The Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos clash in Week 13 of the 2024 NFL season delivered an offensive showcase and defensive twists. While the player stats highlighted explosive performances—especially from Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy—the turning point came via costly turnovers.
Let’s dive into the standout stats and what they mean for both teams moving forward.
Passing Stats Highlight: Winston’s Record Night vs Nix’s Steady Effort
-
Jameis Winston (CLE) exploded for a franchise record 497 passing yards, connecting for 4 touchdowns but also tossing 3 interceptionsBo Nix (DEN) delivered a solid but unspectacular performance with 294 yards, 1 TD, and 2 INTs
Winston’s aerial onslaught put the Browns in constant striking range, but his turnovers—one of which was returned for a touchdown—ultimately tilted the game.
Rushing Stats: McLaughlin Shines, Browns Get Minimal Ground Gain
-
Jaleel McLaughlin (DEN) led all rushers with 14 carries for 84 yards
-
J. Ford (CLE) was the Browns’ top rusher with just 41 yards on 9 carries
Clearly, Denver’s ground game was more effective, giving them balance and control at key moments.
Receiving Stats: Jeudy’s Monster Game Meets Mims’ Big Play
-
Jerry Jeudy (CLE) torched his former team with 9 receptions for 235 yards and 1 TD—a career-best vs. Denver and a Browns franchise record vs. a former team
-
Marvin Mims Jr. (DEN) answered with 3 catches, 105 yards, and a TD
Jeudy’s explosive performance highlighted his value and justified the Browns’ investment, while Mims delivered a big-play spark to keep Denver competitive.
Defensive Highlights: Turnovers That Decided the Game
-
Nik Bonitto (DEN) returned a Jameis Winston interception 71 yards for a TD just before halftime Ja’Quan McMillian (DEN) sealed the game with a 44-yard pick-6 in the final two-minute sequence .
Those two defensive touchdowns proved decisive, overshadowing Winston’s historic passing day.
Additional Defensive Standouts from Cleveland
-
Denzel Ward (CLE) recorded 2 pass deflections, 1 interception, and 3 combined tackles in the loss
-
Greg Newsome II (CLE) added 2 pass deflections and 1 interception
Despite the team’s loss, these defensive efforts demonstrated some bright spots in coverage performance.
Team Comparison: Yardage, Possession, and Efficiency
-
Total Yards: Browns dominated with 552 yards versus 400 for Denver Time of Possession: Cleveland edged Denver 32:10 to 27:50
-
Turnovers: Browns turned it over 3 times, while Broncos had 2
Despite offensive dominance, Cleveland’s turnovers undercut their statistical advantages.
Momentum Shifts & Game-Changing Plays Timeline
-
First Half Drama: Browns led entering halftime on the strength of Winston’s passing and a Hopkins field goal, before Denver’s Bonitto pick-6 swung momentum.
-
Second Half Back-and-Forth: Denver’s deep strike to Mims stretched the lead, but Jeudy’s 70-yard TD plus a two-point conversion narrowed it again.
-
Closing Sequence: Nick Chubb’s short TD threatened Browns’ comeback—only for Denver’s Lutz to retake lead, then McMillian delivered the final dagger.
Player Storylines & Implications
Jameis Winston – Hero and Hurler
Winston’s offensive fireworks set a new Browns passing record, but his 3 interceptions, especially the two pick-6s, raise questions about ball security in high-stakes moments
Jerry Jeudy – Statement Win Against Former Team
Jeudy’s performance solidifies his role as Cleveland’s WR1 and vindicates the Browns’ trade acquisition. His 235 receiving yard game remains a season highlight
Broncos Defense – Opportunistic and Lethal
Denver’s defense didn’t generate massive stats overall, but the two defensive TDs were game-stealers. Big moment execution turned the tide.
What This Means Moving Forward
-
Browns must complement Winston’s arm with better ball control and tackle execution to translate yardage into wins.
-
Broncos showed that opportunistic defense can compensate for being outgained, reinforcing their identity in tight contests.
Conclusion: Browns vs Broncos Player Stats Breakdown
The Browns vs Broncos Week 13 showdown Browns vs Broncos Player Stats showcased a thrilling statistical duel. Winston’s arm and Jeudy’s legs powered an offense that dominated yardage but was undone by ill-timed turnovers. Denver’s defense, while less flashy, delivered in decisive moments to clinch a 41–32 win.This matchup is a case study in how momentum and situational execution can triumph—even when outgained.
