Browns vs Bengals: All-Time Stats, Records & Game Highlights

Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals feud is straightforwardly termed the "Battle of Ohio." It is one of the most intense and dramatic rivalries in the NFL. Fans all over Ohio don't see these games as games—they see these games as pride, history, and bragging rights. 

What is interesting about this match-up is that both teams come from the same state, yet they feel very different in terms of their histories, struggles, and successes. This game not only signifies football, but also tradition, history, and the emotions of millions of fans.

Browns Vs Bengals: All-Time Head-To-Head Stats

History Of The Rivalry

Origins

The rivalry commenced in 1970, in the same year the AFL–NFL merger happened. In fact, the Bengals were created by Paul Brown, the legendary coach who built the Cleveland Browns. After leaving Cleveland, he built the Bengals, giving this rivalry a highly personal feel. 

This is often referred to as a "family feud" by fans, since the two teams are rooted in the same football genius.

1970s- The Inception Years 
The Browns were on top during the early 1970s, had a really strong roster. 
The Bengals came along quickly enough to inject some competitiveness back in the rivalry. 
By the end of the 1970s, the two teams were beating each other enough that an annual war was taking shape. 
The 1980s- The Rise of the Bengals 
The Bengals went to the Super Bowl (twice 1981 & 1988). 
They had offensive stars such as Ken Anderson and Boomer Esiason. 
The Browns had their sprinkle of magic as well with the Kardiac Kids in 1980 and with Bernie Kosar thereafter. 
The 1990s- The Browns were Bad 
The Browns had the shock of their organization, when it moved to Baltimore, MD in 1996. 
During that time, the Bengals were more or less dominant. 
However, when the browns returned in 1999, the rivalry picked right up as if no time at all had passed.

The 2000s & 2010s - Back-And-Forth Wars!

The Bengals had stars like Carson Palmer, Chad Johnson, A.J. Green.

The Browns continued rebuilds and had unforgettable upset wins.

Between 2014 - 2018 the Bengals won 8 in a row and certainly began to show who was the boss in latest times.

 The 2020s - The Burrow vs. Browns Era

With Joe Burrow under center, the Bengals suddenly looked like a Super Bowl contender.

The Browns built a strong defensive identity under Kevin Stefanski.

Since 2020, every game has felt like a playoff game.

Memorable Game Highlights

Classic Games

1975 - Browns Shock Bengals
Cleveland shocked everyone when they broke Cincinnati's winning streak.

1989 - Masterclass by the Browns D
A concrete show of defense from the Browns in a 24-0 shutout game.

2004 - The 58-48 Shootout
One of the most dramatic games in NFL history where Bengals edged out the Browns; still a topic amongst fans.

2019 - Andy Dalton's Farewell Game
The Bengals defeated the Browns in what felt like an end of an era for the team's longtime QB.

2022 - The Bengals Break Cleveland's Streak
After losing for years and years to Cleveland, Burrow got a much-deserved victory over the Browns.

2025 Season Opener (Sept 7, 2025)
Bengals win 17-16 with a late interception and a number of missed field goals by the Browns - It is an instant classic.

BENGALS 17 BROWNS 16

The only thing that matters today is a 1 goes in the win column. Truly incredible how this team can’t play in Cleveland.

DON’T APOLOGIZE FOR WINS IN THE NFL. #Bengals #Browns #NFL pic.twitter.com/r5GoHRIQBi

— Sam Connaughton (@dagreatsambino) September 7, 2025

Players Who Defined The Rivalry

For Browns

Jim Brown (legendary RB)

Bernie Kosar (QB)

Myles Garrett (modern defensive superstar)

Nick Chubb (RB, symbol of toughness)

For Bengals

Ken Anderson (QB)

Boomer Esiason (QB)

Chad Johnson aka Ochocinco (WR)

Joe Burrow (modern leader, QB)

Ja’Marr Chase (WR, explosive playmaker)

Record By Decade

Till September 2025 update

Evergreen Angle – Why This Rivalry Matters Globally

It represents sports heritage of Ohio.

It is a story of pride, history, and resilience.

For Indian NFL fans, it is a chance to experience the same passion and state-based rivalry as seen in cricket’s India vs Pakistan matches.