Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats: In-Depth Analysis of the 2025 Season Games

The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns are division rivals in the AFC North, which means they face off twice each season. In 2025, their games were tight battles that came down to the wire. The first matchup on September 7, 2025, saw the Bengals edge out a 17-16 win on the road. The second game on January 4, 2026, flipped the script with the Browns taking a 20-18 victory at home. This blog post breaks down the bengals vs cleveland browns match player stats from both games. We look at passing, rushing, receiving, and defense to give fans a clear picture of who stood out and why these contests were so close. All data comes from official NFL sources like ESPN box scores.

Game 1: September 7, 2025 – Bengals 17, Browns 16

This opener set the tone for a gritty rivalry game. The Bengals relied on a strong defense to hold off the Browns, who moved the ball well but struggled with turnovers. Cleveland’s quarterback threw two interceptions, which proved costly. Cincinnati’s run game was limited, but key plays in the passing attack and a solid field goal sealed the win. Overall, the game featured low rushing totals on both sides, highlighting tough defensive lines. Fans saw a defensive masterclass, with sacks and pass deflections keeping scores low. The final margin was just one point, showing how every stat mattered in this nail-biter.

Passing Stats Breakdown

Joe Burrow for the Bengals completed 14 of 23 passes for 113 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He faced three sacks for 18 yards lost, posting an 87.8 passer rating. His careful play avoided mistakes, focusing on short gains to control the clock. On the Browns’ side, Joe Flacco went 31 of 45 for 290 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He took two sacks for 12 yards lost, with a 75.2 rating. Flacco’s higher yardage came from more attempts, but those picks hurt drives. This contrast in efficiency shows why Bengals won despite fewer yards – better protection and fewer errors led to points when it counted.

Rushing Stats Breakdown

Chase Brown led the Bengals with 21 carries for 43 yards and one touchdown, averaging 2.0 yards per carry. His longest run was 8 yards, powering through for the score. Burrow added two carries for 3 yards. The team total was 23 carries for 46 yards, showing a conservative approach against a stout Browns front. For Cleveland, Dylan Sampson had 12 carries for 29 yards, averaging 2.4 per carry. Raheim Sanders scored on one of his three carries for 3 yards total. The Browns managed 24 carries for 49 yards, also struggling to break big runs. Both teams’ low averages point to dominant defensive lines clogging lanes, forcing reliance on the pass.

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Receiving Stats Breakdown

Tee Higgins topped Bengals receivers with three catches for 33 yards, his longest at 13. Noah Fant grabbed four for 26 yards and a touchdown. Ja’Marr Chase had two for 26 yards. The group combined for 14 receptions and 113 yards, emphasizing short, reliable targets. For the Browns, Jerry Jeudy led with five catches for 66 yards. Dylan Sampson added eight for 64 yards as a check-down option. Cedric Tillman scored on one of his five catches for 52 yards. Cleveland’s 31 receptions for 290 yards showed volume, but efficiency lagged. This stat line reveals Bengals’ focus on possession while Browns spread the ball but couldn’t convert consistently.

Defensive Stats Breakdown

The Bengals defense shone with 86 total tackles, 44 solo, and two sacks. Jordan Battle led with 12 tackles, five solo, and one interception. B.J. Hill added seven tackles and one sack. They forced two interceptions and six pass deflections, limiting big plays. Browns countered with 57 tackles, 35 solo, and three sacks. Myles Garrett dominated with five tackles and two sacks. Devin Bush had seven tackles. Their eight tackles for loss disrupted runs effectively. Both units were key, but Bengals’ turnovers created (two picks) tipped the scale. This depth in tackles and pressure stats explains the low-scoring affair.

Key Performances and Insights from Game 1

Chase Brown’s touchdown run was crucial for Bengals, providing the edge in a run-heavy strategy. Burrow’s clean sheet on interceptions kept drives alive. For Browns, Flacco’s yardage was impressive, but interceptions stalled momentum. Garrett’s sacks disrupted Bengals’ rhythm early. Kicking wise, Evan McPherson went 1/1 on field goals for Bengals, while Andre Szmyt for Browns was 1/2, missing a potential game-winner. These bengals vs cleveland browns match player stats highlight defense as the star. Fans can see how turnovers and field position battles decided the outcome, offering lessons for future games in this rivalry.

Game 2: January 4, 2026 – Browns 20, Bengals 18

The season finale was another thriller, with the Browns getting revenge at home. Cincinnati’s passing game clicked better, but penalties and a late field goal by Cleveland sealed the deal. Both teams improved rushing from the first game, but defenses again stole the show with sacks and stops. The Bengals scored three touchdowns through the air, while Browns leaned on field goals and a pick-six. This matchup ended the regular season on a high note for Cleveland, who finished with a dramatic kick. Close scores underline the even talent level in these rivals.

Passing Stats Breakdown

Burrow improved, completing 29 of 39 for 236 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. He took two sacks for 14 yards, earning a 104.2 rating. His accuracy targeted key receivers for scores. Browns’ rookie Shedeur Sanders went 11 of 22 for 111 yards, no touchdowns or interceptions. He faced six sacks for 29 yards lost, with a 64.8 rating. Sanders managed the game without turnovers but lacked big plays. The stat difference shows Bengals’ aerial edge, yet Browns’ defense limited damage. This passing duel favored Cincinnati in yards and scores, but efficiency under pressure helped Cleveland stay in it.

Rushing Stats Breakdown

Chase Brown again paced Bengals with 13 carries for 72 yards, averaging 5.5 per carry, longest 19. Samaje Perine added eight for 42 yards. Team total: 25 carries for 142 yards. Improved line play opened holes. For Browns, Dylan Sampson led with 10 carries for 32 yards. Sanders scrambled for 26 yards on three carries. They totaled 24 carries for 118 yards, averaging 4.9. Both sides showed better ground games than in September, with Bengals gaining more efficiency. These stats reflect adjustments in blocking schemes, making runs a bigger factor in controlling tempo.

Receiving Stats Breakdown

Ja’Marr Chase starred for Bengals with eight catches for 96 yards and one touchdown. Tee Higgins had six for 67 yards and a score. Chase Brown chipped in four for 18 yards and a touchdown. Total: 29 receptions for 236 yards. Versatile targets kept drives moving. Browns’ Cedric Tillman led with one catch for 23 yards. Malachi Corley had two for 20. The group managed 11 receptions for 111 yards, focusing on short gains. Bengals’ volume and scores dominated, but Browns’ limited attempts suited their run-first plan in this win.

Defensive Stats Breakdown

Browns racked up 82 tackles, 36 solo, two sacks. Devin Bush led with 14 tackles and a pick-six. Myles Garrett added a sack, breaking the single-season record at 23. They forced one fumble and had seven pass deflections. Bengals countered with strong play, led by B.J. Hill’s eight tackles and one sack. Cam Sample had six tackles and two sacks. Their pressure included five quarterback hits. Both defenses were aggressive, but Browns’ timely plays like the interception return turned the tide. These stats show elite pass rushes defining the game.

Key Performances and Insights from Game 2

Burrow’s three touchdown passes highlighted Bengals’ offense, but the interception hurt. Chase’s 96 yards made him a go-to target. For Browns, Garrett’s record sack was historic, disrupting late drives. Sanders avoided mistakes in his rookie finale. Kicking: Andre Szmyt hit the game-winner for Browns, going 2/2 on field goals. Bengals missed a two-point try. In bengals vs cleveland browns match player stats, defense again ruled, with Browns capitalizing on turnovers. This game taught the value of late-game execution in tight contests.

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Overall Comparison of Player Stats Across Both Games

Combining stats, Burrow threw for 349 yards, four touchdowns, one interception over the two games. Browns quarterbacks totaled 401 yards, one touchdown, two interceptions. Rushing: Bengals had 188 yards, Browns 167. Receiving: Bengals 349 yards, four touchdowns; Browns 401 yards, one touchdown. Defenses combined for 282 tackles, nine sacks. Bengals edged passing efficiency, but Browns improved defense in the rematch. These aggregated bengals vs cleveland browns match player stats reveal balanced teams, with small margins deciding wins. Fans get insight into trends like improving runs and consistent pressures.

Standout Bengals Players from the Season Series

Joe Burrow showed leadership, completing 61% of passes for consistent gains. His four touchdowns without many errors kept games close. Chase Brown rushed for 115 yards and one score, proving reliable in tough yards. Ja’Marr Chase’s 122 yards and touchdown in game two highlighted his explosiveness. On defense, B.J. Hill’s tackles and sack disrupted plays. These players’ stats underscore versatility. For fantasy owners or bettors, their consistency offers predictable value in rivalry games.

Standout Browns Players from the Season Series

Myles Garrett dominated with three sacks total, including his record-breaker. His pressures changed game flows. Dylan Sampson contributed 61 rush yards and 76 receiving, showing dual-threat ability. Jerry Jeudy’s 83 receiving yards led in game one. Devin Bush’s tackles and pick-six in game two were pivotal. These stats highlight Browns’ young talent stepping up. In bengals vs cleveland browns match player stats, their efforts balanced veteran play, suggesting growth for future seasons.

In summary, the 2025 Bengals-Browns games were defined by defense and clutch moments. From Burrow’s passes to Garrett’s sacks, player stats tell a story of fierce competition. Whether you’re a fan analyzing trends or just enjoying the rivalry, these details provide a full view. Look forward to more tight battles in 2026.