The Broncos outlast Jameis Winston’s 497 yards rushing and beat the Browns in prime time

The Denver Broncos picked up a big win for their playoff chances by defeating the Cleveland Browns 41-32 in a back-and-forth thriller on “Monday Night Football.”

This game was a shootout, similar to Jameis Winston’s previous nationally televised contest, which ended in a Browns victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday.

But Bo Nix, not Russell Wilson, was Winston’s opposing quarterback this time, and he continued to show why he’s an Offensive Rookie of the Year front-runner as he picked apart the Browns’ defense.

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Denver Broncos defensive back Michael Burton (20) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Nate Adkins (45) in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

On the team’s second drive, Nix was methodical as he picked apart the defense and found fellow freshman DeVaughn Vele for a 16-yard gain that landed the Broncos at the one-yard line. A few plays later, running back Javonte Williams scored the game’s first touchdown, putting the home team on the field first.

But leave it to Winston to react immediately and throw a punt to Elijah Moore for a 44-yard gain four plays into the next drive and get into the red zone. Then David Njoku went upfield to score his first of two touchdowns on the night for Cleveland, making it 7-7.

However, the Browns’ offense definitely ran through Jerry Jeudy, who entered this matchup against his former team saying he wanted to “whip their a–.”

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He lived up to those words with 235 yards on nine catches, including a 70-yard touchdown that came just after Nix threw a score to Marvin Mims Jr. for a 93-yard touchdown in the third quarter.

After the Broncos kicked a field goal to make the score 31-26, Winston was under center again, this time trying to score a touchdown to take the lead for the first time in the game.

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (3) reacts after his touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

That’s exactly what happened when Nick Chubb was uncovered on his way for a five-yard score.

However, Nix, who had remained calm under pressure all season, continued his fine performance by once again getting his team into the red zone and Wil Lutz sank a short field goal to retake the lead at 34-32.

Winston had another chance to respond, but threw his second pick-six of the game when Ja’Quan McMillan went to the out route and was not touched after falling to the turf. He went straight to the end zone to pull away late in the fourth quarter.

That was the seal of victory for Denver as Winston and the Browns had no magic in them, to make spoiler again.

Looking at the stats, Nix was 18 of 35 for 294 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions, with Mims (3 catches, 105 yards) and Courtland Sutton (6 catches, 102 yards) leading the team.

Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) passes the ball in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. (Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images)

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On the ground, Jaleel McLaughlin had 84 yards on 14 carries for the Broncos.

For the Browns, Winston had a whopping 497 yards on 34 of 58 passes, while Moore also had 11 yards on eight catches. Njoku finished the game with nine receptions for 52 yards and two scores.

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