Myles Garrett Sets NFL Sacks Record as Browns Edge Bengals 20 to 18 on Last Play Field Goal

Cincinnati ,OH - Clevland delivered a breaking update Sunday as Myles Garrett set the NFL single season sacks record and Dustin Szmyt drilled a 49 yard field goal as time expired to lift the Browns to a 20 to 18 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in a dramatic AFC North matchup.

Garrett anchored a dominant Cleveland defensive performance that reshaped the game’s timeline. His fourth quarter sack of Joe Burrow not only stalled a late Cincinnati drive but also pushed Garrett past the previous league benchmark, placing him atop the NFL record book and further solidifying his Defensive Player of the Year candidacy. Cleveland finished with relentless pressure that forced turnovers, short fields, and momentum shifting plays throughout the contest.

The Browns built their early advantage through defense and opportunism rather than sustained offensive rhythm. Devin Bush opened the scoring with a 97 yard interception return for a touchdown late in the first quarter, flipping a red zone opportunity for Cincinnati into a 7 point Cleveland lead. Moments later, Sione Webb added another defensive score with a 47 yard fumble return touchdown early in the second quarter, giving the Browns a 14 to 6 cushion despite limited offensive production.

Cincinnati responded before halftime behind Burrow’s efficiency and composure. Tee Higgins caught a 13 yard touchdown pass with 29 seconds remaining in the second quarter, trimming the deficit to 14 to 12 after a missed extra point. The Bengals leaned heavily on their passing game, with Ja’Marr Chase consistently winning in space and Higgins emerging as the primary red zone target.

Cleveland extended its lead early in the third quarter with a 27 yard Szmyt field goal, making it 17 to 12 and briefly stabilizing the Browns outlook. However, the offense continued to struggle to close drives, leaving the door open for Cincinnati late.

The Bengals seized that opening in the fourth quarter. Burrow engineered a 61 yard drive in just over a minute, capped by a 4 yard touchdown pass to Chase with 1:29 remaining. Cincinnati attempted a 2 point conversion to take the lead, but Cleveland’s defense held firm, preserving a 1 point advantage for the Bengals at 18 to 17 and setting the stage for the final sequence.

Cleveland responded with urgency and discipline. Rookie quarterback Sanders completed timely throws to move the Browns into range while Cincinnati’s defense focused on preventing a deep strike. With the clock winding down, Szmyt calmly converted from 49 yards as time expired, delivering the walk off win and sealing a pivotal result in the AFC North race.

Burrow finished with multiple touchdown passes and sustained production despite constant pressure, while Chase and Higgins combined to account for the majority of Cincinnati’s explosive plays. The Bengals fell to a projected top 10 draft position, a result that could shape their offseason strategy and roster outlook.

For Cleveland, the impact extends beyond the win. Garrett’s record setting performance reinforces his status as the cornerstone of the franchise and alters the league wide defensive conversation. The Browns now face critical next steps, including clarity on Kevin Stefanski’s future and positioning tied to a high draft pick that could redefine the roster entering the next season.

As the timeline closes on the regular season, this result serves as a defining moment for both teams. Cleveland leaves with momentum and a historic defensive achievement, while Cincinnati exits with unanswered questions but clear direction heading into the offseason.