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NFL · Week 6 · October 18, 2015 · 12 min read

Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns: 2015 Week 6 Recap

Broncos defeat Browns 26–23 in Week 6

A.Caldwell led Fantasy Impact as Broncos prevailed in a 26–23 Week 6 finish.

Denver Broncos 26 6–0 Winner
Final 26–23
Cleveland Browns 23 2–4
Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
26–23
Halftime
Denver Broncos 10–0 Cleveland Browns
Top passer
Paul Manning
FantasyHQ MVP
A.Caldwell
Game date
October 18, 2015

Top fantasy performers · Broncos

  • A.Caldwell 2 REC · 18 YDS +1.4 Fantasy Impact
  • R.Hillman 21 CAR · 111 YDS +1.3 Fantasy Impact
  • O.Daniels 2 REC · 24 YDS +0.8 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Browns

  • J.McCown 1 CAR · 2 YDS +0.3 Fantasy Impact
  • Dyontae Johnson
    Dyontae Johnson 9 CAR · 38 YDS +0.2 Fantasy Impact
  • I.Crowell 2 REC · 9 YDS +0.1 Fantasy Impact
View Broncos vs Browns box score View all 2015 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Denver Broncos
Final score
Denver Broncos 26–23 Cleveland Browns
Halftime
Denver Broncos 10–0 Cleveland Browns at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
A. Caldwell
Top passer
Paul Manning
Biggest EPA play
(14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 2…
Game date
2015-10-18

Game summary

The Denver Broncos beat the Cleveland Browns 26–23 on 2015-10-18. A. Caldwell posted a game-high +1.42 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 26 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4OTT
Denver Broncos37310626
Cleveland Browns00716023

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

DENDenver Broncos
CLECleveland Browns

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

15 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. DENDenver Broncos
    Q1 2:53FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 10
    Score
    3-0

    (2:53) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  2. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 14:19TD
    ATA. Talib

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 40
    Score
    9-0

    (14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at DEN 37. 21-A.Talib for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  3. DENDenver Broncos
    Q2 14:09XP
    Brandon McManus

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CLE 15
    Score
    10-0

    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  4. CLECleveland Browns
    Q3 11:12TD
    GBG. Barnidge

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 11
    Score
    10-6

    (11:12) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right to 82-G.Barnidge for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. CLECleveland Browns
    Q3 11:07XP
    TCT. Coons

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    10-7

    6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.

  6. DENDenver Broncos
    Q3 2:08FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 7
    Score
    13-7

    (2:08) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  7. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 13:36FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 21
    Score
    16-7

    (13:36) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  8. CLECleveland Browns
    Q4 9:20TD
    GBG. Barnidge

    Points+6

    Yard line
    DEN 14
    Score
    16-13

    (9:20) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short middle to 82-G.Barnidge for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  9. CLECleveland Browns
    Q4 9:16XP
    TCT. Coons

    Points+1

    Yard line
    DEN 15
    Score
    16-14

    6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.

  10. CLECleveland Browns
    Q4 8:18TD
    KDK. Dansby

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CLE 66
    Score
    16-20

    (8:18) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 23-R.Hillman INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Dansby at DEN 35. 56-K.Dansby for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball tipped by Denver # 23 (Hillman) The Replay Official reviewed the runner was in bounds ruling, and the play was Upheld. The ruling on the field was confirmed.

  11. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 8:02TD
    ESEli Sanders

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CLE 75
    Score
    22-20

    (8:02) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 10-E.Sanders for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  12. DENDenver Broncos
    Q4 7:53XP
    Brandon McManus

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CLE 15
    Score
    23-20

    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  13. CLECleveland Browns
    Q4 1:32FG
    TCT. Coons

    Points+3

    Yard line
    DEN 8
    Score
    23-23

    (1:32) (Field Goal formation) 6-T.Coons 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.

  14. DENDenver Broncos
    OT 4:57FG
    Brandon McManus

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 16
    Score
    26-23

    (4:57) 8-B.McManus 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.

  15. DENDenver Broncos
    OT 4:56FG

    Points+3

    Yard line
    —
    Score
    26-23

    END GAME

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1A. Caldwell · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +1.42 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.71 EPA/play
  2. 2R. Hillman · Denver Broncos · Rushing · +1.31 total EPA · 21 snaps · +0.06 EPA/play
  3. 3O. Daniels · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.84 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.28 EPA/play
  4. 4Drake ThomasDrake Thomas · Denver Broncos · Receiving · +0.73 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.04 EPA/play
  5. 5J. McCown · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.35 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.17 EPA/play
  6. 6Dyontae JohnsonDyontae Johnson · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.19 total EPA · 9 snaps · +0.02 EPA/play
  7. 7I. Crowell · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.09 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.05 EPA/play
  8. 8Calvin AndersonCalvin Anderson · Denver Broncos · Receiving · -0.17 total EPA · 4 snaps · -0.04 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

A. Caldwell — DEN · Receiving

A. Caldwell posted the highest total EPA (+1.42) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Denver Broncos. Across 2 counted snaps, they averaged +0.71 EPA per play.

Biggest single play (-9.65 EPA): J. McCown — (14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at DEN 37. 21-A.Talib for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Paul Manning led all passers in efficiency for Denver Broncos, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Paul Manning (Denver Broncos) · 49 dropbacks · 53.1% completion · -5.3% CPOE · -0.23 EPA/play · -11.33 total EPA
  • J. McCown (Cleveland Browns) · 48 dropbacks · 41.7% completion · -12.7% CPOE · -0.40 EPA/play · -19.02 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatDenver BroncosCleveland Browns
Offensive EPA/play-0.179-0.239
Offensive success rate36.2%39.8%
Pass EPA/play-0.231-0.396
Rush EPA/play-0.047-0.167
Defensive EPA/play+0.239+0.179
Defensive success rate60.2%63.8%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Denver Broncos generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.18 vs -0.24), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Denver Broncos: -0.18 EPA/play (14th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Cleveland Browns: -0.24 EPA/play (7th percentile vs. 2015 team-game averages)
  • Cleveland Browns: 18 drives, -24.61 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
  • Denver Broncos: 17 drives, -18.82 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Denver Broncos — A. Talib (Q2 14:19)
  • Cleveland Browns — G. Barnidge (J. McCown pass) (Q3 11:12)
  • Cleveland Browns — G. Barnidge (J. McCown pass) (Q4 9:20)
  • Cleveland Browns — K. Dansby (Q4 8:18)
  • Denver Broncos — Eli Sanders (Paul Manning pass) (Q4 8:02)

Field goals

  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q1 2:53)
  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q3 2:08)
  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (Q4 13:36)
  • Cleveland Browns — T. Coons (Q4 1:32)
  • Brandon McManusDenver Broncos — Brandon McManus (OT 4:57)
  • Denver Broncos — unlisted player (OT 4:56)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 3–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 10 (Q1 2:53) — (2:53) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The second quarter: Denver Broncos won the period 7–0. Denver Broncos found the end zone from the DEN 40 (Q2 14:19); Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q2 14:09) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–3. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the DEN 11 (Q3 11:12) — (11:12) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right to 82-G.Barnidge for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q3 11:07) — 6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 7 (Q3 2:08) — (2:08) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt..

The fourth quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 16–10. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 21 (Q4 13:36) — (13:36) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the DEN 14 (Q4 9:20) — (9:20) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short middle to 82-G.Barnidge for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the DEN 15 (Q4 9:16) — 6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the CLE 66 (Q4 8:18); Denver Broncos found the end zone from the CLE 75 (Q4 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 10-E.Sanders for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Denver Broncos added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 7:53) — 8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the DEN 8 (Q4 1:32) — (1:32) (Field Goal formation) 6-T.Coons 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee..

Overtime: Denver Broncos won the period 6–0. Denver Broncos connected on a field goal from the CLE 16 (OT 4:57) — (4:57) 8-B.McManus 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.; Denver Broncos connected on a field goal (OT 4:56) — END GAME.

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Denver Broncos (Q4 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 23-R.Hillman INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Dansby at DEN 35. 56-K.Dansby for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball tipped by Denver # 23 (Hillman) The Replay Offic [WPA -40.3% · EPA -7.75]
  • Denver Broncos (OT 14:34) — (14:34) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short right intended for 88-D.Thomas INTERCEPTED by 51-B.Mingo at DEN 46. 51-B.Mingo to DEN 39 for 7 yards (22-C.Anderson). [WPA -37.1% · EPA -4.39]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 10-E.Sanders for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +28.2% · EPA +5.91]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q2 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at DEN 37. 21-A.Talib for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -27.7% · EPA -9.65]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 0:53) — (:53) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short left intended for 82-G.Barnidge INTERCEPTED by 30-D.Bruton [59-D.Trevathan] at DEN 31. 30-D.Bruton to DEN 30 for -1 yards (82-G.Barnidge). [WPA -23.0% · EPA -1.73]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Cleveland Browns (Q2 14:19) — (14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at DEN 37. 21-A.Talib for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -27.7% · EPA -9.65]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 23-R.Hillman INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Dansby at DEN 35. 56-K.Dansby for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball tipped by Denver # 23 (Hillman) The Replay Offic [WPA -40.3% · EPA -7.75]
  • Denver Broncos (Q4 8:02) — (8:02) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 10-E.Sanders for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +28.2% · EPA +5.91]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q3 4:56) — (4:56) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown sacked at CLE 41 for -9 yards (48-S.Barrett). FUMBLES (48-S.Barrett) [48-S.Barrett], RECOVERED by DEN-48-S.Barrett at CLE 41. 48-S.Barrett to CLE 41 for no gain (55-A.Mack [WPA -16.9% · EPA -5.59]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q1 2:53 · CLE 10 · Score 3-0
    (2:53) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  2. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q2 14:19 · DEN 40 · Score 9-0
    (14:19) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right intended for 11-T.Benjamin INTERCEPTED by 21-A.Talib at DEN 37. 21-A.Talib for 63 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  3. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q2 14:09 · CLE 15 · Score 10-0
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  4. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 11:12 · DEN 11 · Score 10-6
    (11:12) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short right to 82-G.Barnidge for 11 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 11:07 · DEN 15 · Score 10-7
    6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.
  6. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q3 2:08 · CLE 7 · Score 13-7
    (2:08) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 25 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  7. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — Q4 13:36 · CLE 21 · Score 16-7
    (13:36) (Field Goal formation) 8-B.McManus 39 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  8. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 9:20 · DEN 14 · Score 16-13
    (9:20) (Shotgun) 13-J.McCown pass short middle to 82-G.Barnidge for 14 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  9. Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 9:16 · DEN 15 · Score 16-14
    6-T.Coons extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.
  10. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 8:18 · CLE 66 · Score 16-20
    (8:18) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass short left intended for 23-R.Hillman INTERCEPTED by 56-K.Dansby at DEN 35. 56-K.Dansby for 35 yards, TOUCHDOWN. Ball tipped by Denver # 23 (Hillman) The Replay Offic
  11. Denver Broncos TD (+6) — Q4 8:02 · CLE 75 · Score 22-20
    (8:02) (Shotgun) 18-P.Manning pass deep right to 10-E.Sanders for 75 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  12. Denver Broncos XP (+1) — Q4 7:53 · CLE 15 · Score 23-20
    8-B.McManus extra point is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  13. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q4 1:32 · DEN 8 · Score 23-23
    (1:32) (Field Goal formation) 6-T.Coons 26 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-8-A.Lee.
  14. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — OT 4:57 · CLE 16 · Score 26-23
    (4:57) 8-B.McManus 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-A.Brewer, Holder-4-B.Colquitt.
  15. Denver Broncos FG (+3) — OT 4:56 · Score 26-23
    END GAME

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Denver Broncos earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • A. Caldwell (Denver Broncos) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Paul Manning (DEN) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns on 2015-10-18?

The Denver Broncos beat the Cleveland Browns 26-23 in Week 6, 2015.

What was the score by quarter in Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns?

Q1: Denver Broncos 3, Cleveland Browns 0; Q2: Denver Broncos 7, Cleveland Browns 0; Q3: Denver Broncos 3, Cleveland Browns 7; Q4: Denver Broncos 10, Cleveland Browns 16; Q5: Denver Broncos 6, Cleveland Browns 0; Final: Denver Broncos 26, Cleveland Browns 23.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns?

Denver Broncos touchdown — A. Talib (Q2 14:19) Cleveland Browns touchdown — G. Barnidge (J. McCown pass) (Q3 11:12) Cleveland Browns touchdown — G. Barnidge (J. McCown pass) (Q4 9:20) Cleveland Browns touchdown — K. Dansby (Q4 8:18) Denver Broncos touchdown — E. Sanders (P. Manning pass) (Q4 8:02) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q1 2:53, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q3 2:08, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (Q4 13:36, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — T. Coons (Q4 1:32, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — B. McManus (OT 4:57, 3 pts) Denver Broncos field goal — unlisted player (OT 4:56, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns?

Paul Manning (Denver Broncos), 53.1% completion, -5.3% CPOE, -0.23 EPA per dropback, -11.33 total passing EPA. J. McCown (Cleveland Browns), 41.7% completion, -12.7% CPOE, -0.40 EPA per dropback, -19.02 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns?

A. Caldwell (Denver Broncos) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +1.42 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 2 snaps.

Was Denver Broncos vs Cleveland Browns a close game?

Yes — the margin was 3 points. Denver Broncos won 26-23 in a game that came down to the wire.

Season records after this game

Denver Broncos

Entered 5-0 Now 6-0 W

Cleveland Browns

Entered 2-3 Now 2-4 L

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

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