Saints hang on to defeat Browns in overtime, 23-22

Published November 8, 2026 04:49 PM The Browns and Saints were tied at 6-6 midway through the fourth quarter.But the game then became a barn burner in the final period and overtime, with a failed Cleveland two-point conversion allowing the Saints to escape with a narrow 23-22 victory.New Orleans had taken a 9-6 lead with Charlie Smyth’s 48-yard field goal with 5:38 left in the contest. But the Browns immediately responded with a 64-yard touchdown catch by rookie KC Concepcion, who burned the defense off the line.It was Concepcion’s first career touchdown.The Browns, however, couldn’t hold the late lead. The team’s four-minute offense couldn’t convert enough first downs, leaving the Saints with time to get down the field. They were able to get in the end zone with Audric Estime’s 2-yard touchdown with 58 seconds on the clock, going ahead 16-13. But Shedeur Sanders — playing after Deshaun Watson spent most of the week in concussion protocol — connected with Jerry Jeudy for a key 30-yard gain. The outstanding throw and catch set up Andre Szmyt for a game-tying 51-yard field goal to send the contest into overtime.Juwan Johnson capped New Orleans’ OT possession with a 15-yard touchdown reception.But Harold Fannin’s terrific catch-and-run put the Browns in position to tie it or win it with a 39-yard touchdown. Browns head coach Todd Monken elected to go for the win instead of settling for — at best — a potential tie. But Sanders’ throw to Denzel Boston was incomplete. Even if it had been caught, the Browns were flagged for holding.Sanders finished the contest 19-of-31 for 297 yards with a pair of touchdowns.On the other side, Tyler Shough was 21-of-35 for 265 yards with a TD.Notably, New Orleans center Erik McCoy had to depart the game with an elbow injury.The Saints have put themselves right back in the NFC South conversation at 3-5. They will have a chance to gain more ground in the division next Sunday, as they’ll play the Panthers at home.The Browns have now dropped two in a row, falling to 5-4. They will play the Texans at home next Sunday before a Week 11 bye.