Game story
In Week 7 of the 2018 NFL season on 2018-10-21, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took care of business against the Cleveland Browns, pulling away with a 26–23 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 14 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) paced the passing game, with -0.54 total EPA, and -1.9% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +6.39 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+54.5% win probability) landed in overtime when Tampa Bay Buccaneers changed the game: (1:55) 7-C.Catanzaro 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 2 | 0 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 23 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 3 | 13 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 26 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 M. Evans · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +6.39 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.58 EPA/play
- 2 J. Landry · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +4.19 total EPA · 15 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
- 3 D. Njoku · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.97 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.33 EPA/play
- 4 A. Callaway · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +1.53 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.77 EPA/play
- 5 R. Jones · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +1.02 total EPA · 1 snaps · +1.02 EPA/play
- 6 D. Jackson · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Rushing · +0.70 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.35 EPA/play
- 7 A. Cross · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +0.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
- 8 J. Rodgers · Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Receiving · +0.60 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.60 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
M. Evans — TB · Receiving
M. Evans posted the highest total EPA (+6.39) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Tampa Bay Buccaneers's efficiency. Across 11 counted snaps, they averaged +0.58 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.66 EPA) came from Tampa Bay Buccaneers: (14:31) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston sacked at TB 21 for -8 yards (95-M.Garrett). FUMBLES (95-M.Garrett), RECOVERED by CLE-55-G.Avery at TB 31. 55-G.Avery to TB 26 for 5 yards (3-J.Winston).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — D. Jackson
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — J. Winston
- Cleveland Browns — D. Njoku (B. Mayfield pass)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — R. Jones
- Cleveland Browns — N. Chubb
- Cleveland Browns — J. Landry (B. Mayfield pass)
Field goals
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Catanzaro
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers — C. Catanzaro
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–2. Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the CLE 99 (Q1 54:22) — (9:22) 25-P.Barber left end tackled in End Zone for -1 yards, SAFETY (93-T.Coley).; Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CLE 20 (Q1 48:04) — (3:04) 7-C.Catanzaro 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The second quarter: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 13–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CLE 14 (Q2 45:00) — (15:00) 11-D.Jackson left end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CLE 14 (Q2 38:05) — (8:05) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston scrambles right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q2 37:58) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The third quarter: The quarter finished even at 7–7. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the TB 15 (Q3 28:08) — (13:08) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 85-D.Njoku for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q3 28:01) — 17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers found the end zone from the CLE 2 (Q3 15:32) — (:32) (Shotgun) 27-R.Jones left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Tampa Bay Buccaneers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q3 15:28) — 7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
The fourth quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 14–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the TB 1 (Q4 12:25) — (12:25) 63-A.Corbett reported in as eligible. 24-N.Chubb up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 12:17) — 17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the TB 16 (Q4 2:36) — (2:36) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 80-J.Landry for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the TB 15 (Q4 2:28) — 17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..
Overtime: Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the period 3–0. Tampa Bay Buccaneers connected on a field goal from the CLE 41 (OT 1:55) — (1:55) 7-C.Catanzaro 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 1:55) — (1:55) 7-C.Catanzaro 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 3:27) — (3:27) 9-B.Anger punts 54 yards to CLE 24, Center-89-G.Sanborn. 22-J.Peppers to CLE 38 for 14 yards (82-A.Auclair). FUMBLES (82-A.Auclair), RECOVERED by TB-39-I.Johnson at CLE 48. 39-I.Johnson to CLE
- Cleveland Browns (OT 4:18) — (4:18) 4-B.Colquitt punts 45 yards to end zone, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Touchback.
- Cleveland Browns (OT 4:58) — (4:58) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield sacked at TB 45 for -7 yards (94-C.Nassib).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q4 0:04) — (:04) 7-C.Catanzaro 40 yard field goal is No Good, Wide Right, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q3 29:31) — (14:31) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston sacked at TB 21 for -8 yards (95-M.Garrett). FUMBLES (95-M.Garrett), RECOVERED by CLE-55-G.Avery at TB 31. 55-G.Avery to TB 26 for 5 yards (3-J.Winston).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Q2 31:04) — (1:04) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short right to 84-C.Brate to TB 27 for 10 yards (38-T.Carrie). FUMBLES (38-T.Carrie), RECOVERED by CLE-58-C.Kirksey at TB 27. 58-C.Kirksey to TB 19 for 8 yards (3-J.W
- Cleveland Browns (Q4 5:02) — (5:02) 6-B.Mayfield up the middle to TB 1 for no gain (59-D.Bond).
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OT 6:22) — (6:22) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston pass short middle intended for 12-C.Godwin INTERCEPTED by 51-J.Collins at TB 45. 51-J.Collins to TB 45 for no gain (12-C.Godwin).
Quarterback report card
J.Winston led all passers in efficiency for Tampa Bay Buccaneers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- J.Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) · 68 dropbacks · 47.1% completion · -1.9% CPOE · -0.01 EPA/play · -0.54 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Cleveland Browns) · 45 dropbacks · 51.1% completion · +4.3% CPOE · -0.04 EPA/play · -1.62 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Cleveland Browns | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | -0.096 | -0.049 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.3% | 46.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | -0.036 | -0.008 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.335 | -0.291 |
| Defensive EPA/play | +0.049 | +0.096 |
| Defensive success rate | 53.5% | 60.7% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Cleveland Browns -0.10, Tampa Bay Buccaneers -0.05) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 14 drives, -8.58 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 16 drives, -5.62 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers 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.
- M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
- B. Mayfield (CLE) beat expectation through the air — positive CPOE game for stack builds.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q1 54:22 · CLE 99 · Score 2-0
(9:22) 25-P.Barber left end tackled in End Zone for -1 yards, SAFETY (93-T.Coley). - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — Q1 48:04 · CLE 20 · Score 2-3
(3:04) 7-C.Catanzaro 38 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 45:00 · CLE 14 · Score 2-9
(15:00) 11-D.Jackson left end for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q2 38:05 · CLE 14 · Score 2-15
(8:05) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston scrambles right guard for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q2 37:58 · CLE 15 · Score 2-16
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 28:08 · TB 15 · Score 8-16
(13:08) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 85-D.Njoku for 15 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 28:01 · TB 15 · Score 9-16
17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers TD (+6) — Q3 15:32 · CLE 2 · Score 9-22
(:32) (Shotgun) 27-R.Jones left guard for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers XP (+1) — Q3 15:28 · CLE 15 · Score 9-23
7-C.Catanzaro extra point is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 12:25 · TB 1 · Score 15-23
(12:25) 63-A.Corbett reported in as eligible. 24-N.Chubb up the middle for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 12:17 · TB 15 · Score 16-23
17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 2:36 · TB 16 · Score 22-23
(2:36) (Shotgun) 6-B.Mayfield pass short middle to 80-J.Landry for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 2:28 · TB 15 · Score 23-23
17-G.Joseph extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-4-B.Colquitt. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers FG (+3) — OT 1:55 · CLE 41 · Score 23-26
(1:55) 7-C.Catanzaro 59 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-89-G.Sanborn, Holder-9-B.Anger.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Cleveland Browns 26-23 in Week 7, 2018 on 2018-10-21.
What was the final score of Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
The final score was Cleveland Browns 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26 (CLE 23-26 TB) in Week 7, 2018 on 2018-10-21.
What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Q1: Cleveland Browns 2, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Q2: Cleveland Browns 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13; Q3: Cleveland Browns 7, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 7; Q4: Cleveland Browns 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0; Q5: Cleveland Browns 0, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3; Final: Cleveland Browns 23, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — D. Jackson (Q2 45:00) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — J. Winston (Q2 38:05) Cleveland Browns touchdown — D. Njoku (B. Mayfield pass) (Q3 28:08) Tampa Bay Buccaneers touchdown — R. Jones (Q3 15:32) Cleveland Browns touchdown — N. Chubb (Q4 12:25) Cleveland Browns touchdown — J. Landry (B. Mayfield pass) (Q4 2:36) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Catanzaro (Q1 48:04, 3 pts) Tampa Bay Buccaneers field goal — C. Catanzaro (OT 1:55, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
J. Winston (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), 47.1% completion, -1.9% CPOE, -0.01 EPA per dropback, -0.54 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), 51.1% completion, +4.3% CPOE, -0.04 EPA per dropback, -1.62 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
M. Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) led the game in total EPA with +6.39 on receiving plays. across 11 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.66 EPA): (14:31) (Shotgun) 3-J.Winston sacked at TB 21 for -8 yards (95-M.Garrett). FUMBLES (95-M.Garrett), RECOVERED by CLE-55-G.Avery at TB 31. 55-G.Avery to TB 26 for 5 yards (3-J.Winsto. The biggest win-probability swing was +54.5%.
Was Cleveland Browns vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Cleveland Browns
Entered 2-3 Now 2-4 L
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Entered 2-3 Now 3-3 W
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