The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats on December 2, 2024, was a Monday Night Football classic that had fans on the edge of their seats. With a final score of 41-32 in favor of the Broncos, this high-scoring shootout at Empower Field at Mile High delivered jaw-dropping performances, record-breaking moments, and game-changing plays. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just love a good game, let’s break down the player stats, key moments, and what made this game unforgettable in a way that’s easy to follow for all ages.
Game Overview: A Battle of Offenses
This Week 13 clash was a tale of two teams with different goals. The Broncos, sitting at 8-5 after the game, were fighting to stay in the AFC playoff hunt. The Browns, at 3-9, were playing spoiler, looking to upset Denver’s postseason dreams. Despite Cleveland racking up an impressive 552 total yards compared to Denver’s 400, turnovers and defensive touchdowns tipped the scales in the Broncos’ favor. Let’s dive into the stats and see who shined, who struggled, and what decided this game.
Key Player Stats: Offense
Cleveland Browns Offense
Jameis Winston’s Record-Breaking Night
Jameis Winston, the Browns’ quarterback, had a night that was both spectacular and heartbreaking. He set a franchise record for passing yards in a single game, throwing for 497 yards on 34-of-58 attempts. That broke Josh McCown’s previous Browns record of 457 yards set in 2015. Winston tossed four touchdowns, including a two-point conversion, but his three interceptions—two of which were returned for touchdowns—proved costly. His performance was a rollercoaster: electric when connecting with receivers, but those turnovers were game-changers. Winston himself took responsibility, saying, “I’ve got to play better. I’m just praying for the Lord to deliver me from pick-6s.”
Jerry Jeudy’s Revenge Game
Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, facing his former team after being traded to Cleveland in March 2024, had a career-defining game. He hauled in 9 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown, averaging over 26 yards per catch. His 235 receiving yards set an NFL record for the most by a receiver against his former team, surpassing Terrell Owens’ 213 yards against the 49ers in 2008. Jeudy’s explosive plays, including a 44-yard gain on Cleveland’s first offensive snap, kept the Browns in the game.
Other Notable Browns Performers
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Nick Chubb (RB): Chubb scored a touchdown on a short out route late in the game, giving Cleveland a brief 32-31 lead. However, the Browns’ rushing attack struggled, managing just 77 yards on 23 carries (3.3 yards per attempt).
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Elijah Moore (WR): Moore was targeted often but had a quieter night compared to Jeudy, with Winston missing him on a key play that led to an interception.
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Dustin Hopkins (K): Hopkins missed a critical 47-yard field goal on Cleveland’s opening drive, which loomed large in a game decided by nine points.
Denver Broncos Offense
Bo Nix’s Up-and-Down Performance
Rookie quarterback Bo Nix didn’t have his best game but still led the Broncos to victory. He completed 18 of 35 passes for 294 yards, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Nix’s highlight was a perfectly placed deep ball to Marvin Mims Jr. for a touchdown, caught in stride from Denver’s own end zone. Despite completing only 51.4% of his passes, Nix’s ability to make big plays and rely on his defense kept Denver in control.
Jaleel McLaughlin Leads the Ground Game
Running back Jaleel McLaughlin was a spark for Denver, rushing for 84 yards on 14 carries (6.0 yards per attempt). His efficient running kept drives alive and helped control the clock. Javonte Williams and fullback Michael Burton each added short touchdown runs, showcasing Denver’s physicality in the red zone. The Broncos’ rushing attack totaled three rushing touchdowns, a stark contrast to Cleveland’s zero.
Other Notable Broncos Performers
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Marvin Mims Jr. (WR): Mims caught a long touchdown pass from Nix, exploiting Cleveland’s secondary on a critical third-and-11.
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Wil Lutz (K): Lutz was perfect, going 2-for-2 on field goals and 5-for-5 on extra points. His 34-yard field goal with 2:54 left gave Denver a 34-32 lead, setting up the game’s final moments.
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Riley Dixon (P): Dixon’s punting was a hidden weapon, averaging 51.2 yards on five punts, with three downed inside Cleveland’s 20-yard line. This field position advantage was crucial in a tight game.
Key Player Stats: Defense
Denver Broncos Defense
The Broncos’ defense, ranked among the NFL’s top five entering the game, was outplayed in terms of yards but won where it mattered most: turnovers. They forced three turnovers (all interceptions) and scored two defensive touchdowns, which flipped the game’s momentum.
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Ja’Quan McMillian (CB): McMillian’s pick-6 off Winston with under two minutes left put Denver up by two scores, effectively sealing the game. He also broke up a deep pass to Elijah Moore earlier, forcing a punt.
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Cody Barton (LB): Barton’s interception in the end zone on Cleveland’s final drive was the game-sealer, marking Winston’s third pick of the night.
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Team Stats: Denver allowed 552 yards but held firm in critical moments, limiting Cleveland to 19 first downs and winning the possession battle (32:10 to 27:50).
Cleveland Browns Defense
The Browns’ defense, led by star Myles Garrett, had moments of brilliance but couldn’t stop Denver’s big plays. They forced two interceptions off Nix but allowed three passes of 20+ yards and three rushes of 10+ yards.
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Denzel Ward (CB): Ward was a standout, breaking up a pass to Troy Franklin that led to an interception by Greg Newsome II. Ward also picked off Nix himself on a deep ball to Mims, marking his second interception of the season.
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Greg Newsome II (CB): Newsome’s interception came off Ward’s deflection, giving Cleveland a chance to stay in the game.
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Team Stats: Cleveland’s defense struggled to get off the field, allowing 28 first downs and three rushing touchdowns. They couldn’t match Denver’s physicality at the line of scrimmage.
Team Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Comparison
Here’s a quick look at the team stats to put the game in perspective:
|
Stat |
Cleveland Browns |
Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
552 | 400 |
|
Passing Yards |
497 | 294 |
|
Rushing Yards |
77 | 106 |
|
First Downs |
19 | 28 |
|
Turnovers |
3 | 2 |
|
Time of Possession |
27:50 | 32:10 |
|
Points Scored |
32 | 41 |
Despite Cleveland’s yardage advantage, Denver’s efficiency in the red zone, defensive scores, and field position control made the difference.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
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Early Missed Opportunity for Cleveland: Dustin Hopkins’ missed 47-yard field goal on the opening drive cost the Browns three points in a game they lost by nine.
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Jeudy’s Explosive Start: Winston’s 44-yard pass to Jeudy on Cleveland’s first play set the tone for their passing attack.
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Nix’s Deep Strike: On a third-and-11 from their own end zone, Nix connected with Mims for a long touchdown, swinging momentum back to Denver.
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Chubb’s Go-Ahead Score: Nick Chubb’s touchdown catch gave Cleveland a 32-31 lead with 8:57 left, but their defense couldn’t hold.
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McMillian’s Pick-6: Ja’Quan McMillian’s interception and touchdown return with under two minutes left put Denver up 41-32, all but ending the game.
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Barton’s Game-Sealer: Cody Barton’s end-zone interception stopped Cleveland’s final drive, securing Denver’s victory.
Why Denver Won Despite Being Outgained
Football isn’t just about yards—it’s about points, turnovers, and capitalizing on opportunities. The Browns dominated statistically, but their three turnovers (two pick-6s) and ineffective rushing attack doomed them. Denver, meanwhile, leaned on a balanced offense, a clutch defense, and smart special teams play. Wil Lutz’s perfect kicking and Riley Dixon’s punting kept Cleveland pinned back, while the Broncos’ defense turned Winston’s mistakes into points. As the stats show, teams that win the turnover battle win about 78% of NFL games, and Denver’s plus-one turnover margin was enough to overcome Cleveland’s yardage edge.
Historical Context: Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats have a storied history, with Denver holding a 25-7 head-to-head record since 1970. In their last five meetings, Denver has won all five, averaging 25.4 points per game to Cleveland’s 8.0. This game was closer than recent matchups, but Cleveland’s inability to protect the ball continued a trend of struggles against the Broncos.
What’s Next for Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats Both Teams?
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Denver Broncos (8-5): The win kept Denver firmly in the AFC wild-card race. They face a tough road ahead but have shown resilience under coach Sean Payton. Bo Nix’s growth and a stout defense will be key as they push for the playoffs.
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Cleveland Browns (3-9): The loss dropped Cleveland further out of contention, but Jameis Winston’s record-setting night and Jerry Jeudy’s breakout performance offer hope for the future. They’ll look to regroup against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 14.
Why This Game Matters
This Browns-Broncos matchup was a reminder that football is unpredictable. Stats don’t always tell the full story—Cleveland’s 552 yards didn’t translate to a win because of turnovers and missed opportunities. For fans, it was a thrilling display of offensive firepower, defensive heroics, and a revenge game for the ages from Jerry Jeudy. Whether you’re rooting for the Browns, the Broncos, or just love football, this game had something for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos Match Player Stats on December 2, 2024, was a wild ride. Jameis Winston’s 497 yards and Jerry Jeudy’s 235 receiving yards stole the show for Cleveland, but Denver’s defense, led by Ja’Quan McMillian and Cody Barton, made the difference with two pick-6s. Bo Nix and Jaleel McLaughlin kept the Broncos’ offense humming, while Wil Lutz and Riley Dixon quietly swung the game with their kicking and punting. If you missed this one, you missed a classic—but the stats tell a story of heart, hustle, and a few costly mistakes.