The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats was played on December 2, 2024, and it turned out to be one of the most dramatic and high-scoring games of the season. The final score read Denver Broncos 41 – Cleveland Browns 32, but that does not tell the full story. Both teams displayed moments of brilliance and failure, with some record-breaking performances and surprising turns.
This game was part of the Week 13 Monday Night Football slot, attracting national attention. It also carried weight in terms of postseason outlook, especially for the Broncos who were fighting to stay alive in the AFC playoff picture. The Browns, though struggling at 3–9, came into the game with a new quarterback under center, and they certainly made headlines.
Key Storylines:
- Jameis Winston, starting for Cleveland, threw for 497 yards, a franchise record for the Browns.
- Jerry Jeudy, recently traded from Denver, returned to haunt his former team by catching 235 yards worth of passes, a personal career-high.
- Denver’s defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns, swinging the game decisively in their favor.
- Bo Nix, the Broncos’ rookie quarterback, played efficiently, guiding key drives despite facing a tough Cleveland pass rush.
This matchup had everything—big plays, turnovers, records, and emotional narratives. It became a case study of how individual player stats can shine even when the team result doesn’t go in their favor.
Table of Contents
Quarterback Performance Comparison
The quarterback battle between Jameis Winston of the Cleveland Browns and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos was one of the most watched storylines of the game. It turned out to be a showcase of contrasts—one explosive but flawed, the other efficient but conservative.
Jameis Winston – Browns
Jameis Winston, filling in due to injuries to Cleveland’s regular starters, delivered a performance that was both record-breaking and chaotic. He threw for 497 yards, the most in a single game by any Browns quarterback in franchise history. He completed 33 of 52 passes, connecting on 4 touchdown throws, but also threw 3 interceptions.
Two of those interceptions were returned for touchdowns, which ultimately cost Cleveland the game. Despite the loss, Winston’s raw passing numbers placed him among the top individual performances of the 2024 season.
“We moved the ball all night long,” said Winston in a post-game interview. “But I can’t give the defense 14 points. That’s on me.”
Bo Nix – Broncos
On the other side, Bo Nix, Denver’s rookie QB, showed composure. He finished with 294 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, one of which was deep in Broncos territory. However, Nix protected the football when it mattered most and guided Denver to scoring drives with smart decision-making.
He completed 26 of 37 passes and showed good chemistry with his top wideouts, especially on deep plays.
QB Comparison Table
| Player | Completions/Attempts | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | QB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jameis Winston | 33/52 | 497 | 4 | 3 | 85.2 |
| Bo Nix | 26/37 | 294 | 1 | 2 | 91.7 |
Winston had the flash, but Nix had the final say in the win column. It was a classic case of statistical dominance versus game control.
Top Rushing & Receiving Stat Leaders
Both teams leaned heavily on their air attacks, but a few rushers still made solid contributions. In the receiving game, it was a night of explosions and mismatches, particularly involving Jerry Jeudy and Marvin Mims Jr.
Rushing Leaders
While neither team emphasized the run, the Broncos were more efficient on the ground, helping them control the clock in the second half.
| Team | Player | Carries | Yards | TDs | Longest Run |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Browns | Jerome Ford | 11 | 41 | 0 | 13 |
| Browns | James Cook | 5 | 25 | 0 | 11 |
| Broncos | Javonte Williams | 12 | 61 | 0 | 17 |
| Broncos | Michael Burton | 4 | 19 | 1 | 7 |
Michael Burton’s touchdown was especially key, capping a 10-play drive that gave Denver the early lead.
Receiving Standouts
The aerial show stole the spotlight, with Jerry Jeudy’s revenge game standing as the biggest performance of his career.
| Player | Team | Receptions | Yards | TDs | Longest Catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jerry Jeudy | Browns | 9 | 235 | 1 | 70 |
| Marvin Mims Jr. | Broncos | 4 | 105 | 1 | 93 |
| Courtland Sutton | Broncos | 6 | 102 | 0 | 40 |
| David Njoku | Browns | 5 | 47 | 2 | 21 |
Jeudy’s performance included a 70-yard bomb, followed by a successful two-point conversion. Mims Jr. delivered a 93-yard touchdown that instantly shifted momentum.
Defensive & Special Teams Highlights
What made this game especially memorable were the huge defensive plays, especially from the Broncos. They scored 14 points directly from defense, turning two Winston interceptions into touchdowns.
Broncos Defensive Highlights
- Nik Bonitto: 1 INT, 71-yard pick-six
- Ja’Quan McMillian: 1 INT, 44-yard pick-six
- Jonathon Cooper: 1 sack, 5 QB pressures
- Pat Surtain II: 3 pass breakups, 4 tackles
Browns Defensive Highlights
- Denzel Ward: 1 INT, 2 deflections
- Myles Garrett: 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
- Grant Delpit: 6 tackles, solid run support
Special Teams
- Wil Lutz (Broncos): 2/2 field goals, long of 42 yards
- Dustin Hopkins (Browns): 1/1 field goal, 3/3 PATs
- Broncos Punter: Averaged 48.5 yards per punt, pinned Browns deep twice
The defensive touchdowns were the turning point. Without them, the Browns likely win on offensive production alone.
Full Team Stats Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of team stats from the Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats:
| Stat Category | Browns | Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 552 | 400 |
| Passing Yards | 475 | 294 |
| Rushing Yards | 77 | 106 |
| First Downs | 24 | 21 |
| 3rd Down Efficiency | 9/19 (47%) | 6/13 (46%) |
| Turnovers | 3 | 2 |
| Time of Possession | 32:11 | 27:49 |
| Penalties | 6 for 45 yds | 5 for 35 yds |
Despite dominating in total yards and first downs, Cleveland’s turnovers completely flipped the result.
Key Moments & Game-Changing Plays
The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos match was full of high-impact plays that changed momentum several times. While the Browns racked up huge numbers on offense, it was the Broncos who made the most decisive plays at the most critical moments.
1. Bonitto’s 71-yard Pick-Six (2nd Quarter)
Winston, under pressure, forced a throw across the middle. Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto intercepted it and returned it 71 yards for a touchdown. This gave Denver a 14-point swing and deflated a promising Browns drive.
2. Marvin Mims Jr.’s 93-yard TD Catch (3rd Quarter)
On a broken coverage play, Mims Jr. streaked wide open and caught a perfectly placed ball from Bo Nix. The 93-yard touchdown was the longest of the season for Denver and flipped the game after the Browns had just scored.
3. Jerry Jeudy’s 70-yard Reception + 2-Point Conversion
Late in the third, Winston hit Jeudy on a deep route for a 70-yard score. He followed it up with a successful two-point conversion. This moment gave Browns fans hope and made it a one-score game.
4. Ja’Quan McMillian’s Pick-Six (4th Quarter)
With the Browns driving to potentially tie or take the lead, McMillian read a short slant perfectly and took it back 44 yards for a touchdown. It was the final nail, shifting the score to 41-32.
5. Final Drive – Turnover on Downs
Winston led a frantic final drive with two completions over 20 yards. But on 4th and 12, he was sacked near midfield, ending the game and sealing Denver’s win.
These moments defined a game where Cleveland outgained Denver by over 150 yards but still lost due to two defensive touchdowns and one deep scoring strike from Nix.
Player of the Game & Impact Analysis
Player of the Game: Jerry Jeudy (Browns)
Despite playing for the losing side, Jerry Jeudy was undoubtedly the most explosive and dominant player on the field. Nine catches, 235 yards, one touchdown, and a successful two-point conversion against his former team showed not only his ability but his hunger to make a statement.
This wasn’t just a big night—it was personal.
“I felt like I had something to prove,” Jeudy said post-game. “I wanted to show what they let go.”
His performance set a record for the most receiving yards by a player against his former team in NFL history.
Honorable Mentions
- Nik Bonitto (Broncos): 71-yard pick-six and constant QB pressure.
- Bo Nix (Broncos): Managed the game with maturity, avoided critical mistakes late.
- David Njoku (Browns): Caught two red-zone touchdowns, continuing a strong season.
Impact on Careers and Team Outlook
- Jeudy’s stock as a No.1 receiver for Cleveland is rising fast.
- Winston showed he can still be a starter—but his decision-making under pressure remains an issue.
- Bonitto is emerging as a major playmaker for Denver’s defense, especially in clutch situations.
Trends & Implications Beyond the Game
This game was more than just a win or loss—it signaled shifts for both franchises as the 2024 season entered its final stretch.
For the Broncos (Record: 6–6)
- Now in position to push for an AFC Wild Card spot.
- Bo Nix continues to grow under Sean Payton’s system.
- Defense is creating points, not just preventing them.
- Special teams are contributing consistently—something lacking earlier in the season.
For the Browns (Record: 3–9)
- Out of playoff contention, but showing flashes of promise.
- Winston could be retained as a high-upside backup or short-term starter.
- Jeudy and Njoku have become clear offensive leaders.
- Defense remains aggressive, but inconsistency in the secondary is an issue.
Seasonal Trends Emerging
- Denver is winning through defensive scoring and deep passing plays.
- Cleveland is gaining tons of yards but struggling to protect the ball.
- The Browns’ 497 passing yards were the highest single-game total this season, yet they still lost—showing how turnovers remain the most decisive stat.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who had the most passing yards in the Browns vs Broncos game?
Jameis Winston led all quarterbacks with 497 passing yards, setting a new franchise record for the Cleveland Browns. Despite the loss, it was one of the most statistically impressive performances of the year.
2. What were the key plays that decided the Browns vs Broncos match?
The two interception return touchdowns by Denver’s defense (Bonitto and McMillian) and a 93-yard TD by Mims Jr. were the biggest turning points. These three plays flipped the momentum and scoreline entirely.
3. How did Jerry Jeudy perform against his former team?
Jerry Jeudy had a career night with 235 receiving yards and a touchdown. It was a personal showcase against the team that traded him, proving his potential as a No.1 receiver.
4. Why did the Browns lose despite more total yards?
Cleveland had more yards and first downs, but turned the ball over three times, with two returned for touchdowns. These mistakes outweighed their yardage advantage.
5. How did this game affect both teams’ seasons?
Denver improved to 6–6, staying alive in the playoff race. Cleveland dropped to 3–9, officially out of contention but with some hope for their offensive future thanks to Jeudy and Njoku.
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