Bills Secure Narrow Victory Over Browns in Dramatic Week 16 Clash

Bills Edge Browns in Hard-Fought Battle

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Cleveland Browns 23-20 on December 21, 2025, in a Week 16 contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Buffalo closed their final regular season road game with back-to-back defensive stands whilst protecting a three-point lead, improving to 11-4 with their fourth straight win and inching closer to securing a playoff berth for a seventh consecutive season.

Dramatic Final Quarter Defines the Match

The Browns had two possessions to either tie or take the lead in the fourth quarter but were unable to do so, dropping their 12th game this season. The game’s decisive moment came when Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders was called for intentional grounding whilst facing second-and-18, setting up a third-and-32 from the Browns’ 1-yard line. The Bills needed a first down to kneel the game out and did so on third-and-1, allowing them to run down the clock and win the game.

Defensive Excellence Propels Buffalo

Buffalo had one of the best overall efforts from its defensive line all season as the Bills D-line recorded 2.5 sacks, 8 QB hits, four batted passes and one interception. All the sacks came courtesy of DE Greg Rousseau, who had his first multi-sack game since the 2024 season, recording a staggering 7 QB hits and two other tackles for a loss. The Bills’ defensive pressure proved crucial in limiting Cleveland’s offensive opportunities throughout the contest.

Judkins Injury Casts Shadow Over Contest

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins fractured his fibula and dislocated his ankle, ending his first NFL season. The No. 36 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Ohio State was Cleveland’s leading rusher this season, having rushed for 805 yards and seven touchdowns in 13 games played entering Sunday. Despite the setback, Cleveland rushed for 160 yards and one touchdown whilst averaging 5.2 yards per rush.

Looking Ahead

All the Bills need now to clinch a playoff spot is either a Houston Texans loss against the Las Vegas Raiders, or an Indianapolis Colts loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bills return to Buffalo next week and will host the 10-5 Philadelphia Eagles, who just clinched the NFC East. This victory demonstrates Buffalo’s resilience and championship credentials as they push towards the post-season, whilst Cleveland continues to face challenges in what has been a difficult campaign.