A Comprehensive Breakdown of Performances, Numbers & Key Contributors

The Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns rivalry has produced many memorable games over the years, featuring dramatic finishes, standout statistical performances, and key moments that have defined seasons.Bengals vs Cleveland Browns In this extensive analysis, we look at the detailed player stats from their most recent matchups, especially the Week 18, 2025 game (Browns 20, Bengals 18) and the Week 1, 2025 game (Bengals 17, Browns 16), highlighting individual contributions and what the numbers reveal about each player’s performance .

H2: Overview of Recent Matchups

Bengals vs Browns – Week 18, 2025

• Final Score: Browns 20, Bengals 18 (ESPN.com)
• A closely contested game in which Cleveland secured a narrow victory late in the fourth quarter. (Cleveland Browns)
• The game included notable defensive milestones and clutch offensive plays. (Cleveland Browns)

Bengals vs Browns – Week 1, 2025

• Final Score: Bengals 17, Browns 16 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• A tight opener that saw the Bengals edge the Browns by a single point thanks to a late defensive stop. (Cincinnati Bengals)

Both contests featured significant statistical contributions from key players across passing, rushing, and receiving categories. In the sections below, we dive deep into those player stats.

H2: Quarterbacks — Passing Performance Analysis

Quarterbacks are often the centerpiece of offensive stats, and in recent Bengals vs Browns games, their performances have been pivotal.

Joe Burrow (Bengals)

Week 1, 2025

• Completions/Attempts: 14/23 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Passing Yards: 113 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Touchdowns: 1 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Interceptions: 0 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Pressure & Sacks: Sacked 3 times for 18 yards loss (ESPN.com)

Burrow’s ball security was effective in this game, and while his yardage total wasn’t high, his single touchdown was vital to Cincinnati’s narrow victory. Often faced with heavy pressure from the Browns’ defensive front, Burrow’s decision making under pressure was a key factor in staying competitive.

Joe Flacco (Browns)

Week 1, 2025

• Completions/Attempts: 31/45 (ESPN.com)
• Passing Yards: 290 (ESPN.com)
• Touchdowns: 1 (ESPN.com)
• Interceptions: 2 (ESPN.com)
• Sacks: 2 (ESPN.com)

Flacco’s performance was statistically strong in terms of yardage, but turnovers (two interceptions) proved costly in a tight loss. His ability to move the ball through the air kept the Browns competitive deep into the fourth quarter.

H2: Rushing Leaders — Ground Game Contributions

The ground game often sets the tone for ball control, third‑down conversions, and clock management.

Chase Brown (Bengals)

Week 1, 2025

• Carries: 21 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Rushing Yards: 43 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Touchdowns: 1 (Cincinnati Bengals)

Brown’s consistent workload showed Cincinnati’s reliance on a power running game to complement Burrow’s passing. His touchdown provided the initial scoring momentum that helped Cincinnati narrowly defeat the Browns.

Joe Burrow (Bengals) Rushing

Although primarily a passer, Burrow contributed on the ground:

• Rushing Attempts: 2 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Rushing Yards: 3 (Cincinnati Bengals)

This illustrates Burrow’s ability to provide occasional running support, which can be crucial in short‑yardage and red zone situations.

H2: Receiving Breakdown — Who Made the Impact?

Tee Higgins (Bengals)

• Receptions: 3 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Receiving Yards: 33 (Cincinnati Bengals)

Higgins paced Cincinnati’s receiving corps in this matchup and provided a dependable target for Burrow.

Noah Fant (Bengals)

• Receptions: 4 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Receiving Yards: 26 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Touchdowns: 1 (Cincinnati Bengals)

Fant’s yardage and scoring catch were crucial in building and maintaining Cincinnati’s lead.

Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

• Receptions: 2 (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Receiving Yards: 26 (Cincinnati Bengals)

Chase provided big‑play threat capability and maintained efficient production despite limited touches.

H2: Defensive Standouts

While offensive stats are often headlined, defensive performances can alter game outcomes through turnovers, sacks, and pressures.

Myles Garrett (Browns)

Myles Garrett’s defensive mastery was a key storyline in the Week 18 matchup. Garrett set the NFL single‑season sack record in that game — a landmark achievement illustrating his dominance as a pass rusher. (Cleveland Browns)

Garrett’s ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure forced hurried throws and limited quarterback comfort — turning the tide in Cleveland’s favor.

DJ Turner II (Bengals)

In Week 1 of 2025, Turner recorded the first interception of his career, a critical turnover that sealed Cincinnati’s narrow win. (Cincinnati Bengals)

Turner’s defensive play exemplifies how secondary contributions can be game–defining in close contests.

H2: Special Teams & Kicking Breakdown

Special teams performance influences field position, scoring opportunities, and late‑game decision making.

Andre Szmyt (Browns Kicker)

In the Week 18, 2025 contest, Szmyt had a high‑pressure opportunity late in the game with a chance to win via field goal. Although that kick did not ultimately decide the outcome, Szmyt’s work throughout the season including his consistency in field goals has been critical for Cleveland’s competitive scoring opportunities. (Cleveland Browns)

Evan McPherson (Bengals)

McPherson’s role in converting extra points and field goals during close contests — particularly in the Bengals’ Week 1 17‑16 win — highlights his importance to Cincinnati’s offensive scoring execution. (Reddit)

H2: Key Statistical Comparisons

Here we compile a snapshot comparison of fundamental team and individual stats across the two highlighted matchups:

Category	Bengals (Week 1, 2025)	Browns (Week 1, 2025)
Passing Yards Leader	Burrow, 113	Flacco, 290
Rushing Yards Leader	Chase Brown, 43	D. Sanders, 1 yd run (in scoring drives)
Top Receiver	Fant (1 TD)	Tillman, Tillman (scoring involvement)
Interceptions	1 (Turner)	2 (Flacco’s turnovers)
Defensive Impact	Multiple sacks	Garrett pressures

This comparison illustrates how both teams leveraged different strengths — Cincinnati’s balanced offensive effort vs Cleveland’s passing yardage advantage, countered by turnovers and pressure plays.

H2: Historical Context & Trends

While our primary focus is recent matchups, the long‑standing Bengals vs Browns series illustrates ongoing competitive dynamics:

• The Bengals lead the historical series overall — a reflection of consistent wins over multiple seasons. (FOX Sports)
• Past matchups have shown shifts in offensive philosophy and personnel, and data trends often point to fluctuating strengths year‑to‑year.

This historical backdrop helps contextualize how specific player performances in recent games contribute to the broader rivalry narrative.

H2: What These Stats Reveal

The compiled player stats from Bengals vs Browns matchups highlight several core insights:

1. Quarterback Play Matters Most

• Burrow’s game management and ball security paired with accurate passing put Cincinnati in position to win tight games despite lower yardage totals. (Cincinnati Bengals)
• Flacco’s high yardage but turnovers illustrate how volume without ball security can be a double‑edged sword. (ESPN.com)

2. Rush Performance Sets the Tone

• Ground game efficiency provides clock control and third‑down leverage — as seen in the Bengals’ commitment to Brown and short‑yardage schemes. (Cincinnati Bengals)

3. Turnovers & Defense Shift Momentum

• Defensive plays — interceptions, pressure sacks from players like Garrett — often swing tightly contested games. (Cleveland Browns)

H2: FAQs — Bengals vs Browns Match Player Stats

Q: Who had the most passing yards in the recent Bengals vs Browns games?

A: In the Week 1, 2025 matchup, Browns QB Joe Flacco led all passers with 290 passing yards compared to Joe Burrow’s 113. (ESPN.com)

Q: Which player scored the game‑winning touchdown in the Bengals’ recent matchup?

A: In Week 1, 2025, Noah Fant of the Bengals caught the touchdown that helped Cincinnati edge Cleveland 17‑16. (Cincinnati Bengals)

Q: Which defensive player made a key impact for the Browns?

A: Myles Garrett set the NFL single‑season sack record and provided disruptive pressure in the Week 18, 2025 game. (Cleveland Browns)

Q: How did the Bengals defense impact these games?

A: Cincinnati defenders like DJ Turner II impacted outcomes through key interceptions and sacks that shifted momentum. (Cincinnati Bengals)

FAQs – Bengals vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats

Q1: Who had the most passing yards in the recent Bengals vs Browns games?
A1: In Week 1, 2025, Browns QB Joe Flacco led with 290 passing yards, while Bengals’ Joe Burrow had 113 yards. Flacco’s high yardage helped Cleveland stay competitive despite the turnover issues.

Q2: Which player scored the decisive touchdown in the Bengals’ win?
A2: Noah Fant of the Bengals caught the crucial touchdown in Week 1, 2025, contributing directly to Cincinnati’s 17‑16 victory over the Browns.

Q3: Who was the standout defensive player for the Browns?
A3: Myles Garrett dominated with multiple sacks, including setting the NFL single‑season sack record, significantly impacting quarterback pressure and the Bengals’ offensive rhythm.

Q4: How did the Bengals’ defense influence the games?
A4: Players like DJ Turner II made key interceptions and crucial tackles, turning momentum in Cincinnati’s favor during tightly contested moments.

Q5: Who led the rushing game for the Bengals?
A5: Chase Brown carried 21 times for 43 yards and scored a touchdown, providing Cincinnati with ball control and short-yardage reliability.

Q6: Which receivers made the biggest impact?
A6: Tee Higgins, Noah Fant, and Ja’Marr Chase contributed with key receptions and touchdowns, providing critical support for Burrow’s passing game.

Q7: How did turnovers affect the outcome?
A7: Turnovers by Flacco and timely Bengals interceptions shifted momentum, demonstrating the importance of ball security.

Q8: Were special teams decisive in these games?
A8: Yes, field goals by Evan McPherson and attempted kicks by Andre Szmyt influenced scoring opportunities and late-game decisions.

Q9: How close were the scores?
A9: Both matchups were very close. Week 1 ended 17‑16 Bengals, and Week 18 concluded 20‑18 Browns, showing competitive balance.

Q10: What do these stats reveal about team strategy?
A10: Cincinnati balanced rushing and passing, while Cleveland relied on high-yardage passing. Defensive pressure and turnovers proved crucial in determining the winners.

H2: Conclusion

The Bengals vs Cleveland Browns rivalry continues to deliver intense contests defined by nuanced player performances and statistical significance.

From Joe Burrow’s calculated passing and ball security to Joe Flacco’s yardage‑rich but turnover‑laden outing, and Myles Garrett’s historic pass‑rushing dominance, the clash between these two AFC North foes offers a rich tapestry of individual and team stats that matter.

Whether you’re a fan evaluating quarterback play, assessing defensive contributions, or comparing rushing effectiveness, these detailed player stats reveal that every yard, turnover, and defensive pressure matters in close NFL rivalries.

As both teams continue to evolve, tracking these matchups will remain essential for understanding how individual output drives team success — and how player statistics reflect broader strategies, momentum, and outcomes in one of the NFL’s compelling rivalries.

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