CINCINNATI — The playoff brackets may be set, and the road to Super Bowl LX in California may not run through the Buckeye State this year, but do not tell the 65,000 fans descending upon Paycor Stadium that this Sunday doesn’t matter.

On January 4, 2026, the National Football League season concludes with a fixture that transcends standings, records, and postseason implications. It is the Battle of Ohio. The Cincinnati Bengals host the Cleveland Browns in a game where the currency isn’t a Lombardi Trophy, but something far more personal: bragging rights for the next eight months.

A Rivalry Reborn in Grit

The 2025 season has been a turbulent voyage for both of Ohio’s NFL franchises. Injuries, inconsistent play, and heartbreaking narrow losses have left both the Bengals and the Browns on the outside looking in as the postseason picture solidified. However, the history between these two teams—linked forever by the legacy of Paul Brown—ensures that the season finale will be played with the intensity of a wildcard matchup.

For Cincinnati, this Sunday represents a chance to salvage pride. Led by Joe Burrow, the Bengals have navigated a frustrating year where the offense often sputtered just when it needed to soar. Yet, Burrow’s competitive fire remains extinguished. Sources close to the team suggest the quarterback has been vocal in practice this week, emphasizing that finishing the season with a victory over their in-state rivals is non-negotiable.

“We owe it to the city,” Burrow reportedly told teammates on Wednesday. “We don’t walk off this field with our heads down. We finish the fight.”

Cleveland’s Chase for History

On the opposite sideline, the Cleveland Browns arrive in Cincinnati with a singular, destructive goal: ruin the Bengals’ afternoon and etch their names in the record books. While the offense has struggled to find a consistent identity throughout 2025, the Browns’ defense has been a juggernaut.

Sunday offers a shot at a “generational defensive milestone.” The Browns’ pass rush, led by the perennial All-Pro Myles Garrett, is within striking distance of a franchise record for single-season sacks. Furthermore, the unit is looking to solidify its ranking as the number one defense in total yards allowed for the 2025 season.

For Garrett and the Browns’ defensive front, Paycor Stadium is a hunting ground. They have historically given the Bengals’ offensive line fits, and with history on the line, expect Cleveland to unleash a bevy of exotic blitz packages. They aren’t just playing to win; they are playing to cement their legacy as one of the most fearsome units in modern Browns history, regardless of the team’s final win-loss record.

The Matchup: An Unstoppable Force vs. An Immovable Object

The narrative of the game will likely be written in the trenches. Can the Bengals’ offensive line hold up against a Cleveland front seven that smells blood?

Cincinnati’s strategy will likely hinge on quick releases and getting the ball into the hands of their playmakers in space, neutralizing the pass rush before it can get home. Conversely, Cleveland will look to muddy the game, turning it into a low-scoring, physical brawl suited to the cold January temperatures of the Ohio River Valley.

This game also serves as a final audition for many players on both rosters. In the NFL, the season finale for non-playoff teams is often the first day of the next season. Roster spots for 2026 are won and lost on days like this. The desperation of fringe players fighting for their careers, combined with the star power of Burrow and Garrett, creates a volatile and exciting cocktail for viewers.

How to Watch the Battle of Ohio

The NFL has positioned this AFC North grudge match in the early afternoon window, ensuring it gets the regional spotlight it deserves. Whether you are in the “Jungle” of Cincinnati or the “Dawg Pound” of Cleveland, here is how you can tune in to witness the final chapter of the 2025 season.

Broadcast Details:

• Network: CBS

• Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM CT

• Streaming: Paramount+ (Local markets), NFL+ (Mobile)

The Broadcast Team:

Calling the action will be Tom McCarthy on play-by-play duties. Known for his energetic calls, McCarthy will be joined in the booth by former NFL defensive back Logan Ryan. Ryan, who has quickly ascended the ranks as a sharp and insightful analyst, will provide a unique perspective on the defensive chess match between Burrow and the Browns’ secondary.

Reporting from the sidelines will be Amanda Balionis, who will provide updates on injuries and the atmosphere from down on the field.

The Final Word

When the clock hits triple zeros on Sunday evening, one fanbase will head into the long offseason with the warmth of victory, while the other will be left out in the cold. It is a game of pride, a game of history, and a game of pure Ohio grit.

The playoffs may be out of reach, but make no mistake: The Battle of Ohio is the only Super Bowl that matters this weekend in the Buckeye State.