Broncos survive Browns scare with two clutch interceptions to keep playoff hopes alive in wide-open AFC West

A pick from Ja’Quan McMillian allowed the Denver Broncos to shut the door and put the Cleveland Browns to bed on Monday Night Football.

The teams went back and forth, with Cleveland looking to spoil Denver’s run for a playoff spot. In the end, Bo Nix and Co. ended with a 41-32 win ahead of their bye week after a thrilling four quarters.

The game was closely contested, with Denver up, 34-32, when the clock struck the last two minutes.

After Browns quarterback Jameis Winston threw a lazy pass to Elijah Moore, McMillian flew in for the interception. Upon landing on his back, the cornerback stood up and returned the 44-yarder to ice the win.

Their defense would be the key to victory again in the dying seconds when Cody Barton put the nail in the coffin for the game.

As Winston looked to keep the Browns alive, Barton recorded the Broncos’ third interception for the evening and embarked on a 47-yard sprint – his victory lap after icing the win – before getting stopped.

Nonetheless, it would be too late for Cleveland, as they moved to 3-9 with the loss. On the other hand, the Broncos moved to 8-5 as they sit third in the AFC West.

Results aside, both quarterbacks shined in the game, as Nix and Winston – up until the three interceptions – kept their teams afloat throughout the contest.

In the third quarter, Nix threw a highlight-worthy 93-yarder to Marvin Mims Jr. to give Denver a ten-point cushion that looked to evaporate before they secured the win.

Nix parlayed the touchdown with 294 total yards, completing 18 of 35 passes. He also threw for two interceptions.

On the other hand, Winston completed 34 of 58 attempts for 497 yards and four touchdowns.

David Njoku received two of Winston’s scoring passes, while Jerry Juedy and Nick Chubb caught one each.

Michael Burton and Javonte Williams also rushed for touchdowns for Denver. 

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