Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns

The Bengals survived a defensive slugfest in Cleveland, escaping with a narrow 17–16 win despite being outgained by nearly 200 yards. Cincinnati’s defense was the difference, intercepting Joe Flacco twice in the second half and snuffing out the Browns’ last-minute comeback with DJ Turner II’s game-sealing pick. Missed opportunities haunted Cleveland, as a missed extra point and a late 36-yard field goal attempt left them one point short in a game they largely controlled in time of possession.

Sunday’s showdown was a case study in how missed chances can swing a game. The Browns dominated the clock, drove into Bengals territory repeatedly, and got strong performances from rookies Dylan Sampson and Harold Fannin Jr.—yet still lost 17–16. Kicker Andre Szmyt’s missed extra point and potential go-ahead field goal in the final minutes proved fatal. Cincinnati capitalized on those mistakes, relying on Chase Brown’s early touchdown run and their defense’s opportunism to start the season 1-0.

Cincinnati’s 2025 opener was all about capitalizing on takeaways. Despite only 141 total yards of offense, the Bengals used two second-half interceptions to flip field position and steal momentum, ultimately pulling ahead late. Joe Burrow wasn’t electric, but he managed the game well, setting up the decisive field goal that put Cincinnati up 17–16. For Cleveland, turnovers and special teams woes overshadowed what was otherwise a strong offensive day.

Cleveland fans went through every emotion imaginable as their team battled the Bengals. The Browns took a late 16–14 lead thanks to a clutch touchdown from Cedric Tillman, only to watch their kicker miss the PAT and later the would-be game-winner. Cincinnati’s defense slammed the door with a dramatic interception in the final 90 seconds, leaving the Dawg Pound stunned and the Bengals celebrating their first divisional road win of the year.

The Battle of Ohio opened the 2025 season with drama to spare. The Bengals struck first, the Browns answered back, and the teams traded blows until the final drive. In the end, it was one crucial special-teams mistake too many for Cleveland, as Cincinnati escaped with a 17–16 victory. Jack Conklin’s early injury forced the Browns into a patchwork O-line setup, and though they outgained Cincinnati by a wide margin, they couldn’t finish drives when it mattered most.