Thursday Night Football: Biggest Winners and Losers of Week 7

The Browns just finished beating the Broncos 17-14, but Denver isn't the only one going home with a loss. Every game has winners and losers and here are the biggest winners and losers from Week 7's edition of Thursday Night Football.

Winners

Browns Playoff Chances

When most teams go to their backup quarterback, it’s a wrap on their season. Case Keenum showed that he won’t lose the game for the Browns, and that is all they can ask for. With Mayfield’s status up in the air and Cleveland down to its third-string running back, there was a lot of room things that could've went wrong. Keenum kept the mistakes to a minimum and let the defense make plays -- which is exactly what he needed to do.

If he can keep this up, the Browns should be within striking distance when Mayfield makes his return. At 3-3, Cleveland needs to find ways to win and Keenum could be the answer. 

D’Ernest Johnson

Johnson stepped up in the biggest way on Thursday. He produced at a high level and the Browns barely missed Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt. Johnson finished the day with 146 yards and a touchdown. Johnson showed up in a major way in his first career start and Cleveland should be thankful.

He’s one of the biggest winners because even though he will take a backseat once Chubb and Hunt get back, his name is now on the market. If Johnson can string together a few good performances, expect him to cash in on the first opportunity he gets. 

Johnson is the biggest winner of tonight.

Losers

Von Miller

The last few years of Von Miller's career have been defined by injury. Miller had to leave the game due to an ankle injury early in the first half. Miller was having a nice season, with 4.5 sacks and 17 total tackles to his name. The Broncos' defense is one of the stingiest in the league and Miller's injury, if serious, will be a significant blow.

Broncos Win Total

The Broncos are done. Their 3-0 start was a sham and now everyone knows it. If Denver can’t get a win against a team without three of its most important players, they just don’t have it. Von Miller’s injury doesn’t help things either. The Broncos started with a lot of promise this season, but it’s looking like Bridgewater won’t be able lead the team to prosperity. 

This is Denver’s fourth consecutive loss, putting them at the bottom of the AFC West. With games against the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers left, there isn’t a lot of hope left for this season. When WynnBET releases the Broncos' updated win total, expect a lot of sad Broncos fans.