New Orleans turned a rushing and first-down advantage into an overtime win despite losing two fumbles.
New Orleans beat Cleveland 23–22 in overtime on Sunday, escaping with the win despite two lost fumbles. The fourth quarter was level at 10 points apiece, and the Saints took the overtime period 7–6. Tyler Shough completed 21 of 35 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown, while adding 51 rushing yards; Shedeur Sanders went 19 of 31 for 297 passing yards and two touchdown passes, plus 28 rushing yards. Audric Estime rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown, while Chris Olave led the Saints with seven catches for 98 yards. KC Concepcion caught four passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, and Denzel Boston added six receptions for 98 yards. New Orleans totaled 396 yards and 21 first downs to Cleveland’s 355 yards and 15, including a 160–95 edge on the ground; the Saints converted 7 of 16 third downs, while the Browns went 8 of 18. Both defenses recorded five sacks, but the Saints’ two lost fumbles against Cleveland’s zero turnovers made the narrow margin especially precarious; New Orleans scored on 2 of 5 red-zone trips, while the Browns went 0 for 2.
Key Performers
Tyler Shough, Saints: 21/35, 265 passing yards, 1 touchdown; 51 rushing yards. Shedeur Sanders, Browns: 19/31, 297 passing yards, 2 touchdowns; 28 rushing yards. Audric Estime, Saints: 72 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.
Standings Impact
New Orleans entered at 2–5 and improves to 3–5 with the win. Cleveland entered at 5–3 and falls to 5–4.
DYMA Insight
DYMA’s power index ranked Cleveland 18th (46.9) and New Orleans 26th (38.4). The Saints overcame two lost fumbles by gaining 41 more total yards and 65 more rushing yards.