The Browns dropped their second-to-last home game of the season as they lost to the Bills 23-20.
"The game, just frustrated," head coach Kevin Stefanski said. "Want to close that one and want to get a win against a good football team at our place, and we didn't do it at the end, so that's the frustrating part. Love how the team fights, which I'm not surprised that's who those guys are. So, we'll look at it and learn from it."
Here are three main takeaways from the Browns' 23-20 loss to the Bills.
Quinshon Judkins to undergo surgery
The Browns lost a key player in their run game in RB Quinshon Judkins, as Stefanski said Judkins dislocated his ankle and fractured his fibula. The injuries will require surgery.
Judkins sustained the injuries late in the second quarter as he was tackled on a play. He was carted off the field following the injury. Judkins finished Week 16 with 22 rushing yards on eight carries, as well as five receptions for 29 yards.
"Obviously very disappointed for the young man, he will bounce back," Stefanski said. "I have zero doubt about that with him. But you never want to see that with any of your guys. He'll be back in no time, I know that."
Judkins is the Browns' leading rusher during the 2025 season, totaling 827 rushing yards on 230 carries and seven touchdowns following Week 16. In his first NFL season, Judkins' longest run of the season was for 46 rushing yards.
The Browns' run game will see a shift with Judkins set to miss time, as well as RB Jerome Ford on injured reserve and RB Dylan Sampson working through a hand injury. Following Judkins' injury, the Browns relied on RB Raheim Sanders, RB Trayveon Williams and WR Malachi Corley to in the run game against the Bills. Sanders totaled 11 carries for 42 yards, while Corley added 30 rushing yards on three carries.
"(They are) guys that we trust," Stefanski said. "Whoever is in there we trust them, and I say that because they are with us. They are in every meeting and they are at practice. And sometimes you don't get those opportunities, but you're on the team because we trust you. So, not surprised to see those guys come through. Couple really big plays with Trayveon and I thought Rocket ran really hard."
Browse action photos from the Browns' 2025 Week 16 game against the Buffalo Bills, featuring top plays and moments.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Center Luke Wypler (56) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) and Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) and Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The offense during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) and Linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold (42) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) and Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Zak Zinter (70) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
The defense during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Christopher Edmonds (41) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Blake Whiteheart (86) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Teven Jenkins (74) and Center Luke Wypler (56) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Center Luke Wypler (56) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5), Cornerback Myles Harden (26) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5), Cornerback Myles Harden (26) and Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94), Defensive end Isaiah McGuire (57), Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49), and Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Grant Delpit (9) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) and Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Raheim Sanders (35) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) and Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) and Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Cornerback Myles Harden (26) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive tackle Mason Graham (94) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Quinshon Judkins (10) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (44) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Gage Larvadain (84) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Ronnie Hickman Jr. (33), Cornerback Myles Harden (26), Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive tackle Cam Robinson (68) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Offensive guard Joel Bitonio (75) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins (5) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Devin Bush (30) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Malachi Corley (83) and Offensive tackle KT Leveston (72) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive end Myles Garrett (95) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Running back Trayveon Williams (38) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Kicker Andre Szmyt (25) and Punter Corey Bojorquez (13) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Wide receiver Isaiah Bond (16) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Defensive lineman Adin Huntington (98) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Linebacker Carson Schwesinger (49) during a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns on December 21, 2025 at Huntington Bank Field.
Browns' run defense struggles to stop the run
The Browns faced a tough matchup in the game in Week, as the Bills lead the league averaging 158.9 rushing yards per game. Buffalo continued to utilize the run game against Cleveland to not only move the ball downfield, but also to find the end zone. The Bills ended the first half with 133 net rushing yards.
"Going into it, you know that's a great run team," Stefanski said. "They have good players, good scheme. James Cook is outstanding, so we knew that was a challenge. We made some adjustments throughout the game, obviously we feel like we can play better early. Give them credit, but there were a couple things that we can certainly do better."
RB James Cook III totaled 117 rushing yards in 16 carries, with his longest run of the day on a 44-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
The Browns adjusted in the second half, holding the Bills to 31 net rushing yards in the second half to end the game with 164 net rushing yards. However, Buffalo also used the run game to find the end zone, with two rushing touchdowns while in the red zone alongside Cook's rushing touchdown.
"(We) got more physical and tackled better," DE Myles Garrett said. "Guys were making the plays we know we can make. We were letting them just bounce off the first one and he was getting free. That's all the run game is being in the right spot and the want to."
Browns' offense falls short late in game
Offensively, the Browns found a spark on their opening scripted drive, moving down the field on an eight-play drive that ended with a 13-yard touchdown pass from QB Shedeur Sanders to TE Harold Fannin Jr.. Stefanski said their efficiency on first and second downs allowed them to stay out of third-down situations and move the ball downfield.
They also utilized the run game more effectively and found a balance with the run and pass game. Cleveland finished with 160 net rushing yards and 134 net passing yards.
The Browns continued to find ways to move the ball downfield and found the end zone once more in the third quarter as Fannin ran the ball for 1-yard touchdown.
"I thought we executed our blocks better," G Joel Bitonio said. "We talked about our one eleventh and executing the run. (C Luke) Wypler did a good job getting us on the same page, and guys executing their one-on-ones. I think (QB) Shedeur (Sanders) did a good job scrambling in the first half, he picked up 10 yards a few times doing that, things are going to open up when you are doing that. That keeps you on track and gives you a new set of downs, so then you can run the ball again."
On two offensive drives that stalled, the Browns still managed to get into field goal position to allow K Andre Szmyt to make a 24-yard field goal in the second quarter and a 41-yard field goal.
However, with 3:47 left in the fourth quarter down three points, the Browns had a chance at one final offensive drive after the Bills turned the ball over on downs. Shedeur Sanders connected with Corley for an 11-yard game but then took a sack for a loss of eight yards to back their own 23-yard line. An intentional grounding call backed the Browns up farther at the two-minute warning. Then on third-and-32, Shedeur Sanders looked deep for Jeudy, but the pass fell incomplete and the Browns were forced to punt.
Shedeur Sanders finished the game completing 20 of 29 passing attempts for 157 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also added four carries for 49 yards.
"He battled like he does, I thought he made some unbelievable plays with his feet today, which I thought going into the game would be the case," Stefanski said. "Always room to grow for a young player, but proud of how he fought."
