Sports

NFL: Denver Broncos Beat Cleveland Browns 41-32 To Secure Play-Off Spot

The Denver Broncos secured an NFL playoff spot by coming from behind to beat the Cleveland Browns 41-32. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston set a franchise record with 497 passing yards and four touchdowns, while Jerry Jeudy added 235 receiving yards against his former team. However, Winston's three interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns, proved costly, with Ja'Quan McMillian scoring the game-clinching touchdown. With this win, the Broncos improved to 8-5 and claimed the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC Conference. The Browns fell to 3-9, and Winston now has a 2-3 record since replacing injured starter Deshaun Watson. This defeat mirrored Winston's inconsistent 2019 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he led the league in passing yards and touchdowns but also in interceptions.

National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Ja'Quan McMillian
NFL: Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) celebrates his 46-yard interception | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Denver Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian (29) celebrates his 46-yard interception return for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Jameis Winston
NFL: Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is sacked by Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) is sacked by Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Lucas Krull
NFL: Broncos tight end Lucas Krull yells from the sideline | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Denver Broncos tight end Lucas Krull yells from the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery:  Jerry Jeudy
NFL: Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy reacts after his successful 2-point conversion | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy reacts after his successful 2-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Michael Woods II
NFL: Browns Jerry Jeudy (3) celebrates his 70-yard pass reception for a touchdown with Michael Woods II | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) celebrates his 70-yard pass reception for a touchdown with wide receiver Michael Woods II (81) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Marvin Mims Jr
NFL: Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19), defended by Browns cornerback Denzel Ward | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (19), defended by Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (21) catches a 93-yard pass for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Jameis Winston
NFL: Browns quarterback Jameis Winston celebrates his 4-yard touchdown pass | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston celebrates his 4-yard touchdown pass to tight end David Njoku during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Nate Adkins
NFL: Broncos tight end Nate Adkins (45) makes a reception | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

Denver Broncos tight end Nate Adkins (45) makes a reception during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Nik Bonitto
NFL: Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) picks off a pass intended for Browns tight end Jordan Akins | Photo: AP/Jack Dempsey

Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) picks off a pass intended for Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins (88) and returns the ball 71-yards for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game in Denver.

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National Football League NFL Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match gallery: Jameis Winston
NFL: Browns quarterback Jameis Winston scrambles | Photo: AP/David Zalubowski

Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston scrambles during the first half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver.

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