Los Angeles Rams vs Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns wrapped up their preseason with drama, edging the Los Angeles Rams 19–17 on August 23, 2025, at Huntington Bank Field. Rookie kicker Andre Szmyt delivered the decisive moment, calmly drilling a 37-yard field goal as time expired to keep Cleveland unbeaten at 3–0. For the Rams, who finished 2–1, the late collapse spoiled a spirited second-half comeback and left them heading into Week 1 with both optimism about their young playmakers and frustration over the narrow loss.

Veteran Joe Flacco got things started for Cleveland by engineering a crisp opening drive, capped with a 15-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. The Browns doubled down later in the half when rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel executed a near-perfect two-minute drill, going 9-of-11 and finishing with a 3-yard touchdown toss to Gage Larvadain. That sequence sent Cleveland into halftime with a comfortable 16–7 lead and underscored the depth the Browns have built under center.

The Rams, however, refused to fade. Backup quarterback Dresser Winn orchestrated a 77-yard march in the fourth quarter that ended with Jordan Waters powering in for a 2-yard touchdown, tying the game at 17-17. It was a gritty response from a roster full of young players fighting for spots, and for a brief stretch, momentum seemed to tilt in Los Angeles’ favor.

Cleveland’s composure proved the difference in the closing minutes. Tyler Huntley managed the clock on the final possession, mixing short completions with effective runs to set up Szmyt’s winning kick. Along the way, the Browns defense did just enough to keep the Rams in check, highlighted by timely pressure that forced punts and gave the offense one last chance to seal the win. Even with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders struggling in limited action, the Browns found enough balance to close the night on top.

Despite the loss, the Rams saw encouraging flashes from their own youngsters. Rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson impressed with two grabs for 48 yards, showing he could be a real weapon in Sean McVay’s offense. Waters’ physical running added another bright spot as he punched through for the game-tying score. For Cleveland, the victory carried more weight than the scoreline—it validated the decision to give extended reps to young quarterbacks while veterans steadied the ship. Both teams leave the preseason with a clearer picture of their depth charts, but only the Browns do so with an unbeaten record and a surge of confidence.