Cleveland Browns fans were on the edge of their seats as their team prepared for the final regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. The Browns, having already clinched a postseason spot, were not taking any chances by resting noteworthy players like CB Mike Ford Jr. and DE Myles Garrett.

The weekend was not merely a waiting game for fans; it brought intriguing roster changes. The Browns placed LB Anthony Walker Jr. on injured reserve while signing DE Sam Kamara to the active roster from the practice squad.

For the Bengals, despite their shattered playoff dreams, the game served as more than just a season closure. They had a point to prove and compete with nonpareil focus. Notably inactive for the Bengals was wide receiver Tee Higgins, a key player missed in the highly-anticipated season finale.

Although the result of the Browns-Bengals game would not affect the postseason placements, both teams showed up with determination. The Browns were in Cincinnati, not with their full squad, showing strategic rest to some of the starters for playoff preparations.

Despite travelling, the Browns’ wild-card game was not entirely ruled out to be a home game. For that to transpire, a win was necessary for the Browns. The much-debated inactive list for the Browns included DE Myles Garrett, WRs Amari Cooper and Marquise Goodwin, QB Joe Flacco, who was not expected to play, and K Dustin Hopkins.

The thrilling Week 18 game was an essential football event to watch, perfectly rounding up the regular season while setting the stage for the highly anticipated playoffs.