Watch the Cleveland Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals today at 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. This divisional matchup closes out the 2025 regular season with two struggling AFC North squads battling it out at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Here’s how to catch all the action live.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Kickoff: Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT
- Location: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Broadcast: CBS and Paramount+ (with free trial available)
- Records: Browns 4-12 vs Bengals 6-10 entering the season finale
How to Watch Browns vs Bengals Live Today
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The game airs on CBS in your local market. For streaming, Paramount+ offers live coverage for all local and national NFL on CBS games. If you don’t have a Paramount+ subscription, the service offers a free trial, so you can watch the Browns-Bengals matchup at no cost.
Check your cable provider listing for your regional CBS broadcast. You can also stream through Fubo if available in your area. The CBS Sports app and Paramount+ are your streaming options for catching this Week 18 divisional showdown from the Bengals’ home stadium.
Browns and Bengals Season Matchup Stats
| Team | Record | Key Storyline |
| Cleveland Browns | 4-12 | Last place finish in AFC North |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 6-10 | Bengals favored by 7.5 points |
| All-Time Series | Bengals 56-48 | Bengals lead overall matchup |
| Recent Head-to-Head | Bengals 4-1 | Last 5 games favor Cincinnati |
Key Players to Watch: Burrow and Chase Lead the Offense
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Joe Burrow returns to lead the Bengals offense in this season finale. The Cincinnati quarterback has accumulated 1,573 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions through 2025, posting a solid 100.1 QB rating. Burrow’s steady play has kept Cincinnati competitive despite the losing record.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase continues his elite production, collecting 117 receptions for 1,316 yards and 7 touchdowns. Chase maintains a career average of 87.7 yards per game, the second-highest in NFL history. His chemistry with Burrow gives the Bengals a potent passing attack that can threaten any defense on any given Sunday.
The Browns offense will need to find ways to generate points against a Bengals secondary that featured solid pass defense at times throughout the season. Look for Cleveland to lean on ground game execution versus Cincinnati’s defense.
Why This Week 18 Matchup Matters
Both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention, making this a meaningless game in terms of postseason implications. However, divisional pride and draft positioning remain on the line. The Browns’ 4-12 record ensures a high draft pick, while the Bengals at 6-10 also look ahead to 2026.
Coaches and players will use this final game as an evaluation opportunity for the offseason. Team leaders can assess young talent, test scheme adjustments, and build momentum entering the next campaign. That said, expect a competitive divisional affair between two franchises with storied history.
Can the Bengals Improve on Their Head-to-Head Dominance?
The Bengals hold a commanding advantage over the Browns, leading the all-time series 56-48 and dominating 4-1 in their most recent matchups. Cincinnati appears positioned to extend their winning streak against Cleveland with superior quarterback play and receiving weapons. Will the Browns find a way to snap their recent struggles in this rivalry, or will the Bengals’ offensive firepower prove too much to handle at home?
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.