The Denver Broncos faced off against the Cleveland Browns under the primetime lights of Monday Night Football in Week 13 and the home team bent, but didn’t break. Two pick-sixes sealed the win for the Broncos in a 41-32 victory over the Browns.
We take a look at the studs and duds from the game.
Stud: LB Nik Bonitto
Bonitto has had a breakout year in 2024, and he made a massive impact on Monday’s game, returning a 71-yard pick-six and adding one sack and two pass breakups.
Dud: CB Levi Wallace
Wallace had himself a game to forget, getting burned on several plays, including a Jerry Jeudy touchdown in the third quarter. Wallace was the primary cover man on Jeudy for most of three quarters before Surtain ended the madness and switched to Jeudy late in the game.
Stud: WR Marvin Mims
Wide receiver Marvin Mims has been more incorporated into the offense in recent weeks. He made his biggest play of the year with a 93-yard touchdown catch in the third quarter.
Stud: CB Ja’Quan McMillian
McMillian played hero with a massive pick-six for the Broncos to seal what was a huge win. McMillian added five tackles and four passes defended.
Dud: QB Bo Nix
The Denver quarterback had a pedestrian day, going 18-of-35 for 294 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Nix did just enough to put the Broncos ahead late and the defense did the rest.
Stud: Turnovers
The team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game. Thanks to three Broncos interceptions off Browns quarterback Jameis Winston, the Broncos had a bend-but-don’t-break mentality. Although the Browns put up yards, Denver preserved the win.
Mile High Magic is alive and well!
The Broncos have lost so many of these games in seasons past. This team heads into their bye at 8-5, right in the thick of the playoff hunt. They’ve gotten here through quarterback play we haven’t seen the likes of in nearly a decade, defensive dominance, and special teams success. Where does this team go from here? Denver is trending up.
