Big-play Broncos withstand career game from Jameis Winston in wild victory

Big-Play Broncos Outlast Career Night from Jameis Winston in Wild Mile High Shootout

DENVER — The Denver Broncos are making noise in the AFC playoff race, and Monday night’s electrifying 41-32 victory over the Cleveland Browns was another step toward ending their eight-year postseason drought. In a game that felt more like a track meet than a football contest, the two teams combined for a jaw-dropping 952 yards of offense at Empower Field at Mile High. But when the dust settled, it was Denver’s knack for big plays that sealed the deal.

Despite surrendering a staggering 497 passing yards to Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, the Broncos leaned on two pick-sixes and a 93-yard touchdown bomb to secure the win. Linebacker Nik Bonitto and nickel corner Ja’Quan McMillian each returned interceptions for touchdowns, while rookie quarterback Bo Nix connected with Marvin Mims Jr. for the longest offensive touchdown of the season. It was just enough to fend off Winston’s aerial assault, which included a monster performance from former Bronco Jerry Jeudy, who torched his old team for 235 yards and a 70-yard touchdown.

Denver Broncos (8-5)

For the Broncos, this season has been a revelation. Monday night’s win pushed them to 8-5, solidifying their hold on the AFC’s final wild-card spot as they head into their bye week. It wasn’t pretty, but it was the kind of gritty, high-stakes victory that playoff teams find a way to pull off.

Denver’s defense, which has been a strength all season, had its hands full with Winston and Jeudy. The unit gave up a season-high in yards before the third quarter even ended. But when it mattered most, they delivered. Bonitto’s 71-yard pick-six in the first half and McMillian’s game-clinching 46-yard interception return with under two minutes to play were the difference-makers in a game that could have easily slipped away.

Here’s a closer look at the Broncos’ wild night:

• Describe the game in two words: Great escape. Denver’s offense sputtered early, and the defense was gashed repeatedly, but the Broncos found a way to win. It wasn’t pretty, but it was effective.
• Most surprising performance: The Broncos’ defense, which has been reliable all year, had an uncharacteristically rough night. Winston shredded them for 245 yards and two touchdowns by halftime. Still, the defense came up with two game-changing pick-sixes to save the day.
• Troubling trend: The absence of cornerback Riley Moss was glaring. Jeudy feasted on his replacement, Levi Wallace, all night. Moss’ status will be a key storyline as the Broncos prepare for their next game.

Denver’s bye week comes at a perfect time. They’ll need to regroup and tighten up defensively before facing the Indianapolis Colts on Dec. 15. But for now, they can savor being three games above .500 for the first time since 2016.

Cleveland Browns (3-9)

For the Browns, Monday night was a bittersweet showcase of what could have been. Winston delivered the most prolific passing performance of his 10-year career, setting a franchise record with 497 yards. Jeudy, meanwhile, had a career night against his former team, breaking the record for most receiving yards by a player in their first game against a former team.

But the Browns’ Achilles heel reared its ugly head once again: turnovers. Winston’s three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, were backbreaking. The second pick-six, in particular, came on a potential game-winning drive and sealed Cleveland’s fate.

Here’s what stood out for the Browns:

• QB breakdown: Winston’s 497 yards broke Bernie Kosar’s franchise record of 489, set in 1986. It was also Winston’s third career game with at least 450 yards and four touchdowns, tying Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. But his high-risk, high-reward style cost the Browns dearly.
• Promising trend: Jeudy’s fifth straight game with at least 70 receiving yards was a career-best streak. His 235 yards were the most ever by a player in their first game against a former team.
• Silver lining: The Browns have been competitive in four of Winston’s five starts, showing that the roster may need a retool rather than a complete rebuild.

At 3-9, the Browns are officially out of playoff contention, but Winston’s play has injected some life into a team that has struggled mightily since losing Deshaun Watson to a season-ending Achilles injury. They’ll look to play spoiler when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.