Browns defense scores again to build lead over Bengals

The Cleveland Browns' defense has scored again, helping the Browns build an early lead over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.

This time around, the Browns returned a fumble from Bengals tight end Noah Fant to the house for a touchdown. The ball was forced out by linebacker Jerome Baker and scooped up by cornerback Sam Webb, giving the Browns a 14-6 lead over their division rivals in the 2025-26 season finale.

Through 16 minutes of game time, the Browns have been outgained 117 to 28, have possessed the ball for just four minutes to Cincinnati's 12, and haven't crossed their own 30-yard-line on offense. Yet, thanks to this score and a pick-six from linebacker Devin Bush, they're up 8 on the Bengals in the second quarter. Webb's fumble return is the fourth touchdown scored by the Browns' defense this season -- the most by any team in the NFL.

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It's been a mess of a season for the Browns, as evidenced by the 4-12 record heading into this week, but this defense is giving Kevin Stefanski the opportunity to end the season -- and perhaps his tenure as the Browns' coach -- on a high-note with a two-game winning streak to close out the year.

This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns defense scores again to build lead over Bengals