Wait, did you check the calendar? If you’re looking for the score of the Browns game today, January 16, 2026, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. There actually isn't a game.
The Cleveland Browns season is officially over.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Cleveland fans. Usually, by mid-January, we're either deep in "wait 'til next year" mode or—on those rare, glorious occasions—biting our nails through a playoff run. This year? It’s the former. The Browns didn't make the cut for the 2026 postseason. While the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos are gearing up for a divisional-round showdown this weekend, the guys in Cleveland are already packing their lockers.
But if you’re looking for the "today" score because you missed the finale, let’s talk about that last bit of magic we saw on January 4th.
The Last Score of the Browns Game: A Wild Ending in Cincy
The last time the Browns took the field was just a couple of weeks ago against the Cincinnati Bengals. It wasn't exactly a Super Bowl preview—both teams were struggling—but man, was it a heater.
Cleveland walked away with a 20-18 victory.
It came down to the absolute wire. We're talking "don't blink or you'll miss it" territory. Andre Szmyt, the kicker who’s had a bit of a rollercoaster year, stepped up and nailed a 49-yard field goal as the clock hit zero. Game over. Bengals fans went home unhappy, and the Browns finished the year on a two-game winning streak.
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It’s funny, really. The Browns finished the 2025-2026 season with a 5-12 record. Not great. But winning those last two games—against the Steelers and then the Bengals—sorta takes the edge off a miserable winter.
Breaking Down the Box Score
If you look at the stats, it wasn't exactly "high-level football," as Joe Burrow put it after the game. The Bengals actually outgained Cleveland 364 to 200 in total yards.
So how did Cleveland win?
- Devin Bush Jr. went absolutely rogue. He had a 97-yard interception return for a touchdown in the first quarter. That’s a massive momentum swing you just can’t account for.
- Sam Webb joined the party with a 47-yard fumble return for another touchdown.
- Myles Garrett did Myles Garrett things. He snagged his 23rd sack of the season, setting a new NFL single-season record. In a season where not much went right, watching Garrett rewrite the record books was the highlight.
Basically, the defense scored more than the offense for a good chunk of the game. Shedeur Sanders, who took over the reins at QB later in the season, finished 11 of 22 for 111 yards. It wasn't flashy, but he managed that final 40-yard drive to get Szmyt into field goal range. That’s what matters in the end, right?
Why There’s No Score of the Browns Game Today
Since today is Friday, January 16, 2026, the NFL is currently in the "quiet period" between the Wild Card round and the Divisional Round.
The Browns didn't qualify for the playoffs. They finished 4th in the AFC North. The Steelers were the only team from the division to make a real splash this year, finishing 10-7. The Ravens and Bengals both fell short too, though they had slightly better records than Cleveland.
It’s a tough pill to swallow. After the 3-14 disaster of the previous year, 5-12 is technically "improvement," but nobody in Cleveland is throwing a parade for five wins. The Kevin Stefanski era has officially come to a close, and the team is looking toward a massive rebuild.
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What Fans are Talking About Instead
Since there’s no live score of the Browns game today, the conversation in Northeast Ohio has shifted entirely to the draft and the front office.
People are obsessed with the "what ifs." What if the offense hadn't been stagnant for the first ten weeks? What if the quarterback rotation had settled earlier?
There’s also the Myles Garrett factor. Even though the team struggled, having the literal GOAT of pass rushers on your roster keeps people invested. Seeing him get that 23rd sack against Cincy was a "where were you" moment for Browns fans. It’s the kind of thing that makes a 5-12 season feel slightly less like a total waste of time.
Looking Ahead: When Will the Next Score Matter?
The NFL schedule for 2026 is already being whispered about. We know the opponents, even if we don't know the dates yet.
Cleveland is slated to play the AFC South and the NFC East next year. That means matchups against the Texans, Colts, Falcons, and Panthers at home. They’ll be traveling to face the Giants, Jets, and Saints, among others.
If you're looking for a live score, you're going to be waiting until August 2026 for the preseason. It feels like a lifetime away when it’s ten degrees outside and the lake is frozen, but that’s the life of a Browns fan.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since you can't watch a game today, here’s how to stay in the loop with what’s actually happening in Berea:
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Texans vs. Patriots and Bills vs. Broncos this weekend. The Texans, specifically, are a team the Browns will face next year, and seeing how they handle the playoff pressure is a good scouting report.
- Monitor Coaching Searches: With the head coaching vacancy, the next few weeks are critical. Rumors are flying about high-profile coordinators looking for a shot in Cleveland.
- Draft Prep: Start looking at the top of the draft board. With a 5-12 record, the Browns have a prime pick. Most experts are pointing toward offensive line help or a true WR1 to pair with Jerry Jeudy.
The score of the Browns game today might be non-existent, but the work for 2026 is already starting. We've seen this movie before, but hey, maybe next January we'll actually be looking for a kickoff time instead of a draft order.