Game story
In Week 15 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-12-15, the Cleveland Browns took care of business against the Denver Broncos, pulling away with a 17–16 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q1 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
C. Keenum (Denver Broncos) paced the passing game, with +3.37 total EPA, and -0.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, T. Patrick (Denver Broncos) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +4.30 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (-28.0% win probability) landed in the fourth quarter when Cleveland Browns changed the game: (1:53) 24-N.Chubb right guard to DEN 12 for -2 yards (99-A.Gotsis).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 7 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 17 |
| Denver Broncos | 7 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 16 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 T. Patrick · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +4.30 total EPA · 8 snaps · +0.54 EPA/play
- 2 B. Perriman · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.70 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.85 EPA/play
- 3 D. Njoku · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.65 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
- 4 C. Keenum · Denver Broncos · Passing · +3.37 total EPA · 53 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
- 5 M. LaCosse · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +3.30 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.55 EPA/play
- 6 C. Sutton · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +2.04 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.34 EPA/play
- 7 D. Johnson · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +1.34 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 8 B. Parker · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.86 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.43 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
T. Patrick — DEN · Receiving
T. Patrick posted the highest total EPA (+4.30) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Denver Broncos's efficiency. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +0.54 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.38 EPA) came from Cleveland Browns: (5:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at DEN 43 for -7 yards (99-A.Gotsis). FUMBLES (99-A.Gotsis) [99-A.Gotsis], RECOVERED by DEN-95-D.Wolfe at DEN 40. 95-D.Wolfe to DEN 40 for no gain (64-J.Tretter).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cleveland Browns — B. Perriman (B. Mayfield pass)
- Denver Broncos — C. Keenum
- Cleveland Browns — A. Callaway (B. Mayfield pass)
Field goals
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
- Cleveland Browns — G. Joseph
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
- Denver Broncos — B. McManus
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the DEN 31 (Q1 56:59) — (11:59) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 19-B.Perriman for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q1 56:49) — 17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CLE 1 (Q1 48:24) — (3:24) 4-C.Keenum scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q1 48:18) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 26 (Q2 38:21) — (8:21) 8-B.McManus 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the DEN 22 (Q2 34:57) — (4:57) 17-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
The third quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 24 (Q3 16:45) — (1:45) 8-B.McManus 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman..
The fourth quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–3. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the DEN 2 (Q4 11:49) — (11:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 11-A.Callaway for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 11:44) — 17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 11 (Q4 4:39) — (4:39) 8-B.McManus 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 1:53) — (1:53) 24-N.Chubb right guard to DEN 12 for -2 yards (99-A.Gotsis).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 0:43) — (:43) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum sacked at DEN 39 for -11 yards (22-J.Peppers).
- Cleveland Browns (Q3 20:54) — (5:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at DEN 43 for -7 yards (99-A.Gotsis). FUMBLES (99-A.Gotsis) [99-A.Gotsis], RECOVERED by DEN-95-D.Wolfe at DEN 40. 95-D.Wolfe to DEN 40 for no gain (64-J.Tretter).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 14:49) — (14:49) 4-C.Keenum pass deep left intended for 17-D.Hamilton INTERCEPTED by 38-T.Carrie at DEN 48. 38-T.Carrie to DEN 48 for no gain (17-D.Hamilton).
- Denver Broncos (Q4 1:12) — (1:12) (No Huddle, Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum pass short left to 23-D.Booker to 50 for 15 yards (55-G.Avery).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Cleveland Browns (Q3 20:54) — (5:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at DEN 43 for -7 yards (99-A.Gotsis). FUMBLES (99-A.Gotsis) [99-A.Gotsis], RECOVERED by DEN-95-D.Wolfe at DEN 40. 95-D.Wolfe to DEN 40 for no gain (64-J.Tretter).
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 56:59) — (11:59) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 19-B.Perriman for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Denver Broncos (Q4 14:49) — (14:49) 4-C.Keenum pass deep left intended for 17-D.Hamilton INTERCEPTED by 38-T.Carrie at DEN 48. 38-T.Carrie to DEN 48 for no gain (17-D.Hamilton).
- Denver Broncos (Q2 31:50) — (1:50) (Shotgun) 4-C.Keenum pass deep left intended for 14-C.Sutton INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Peppers [65-L.Ogunjobi] at CLE 0. Touchback.
Quarterback report card
C.Keenum led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C.Keenum (Denver Broncos) · 53 dropbacks · 58.5% completion · -0.9% CPOE · +0.06 EPA/play · +3.37 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Cleveland Browns) · 39 dropbacks · 46.2% completion · -2.0% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.55 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cleveland Browns | Denver Broncos |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.030 | -0.041 |
| Offensive success rate | 47.5% | 43.0% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.014 | +0.064 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.100 | -0.400 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.041 | +0.030 |
| Defensive success rate | 57.0% | 52.5% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cleveland Browns -0.03, Denver Broncos -0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 11 drives, -2.40 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Denver Broncos: 11 drives, -3.56 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- T. Patrick (Denver Broncos) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 56:59 · DEN 31 · Score 6-0
(11:59) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass deep right to 19-B.Perriman for 31 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 56:49 · DEN 15 · Score 7-0
17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q1 48:24 · CLE 1 · Score 7-6
(3:24) 4-C.Keenum scrambles right end for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q1 48:18 · CLE 15 · Score 7-7
8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q2 38:21 · CLE 26 · Score 7-10
(8:21) 8-B.McManus 44 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 34:57 · DEN 22 · Score 10-10
(4:57) 17-G.Joseph 40 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q3 16:45 · CLE 24 · Score 10-13
(1:45) 8-B.McManus 42 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 11:49 · DEN 2 · Score 16-13
(11:49) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 11-A.Callaway for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 11:44 · DEN 15 · Score 17-13
17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 4:39 · CLE 11 · Score 17-16
(4:39) 8-B.McManus 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-42-C.Kreiter, Holder-3-C.Wadman.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Denver Broncos 17-16 in Week 15, 2018 on 2018-12-15.
What was the final score of Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
The final score was Cleveland Browns 17, Denver Broncos 16 (CLE 17-16 DEN) in Week 15, 2018 on 2018-12-15.
What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
Q1: Cleveland Browns 7, Denver Broncos 7; Q2: Cleveland Browns 3, Denver Broncos 3; Q3: Cleveland Browns 0, Denver Broncos 3; Q4: Cleveland Browns 7, Denver Broncos 3; Final: Cleveland Browns 17, Denver Broncos 16.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
Cleveland Browns touchdown — B. Perriman (B. Mayfield pass) (Q1 56:59) Denver Broncos touchdown — C. Keenum (Q1 48:24) Cleveland Browns touchdown — A. Callaway (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 11:49) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q2 38:21, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — G. Joseph (Q2 34:57, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q3 16:45, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q4 4:39, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
C. Keenum (Denver Broncos), 58.5% completion, -0.9% CPOE, +0.06 EPA per dropback, +3.37 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), 46.2% completion, -2.0% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.55 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos?
T. Patrick (Denver Broncos) led the game in total EPA with +4.30 on receiving plays. across 8 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.38 EPA): (5:54) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at DEN 43 for -7 yards (99-A.Gotsis). FUMBLES (99-A.Gotsis) [99-A.Gotsis], RECOVERED by DEN-95-D.Wolfe at DEN 40. 95-D.Wolfe to DEN 40 for no g. The biggest win-probability swing was -28.0%.
Was Cleveland Browns vs Denver Broncos a close game?
Yes — the margin was 1 points. Cleveland Browns won 17-16 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cleveland Browns
Entered 5-7 Now 6-7 W
Denver Broncos
Entered 6-7 Now 6-8 L
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