong game (including 72 yards in that contest, contributing to his season total of 1,019 rushing yards).

How did Ja’Marr Chase perform against the Browns in recent games?

Chase had 8 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown in the 2025 season finale vs Cleveland, finishing his season with 125 catches, 1,412 yards, and 8 TDs—continuing his elite production in Bengals history.

Who recorded the biggest defensive plays in the most recent game?

Myles Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record with his 23rd sack (on Joe Burrow). Devin Bush had a pick-six, and Sam Webb returned a fumble for a 47-yard touchdown for the Browns.

What are the key quarterback stats that usually decide Bengals vs Browns games?

Completion percentage under pressure, sack rate allowed, turnover avoidance, and fourth-quarter passer rating often matter most. Joe Burrow typically performs well but faces heavy pressure from Cleveland’s pass rush (led by Myles Garrett).

How do rushing stats compare between the two teams in this rivalry?

Both teams rely on the run game. Bengals RBs like Chase Brown (1,000+ yard seasons) and Browns backs (historically Nick Chubb, now others like Dylan Sampson) are critical. Ground success often dictates game flow and protects quarterbacks.

Which players have the most receiving yards or touchdowns in recent Bengals-Browns matchups?

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (who had a career-high 11 TD catches in 2025) lead for Cincinnati. For Cleveland, targets like Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku are key, though recent games showed more balanced or lower-volume passing.

How important are sacks and turnovers in this matchup?

Very important—Cleveland’s defense (especially Myles Garrett) frequently pressures Bengals QBs. Turnovers like interceptions, forced fumbles, and defensive scores (pick-sixes, fumble returns) have swung recent games.

What are some standout individual records or milestones from Bengals vs Browns games?

Myles Garrett’s 23-sack season (NFL record in 2025) included key sacks vs Cincinnati. Ja’Marr Chase ranks among the top WRs in history through his first five seasons (e.g., top-2 in receptions and yards). Chase Brown became a 1,000-yard rusher in 2025.

Are player stats consistent across Bengals-Browns games every season?

Not entirely—stats vary based on game script, injuries, and weather. However, quarterback efficiency under pressure, rushing success, red-zone TD rates, and defensive pressure metrics (sacks, hits) are usually the most telling and consistent factors in this rivalry.

Summary Table: Key Player Stats (Jan 4, 2026 Game)

Player	Team	Key Stat(s)
Joe Burrow	Bengals	29/39, 236 yards, 3 TDs, 0 INT
Ja’Marr Chase	Bengals	TD reception late to take lead
Tee Higgins	Bengals	TD reception
Chase Brown	Bengals	~72 rushing yards; hit 1,000 yards for season
Shedeur Sanders	Browns	222 passing yards; led game‑winning drive
Devin Bush	Browns	97‑yd INT return TD
Andre Szmyt	Browns	Game‑winning 49‑yd FG

(Numbers approximated based on available sources)

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