Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats: A Wild Night in Mile High

July 4, 2025

I’m still buzzing from that insane Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match player stats breakdown.
The December 2, 2024, showdown at Empower Field was a rollercoaster.
Both teams went all out, racking up 73 points and nearly 1,000 yards of offense.
Let’s dive into the numbers, the standout plays, and what made this game unforgettable.

A Game Packed with Fireworks

This wasn’t just another Monday Night Football clash.
The Broncos pulled off a 41-32 win, but the score doesn’t tell the whole story.
Cleveland’s offense, led by Jameis Winston, was relentless.
They outgained Denver by 152 yards, yet still came up short.
Why? Turnovers and defensive heroics flipped the script.

The stats from this game are jaw-dropping.
Cleveland piled up 552 total yards, while Denver managed 400.
But two pick-sixes and a late interception sealed the Browns’ fate.
Let’s break down the key players who lit up the stat sheet.

Jameis Winston: A Record-Breaking Night with a Catch

Jameis Winston was the heart of Cleveland’s attack.
He threw for a franchise-record 497 yards and four touchdowns.
That’s more than Josh McCown’s 457-yard record from 2015.
But here’s the kicker: Winston also tossed three interceptions.
Two of those were returned for touchdowns by Denver’s defense.

Yards per attempt: Winston averaged a solid 8.5 yards per throw.
Completion rate: He completed 34 of 58 passes (58.6%).
Big plays: A 70-yard TD pass to Jerry Jeudy was a highlight.
The downside: Those pick-sixes to Nik Bonitto and Ja’Quan McMillian hurt bad.

Winston’s performance was a mix of brilliance and heartbreak.
He kept the Browns in the game, but those turnovers were costly.
As he put it, “I’ve got to play better.”

Jerry Jeudy’s Revenge Game Steals the Show

Jerry Jeudy, traded to Cleveland in the offseason, had a point to prove.
Facing his former team, he delivered a career-best 235 receiving yards.
That’s an NFL record for most receiving yards against a former team.
He caught nine passes, including a 70-yard touchdown.

Key moments: Jeudy’s 44-yard grab on Cleveland’s first play set the tone.
Clutch plays: He hauled in a 2-point conversion to close the gap to 28-25.
Against Pat Surtain II: Jeudy faced Denver’s star corner on 34 of 57 routes, but Surtain limited him to just two catches for 20 yards on those plays.

Jeudy was electric, egging on the booing Denver crowd.
His performance showed why Cleveland’s passing game was so dangerous.

Bo Nix: Steady in the Storm

Rookie Bo Nix didn’t match Winston’s gaudy numbers, but he got the job done.
He threw for 294 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 18-of-35 passing.
Nix stayed calm under pressure, especially with no sacks against him.

Big play: A 93-yard TD pass to Marvin Mims Jr. was a game-changer.
Pocket presence: Nix faced just seven pressures, thanks to stellar protection.
Running game support: Jaleel McLaughlin’s 84 yards on 14 carries kept drives alive.

Nix’s poise helped Denver stay in the playoff hunt at 8-5.
He even gave props to Winston post-game, noting their Alabama roots.

Denver’s Defense: Turnovers Tell the Tale

The Broncos’ defense wasn’t perfect, giving up 497 passing yards.
But their three interceptions—two for touchdowns—swung the game.
Nik Bonitto and Ja’Quan McMillian were the heroes here.

Bonitto’s impact: Six QB pressures, a sack, and a 71-yard pick-six.
McMillian’s clutch play: His 44-yard pick-six with 1:48 left sealed the win.
Cody Barton’s closer: A late interception stopped Cleveland’s final drive.

Denver’s ability to capitalize on Winston’s mistakes was the difference.
They also held Cleveland’s rushing attack to just 77 yards on 23 carries.

Cleveland’s Ground Game Struggles

While Winston was airing it out, the Browns’ run game fizzled.
Nick Chubb scored a 5-yard TD, but the team averaged just 3.3 yards per carry.
Compare that to Denver’s Jaleel McLaughlin, who averaged 6.0 yards per attempt.

This imbalance forced Winston to carry the load.
Against a Denver defense allowing just 16.8 points per game, that was a tall order.

Other Standouts and Key Moments

David Njoku: Cleveland’s tight end caught two TD passes (8 and 4 yards).
Elijah Moore: Eight receptions for 111 yards kept the chains moving.
Courtland Sutton: Denver’s WR had six catches for 102 yards.
Missed chances: Dustin Hopkins’ missed 47-yard field goal early hurt Cleveland.

The game had wild swings—multiple lead changes, big plays, and defensive breakdowns.
Denver’s 27-yard field goal by Wil Lutz with 2:54 left set up the final drama.

Why This Game Matters

This wasn’t just about stats; it was a playoff statement for Denver.
At 8-5, they’re in the AFC’s seventh playoff spot with a 76% chance of making the postseason.
Cleveland, now 3-9, showed fight but couldn’t overcome their mistakes.

For fantasy football fans, Jeudy and Winston were gold mines.
But Denver’s defense might’ve won you your week with those pick-sixes.
Check out more fantasy football tips for your next matchup.

Historical Context: Broncos Dominate the Rivalry

The Broncos have owned this matchup, winning 25 of 32 games since 1970.
They’ve averaged 24.8 points per game compared to Cleveland’s 15.7.
This game was an outlier with its offensive explosion, but Denver’s defense held firm when it mattered.

Want more on their rivalry? Read about their past epic battles.

FAQs

Who had the most passing yards in the Broncos vs Browns game?
Jameis Winston led with 497 passing yards, a Browns franchise record.

How many interceptions did Winston throw?
He threw three, two of which were returned for touchdowns.

Who was the top receiver in the game?
Jerry Jeudy, with 235 yards and a touchdown on nine catches.

Did Bo Nix have a good game?
He was solid with 294 yards and a TD but threw two interceptions.

What was the key to Denver’s win?
Their defense’s three interceptions, including two pick-sixes, sealed the 41-32 victory.

Final Thoughts

The Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns match player stats paint a picture of a game that had it all.
Big plays, record-breaking performances, and costly mistakes defined this thriller.
Winston and Jeudy put on a show, but Denver’s defense stole the spotlight.
I can’t wait to see how these teams evolve as the season rolls on.
Got thoughts on the game? Drop them below or check out more NFL breakdowns!