Browns vs Bengals: A Season Finale Defined by Injury and AFC North Turmoil
The Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals are set to close the 2025 NFL season the same way they opened it: facing each other. This Week 18 matchup, however, carries a profoundly different weight than the dramatic 17-16 finish in September. What was once a fierce divisional rivalry with playoff implications has been transformed by a brutal wave of quarterback injuries into a battle for pride and draft positioning. For Canadian NFL fans, this game offers a stark look at how quickly a season can unravel for even the most promising teams.
The narrative of this season series is a tale of two devastating injuries. In Week 1, Bengals star Joe Burrow left the game with a foot or ankle injury, while Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson suffered a season-ending Achilles tear. These pivotal moments set the course for both franchises, leading them to this final, “pointless” game where the only thing on the line is avoiding the AFC North cellar.
The Story of the Season: A Week 1 Preview with Lasting Impact
Video Correlato: Cincinnati Bengals vs Cleveland Browns LIVE NFL Stream Scoreboard, Play-By-Play, Highlights, CBS
The last meeting between these teams was a nail-biter that foreshadowed the struggles to come. The Bengals escaped Cleveland with a 17-16 victory, a win that now feels like a lifetime ago for both squads. The game was defined by the two key injuries that would derail each team’s campaign.
“Watson suffered a likely ruptured Achilles in the first half, ending his day and possibly his season.” – Cleveland Magazine on the Week 1 loss.
That narrow Bengals victory, secured with backup Jake Browning after Burrow’s exit, was the high point for both teams in a season of disappointment. The physical toll of that game effectively ended the competitive hopes for the Browns and Bengals before the season truly began.
AFC North Standings: The Stark Reality
Entering Week 18, the AFC North standings tell the story of a season gone wrong for Ohio’s NFL teams. While Pittsburgh and Baltimore fought for the division, Cleveland and Cincinnati fell far behind.
| Team | Record | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-7 | Division Leader |
| Baltimore Ravens | 8-8 | In Playoff Hunt |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6-10 | Eliminated |
| Cleveland Browns | 4-12 | Eliminated |
This final game will determine who finishes third and fourth in the division. With both teams long eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts entirely to evaluation and the future.
Key Injuries That Shaped the Year
The quarterback carnage for these teams was part of a league-wide epidemic in 2025. The loss of franchise signal-callers created an insurmountable challenge.
| Player | Team | Injury | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deshaun Watson | Cleveland Browns | Achilles Tear (Week 1) | Missed remainder of season |
| Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | Foot/Ankle Injury (Week 1) | Missed significant time, season derailed |
These injuries forced both teams into a carousel of backup quarterbacks, stifling offensive consistency and exposing roster deficiencies. The “pointless” nature of this Week 18 matchup, as described by Dawgs By Nature, is a direct result of these early-season physical setbacks.
What to Watch For in the Season Finale
Without playoff stakes, this game becomes an audition for 2026. Key areas Canadian fans should monitor include:
- Backup QB Evaluation: Which team has found a more reliable solution under center for next season’s depth chart?
- Young Talent: Rookies and second-year players will get extended snaps. Who seizes the opportunity?
- Coaching Adjustments: How do the offensive game plans adapt with an entire season of film on the opposing backup quarterbacks?
- Defensive Pride: With offenses likely struggling, which defense can dominate and end the season on a high note?
The live updates from this game will likely focus less on the score and more on individual performances that could carry into next year’s training camp. For the Browns and Bengals, the 2026 season begins the moment the final whistle blows on this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score when the Browns and Bengals played in Week 1?
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Cleveland Browns 17-16 in their Week 1 matchup to open the 2025 NFL season. The game was notable for the season-ending injuries to both starting quarterbacks.
Why is this Week 18 game considered “pointless”?
Both the Cleveland Browns (4-12) and Cincinnati Bengals (6-10) have been eliminated from NFL playoff contention. The game has no impact on the postseason picture and will only affect final draft order and each team’s final placement in the AFC North standings.
What major injuries affected this rivalry in 2025?
In the Week 1 game, Bengals QB Joe Burrow suffered a foot/ankle injury, and Browns QB Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles. Watson’s injury ended his season, while Burrow’s injury significantly limited his season and the Bengals’ offensive potential.
Who is leading the AFC North division?
Entering Week 18, the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) lead the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens (8-8) are in the playoff hunt, while the Bengals and Browns occupy the bottom two spots in the division.