In a Monday Night Football thriller that featured nearly 1,000 combined yards of offense, the Denver Broncos hung on for a crucial 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns to maintain their grasp on an AFC playoff spot. The win moves Denver to 8-5 on the season as they enter their bye week still holding the conference’s final wild card berth.
Broncos Survive Browns’ Offensive Onslaught
Despite allowing a career-high 497 passing yards to Browns quarterback Jameis Winston and 235 receiving yards to former Bronco Jerry Jeudy, Denver managed to escape with the win thanks to game-changing plays on both sides of the ball:
- Linebacker Nik Bonitto returned an interception 71 yards for a touchdown
- Rookie corner Ja’Quan McMillian sealed the victory with a 46-yard pick-six with under two minutes remaining
- Quarterback Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for a 93-yard TD, Denver’s longest offensive play of the year
The wild back-and-forth affair marked the first time since 1997 that the Broncos scored two touchdowns of 70+ yards in the same game. Head coach Sean Payton acknowledged his team’s uncharacteristic defensive struggles while praising their resilience.
“Obviously, giving up that many yards and points is not how we’ve won games this year. But our guys kept battling and made the plays we needed to get this victory. There’s plenty to clean up, but we’re thrilled to be 8-5 headed into the bye.”
– Broncos head coach Sean Payton
Jeudy Shines in Denver Return
Playing in Denver for the first time since being traded in the offseason, Browns wideout Jerry Jeudy torched his former team. His 235 receiving yards were the most ever by a player in their first game against a former team. Jeudy’s 70-yard touchdown grab gave Cleveland a 26-24 lead late in the third quarter.
Winston’s Roller Coaster Night
Browns QB Jameis Winston set a franchise record with 497 passing yards and tied an NFL record with his third career game of 450+ yards and 4+ TDs. But his three interceptions, including the two returned for touchdowns, proved too much for Cleveland to overcome.
“Jameis giveth and Jameis taketh away. That’s kind of been the story of his career. He was incredible for much of the night, but those two pick-sixes ended up being the difference.”
– NFL Analyst on Jameis Winston’s performance
Broncos Stay in Playoff Position
With the win, Denver maintains a two-game lead over the Los Angeles Chargers for the AFC’s third and final wild card spot. After hosting the Colts in Week 15, the Broncos close the season with road games against the Chiefs and Raiders.
While Monday’s defensive lapses will certainly cause concern, the 8-5 Broncos control their own destiny as they seek their first playoff berth in eight years. With a well-timed bye week to rest and regroup, Payton’s squad remains squarely in the mix to break the franchise’s postseason drought.
More Misery for Cleveland
The loss drops the Browns to 3-9 and clinches their 22nd losing season since the franchise returned to Cleveland in 1999. The late-game collapse overshadowed an electrifying offensive display and wasted a record-setting performance by Winston in his return from injury.
“This one definitely stings. The guys played their hearts out and we had a chance to steal a win against a playoff team on the road. We just couldn’t quite finish the job. That’s been the story of our season.”
– Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
After a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations, the disappointing Browns are now left to play out the string and evaluate which pieces they can build around in 2025. For at least one night, Winston and Jeudy showed flashes of being a potentially elite QB-WR tandem to lead the franchise into the future.
