OHIO — Despite disappointing seasons from both the Browns and the Bengals, each team will look to redeem themselves in the last week of the season for their pride.
What You Need To Know
Myles Garrett is one sack away from the season record
Burrow and Cincinnati won the first matchup
Both teams are playing for pride, since both are mathmatically eliminated from the playoffs
The last matchup ended in a 17-16 win for Cincinnati in week one.
The battle will feature a Cincinnati team that will not be playing for playoff seeding going into this matchup for the first time since 2020. Joe Burrow and a slumping offense will look to end the season strong by defeating their in-state rivals.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)
“Every time we go out there, we’re putting our bodies on the line, going out and trying to prove ourselves in front of the world,” Burrow explained. “Playoffs are out of the question (for us now), obviously. But anytime you step foot out there, you’re playing for pride, playing for your guys, trying to execute, and trying to put good stuff on tape.”
The Bengals have played well when Burrow was on the field this season, winning five of his seven starts.
The Browns seemingly have more on the line to end the season, as Myles Garrett chases the sack records.
Garrett is one sack away from breaking the record. He will be going against a relatively porus offensive line, which ranks in the bottom third of the league.
Cleveland will be continuing to see if Sheduer Sanders in the answer to a quarterback opening that seemingly has been open forever.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski talks with quarterback Shedeur Sanders, left, during the first half of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
The Brown’s front office will also be paying close attention to head coach Kevin Stefanski as questions start to arise about the security of his job.
When asked about the possibility of moving on from Cleveland, Stefanski wanted to focus on his next matchup.
“I understand the question. I never get into those types of discussions. All I care about is finding a way to go 1-0 versus the Bengals,” he said, “As you can imagine, my sole focus is on this game versus Cincinnati, but I also would tell you I’m privileged to have this job.”
The game is set for kickoff on Sunday, January 4th, at 1 p.m.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.