The AFC North may not be on the line in Week 18, but the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are set to close out their seasons with one last clash at Paycor Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET in Cincinnati, with the game broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+. While both squads have been eliminated from playoff contention, there’s still plenty at stake, from personal milestones to pride in the storied "Battle of Ohio."
Let’s set the stage: The Bengals enter the contest with a 6-10 record, riding high after back-to-back blowout wins over the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati’s franchise quarterback, has been red-hot, throwing for over 300 yards in each of those victories. The Bengals’ offensive line is the best it’s been during Burrow’s tenure, giving the star QB ample time to work his magic. For a team that’s missed the playoffs for three straight seasons and holds a 52-62-1 mark during this era, finishing strong is more than just a consolation—it’s a statement about where things are headed for 2026.
On the other side, the Browns limp into the finale with a 4-12 record and an offseason full of uncertainty looming. Cleveland’s season has been defined by instability at quarterback—Joe Flacco started Week 1 before being traded to Cincinnati, then Dillon Gabriel and rookie Shedeur Sanders each took turns under center. Rookie running back Quinshon Judkins was a bright spot, racking up 827 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games before a season-ending injury. Despite the adversity, the Browns managed to play spoiler last week, knocking off the Pittsburgh Steelers and denying them a shot to clinch the division.
But make no mistake, the headline act for Cleveland is defensive end Myles Garrett, who’s chasing NFL history. Garrett sits just one sack shy of breaking the single-season record of 22.5, a mark shared by legends Michael Strahan and T.J. Watt. If Garrett can notch No. 23 against Burrow, he’ll etch his name into the record books—a feat both Browns fans and neutrals will be watching for with bated breath.
This matchup marks the second meeting between the rivals this season. Cincinnati eked out a 17-16 win in Cleveland back in Week 1, and the Bengals have now taken four straight from the Browns, including three consecutive victories at home. The odds-makers like Cincinnati’s chances again, installing them as 9.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -450. The Browns, meanwhile, are +350 underdogs, and the over/under is set at 45.5 points. According to the SportsLine Projection Model, the Bengals win outright in 71% of simulations and cover the spread 54% of the time—though the Browns have a 29% chance to pull off the upset.
For the Browns, the road has been unforgiving. They’re 1-6 away from home this season and have covered the spread just 25% of the time on the road over the past three years. In fact, Cleveland has won outright only once in its last 15 road games against Cincinnati. The offense has sputtered, especially with tight ends Harold Fannin Jr. and David Njoku sidelined by injuries for this finale. Rookie Shedeur Sanders will get the nod at quarterback, but he faces a tall task against a Bengals defense that, after a historically rough start, has turned things around since Week 11. Defensive coordinator Al Golden has mixed up alignments, rookie linebackers have found their footing, and the secondary has improved with Jalen Davis excelling in the slot and Dax Hill moving outside.
Cincinnati’s defense has also been opportunistic, forcing 11 takeaways over the last six outings. However, they’ve also yielded the second-most points in the NFL this season, giving up 29.5 per game. That could open the door for a Browns offense that, while limited, still boasts playmakers looking to end the year on a high note. The Bengals will be without defensive end Joseph Ossai, who is inactive before entering free agency, but the rest of the unit is eager to show their recent improvements are no fluke.
On offense, Burrow has his full arsenal available, including star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who continues to add to his already stellar stat line. The running game, led by Chase Brown, has also found its rhythm, providing balance that was missing earlier in the year. The Bengals’ offensive line, often a weakness in seasons past, has gelled at just the right time—a development the front office will want to preserve heading into the offseason.
Despite the lack of playoff implications, there’s no shortage of intrigue. For some Bengals, this could be their final game in Cincinnati uniforms, with contract decisions and potential roster shakeups looming. Head coach Zac Taylor appears to have job security for now, but any significant changes are expected to be addressed early next week, well before the result of this game impacts the Bengals’ draft position.
For the Browns, the focus is on Garrett’s record chase and evaluating young talent for the future. With the offense hamstrung by injuries and inexperience, it’s likely to be a tall order to keep pace with a Bengals attack that has scored at least 32 points in four of its last five games. Still, the Browns defense, led by veterans and anchored by Garrett, has the potential to make things interesting—especially if they can pressure Burrow and force a turnover or two.
Betting trends and analytics suggest the Bengals are the safer pick. Cincinnati is 8-8 against the spread this season (5-1 in its last six), while Cleveland is 7-8 ATS but has failed to cover in its last five games. Bengals games have gone over the total in 13 of their last 19 Sunday contests, and the model projects a 29-19 win for Cincinnati. But as any football fan knows, rivalry games can defy expectations—especially when pride and personal milestones are at stake.
As the Bengals and Browns take the field for one last time this season, all eyes will be on Myles Garrett’s pursuit of history and Joe Burrow’s bid to finish strong. Whether it’s a record-breaking sack or a statement win, the Battle of Ohio promises drama, intensity, and a fitting close to the 2025 NFL campaign for both teams. With the clock ticking toward the offseason, this finale could provide the spark each franchise needs as they look ahead to brighter days in 2026.