DENVER – The Denver Broncos continued their push for their first playoff berth since 2015, winning a wild 41-32 game against the Cleveland Browns on Monday night at Empower Field at Mile High in a contest that produced 952 yards of total offense .

The Broncos prevailed despite giving up 497 passing yards to Browns quarterback Jameis Winston thanks to big plays, namely pick-sixes from linebacker Nik Bonitto and nickel corner Ja’Quan McMillian, as well as a 93-yard touchdown pass from rookie quarterback Bo Nix to Marvin Mims Jr. That was barely enough to withstand a barrage from Winston and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who had nine receptions for 235 yards and a 70-yard touchdown reception in his first game against his old team after being traded in the offseason.

Here are the key things to know from Monday night for both teams:

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So much has gone right for the Broncos this season, they have made great strides while still showing promise.

Monday night was their chance to show that they were legitimate playoff contenders in the AFC. And what people saw was a wild, back-and-forth game that the Broncos somehow won as they outlasted the Browns and took a two-game lead into the final wild card spot.

The win moves the Broncos to 8-5 heading into their bye week and keeps them tied for No. 7 in the AFC despite plenty of jaw-dropping moments. Along the way, the Broncos had their longest defensive touchdown of the season (71 yards by Bonitto) and their longest offensive touchdown of the season, leading to their first game with two touchdowns of at least 70 yards since 1997. Their defense gave up a season before the end of the third quarter, gaining a lot of yards but scoring twice, giving Denver the win.

It was easily their wildest game of the season, which will provide plenty of pause as they come back from the bye, but it was the win they needed to move three games above .500 after 13 games for the first time since 2016 be. And they’re still on track to break the eight-year playoff drought.

Describe the game in two words: Great escape. A boisterous home crowd, a beautiful evening and a national audience wanting to see their work, but it all almost fizzled out in a disastrous defeat. The Broncos’ offense was sluggish in the first half – the Broncos had two three-point drives in the first half – and everything fell apart on defense, leading to pinball numbers for Winston and Jeudy. The Broncos are still in the playoff race despite a crazy night, but they pushed the team’s blood pressure to the limit to be able to make it.

Most surprising performance: The Broncos’ defense, oh-so-reliable this season, went on its wildest rides Monday night, particularly in the first half. Winston was 18 of 31 passing for 245 yards and two touchdowns at halftime. The Broncos entered Monday with six games this season in which they have allowed fewer than 300 yards passing to an opposing offense and 10 games this season in which they have allowed fewer than 245 yards passing. Bonitto returned a first-half interception 71 yards for a touchdown and McMillian scored the game-winning 46-yard score with 1:48 to play, but the Broncos were on their heels most of the night. And there’s a lot to fix before they play again.

Worrying trend: Cornerback Riley Moss’ absence on defense was certainly noticed by the Browns, as Jeudy caught nine passes for 235 yards, including a 70-yard touchdown. Moss suffered a so-called MCL sprain in his right knee in Denver’s Week 12 win against the Raiders and did not play. And while the Broncos’ decision not to simply go with Pat Surtain II on Jeudy that night is controversial, Winston repeatedly went after Moss’ replacement – Levi Wallace – in coverage, particularly when the Broncos were in nickel. Moss’ status will be worth keeping an eye on as the Broncos head into their farewell. –Jeff Legwold

Next game: vs. Indianapolis Colts (4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 15)

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Winston made history with the most productive passing game of his 10-year career and Jeudy had a career night against his former team. But a spirited performance from Cleveland failed in Denver.

Two pick-sixes from Winston, including one on a potential game-winning drive, cost the Browns in Monday night’s high-scoring affair. The loss gives the Browns their 22nd losing season since returning to Cleveland in 1999.

It’s been a disappointing season for Cleveland, which entered the season wanting to make the playoffs but struggled with poor play from Deshaun Watson before his Achilles tendon injury in Week 7. Winston has given the Browns new life as a starter since taking over, but his high-variance play was once again on display in front of a national television audience.

QB breakdown: Winston continued his strong play since becoming the starter in Week 8 and made history. His 497 passing yards not only marked a career high, but also set a Browns franchise record, surpassing the 489 yards thrown by Bernie Kosar in the 1986 divisional playoffs against the New York Jets. This was also Winston’s third career game with at least 450 passing yards and four touchdowns, tying Peyton Manning for the most in NFL history. But those three interceptions and two pick-sixes were tough. His second pick-six was ultimately the deciding factor in defeat, but of course in his career.

Promising trend: Jeudy recorded his fifth straight game of at least 70 yards, continuing the longest streak of his career. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, his 235 receiving yards represented a career high and the most by a player in his first game against a former team in NFL history.

Silver linings: For the fourth time in five starts under Winston, the Browns were competitive against a playoff team. This time, Cleveland fell short in a heartbreaking loss, but it was another game that can give Browns decision-makers the idea that, despite a disappointing season, their roster may be in need of a shakeup rather than a complete dismantling. – Daniel Oyefusi

Next game: at the Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, Sunday)