Cleveland makes the second half count
The Cleveland Browns beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-19 at Raymond James Stadium in Week 2, using a stronger second half to move to 1-1. Tampa Bay fell to 0-2. Cleveland trailed 9-6 at halftime before outscoring the Buccaneers 10-7 in the third quarter, leaving the teams tied at 16 entering the fourth. The Browns then held a 7-3 scoring edge in the final quarter to secure the win. The result followed Cleveland’s 34-10 opening loss at Jacksonville. Tampa Bay has lost its first two games by a combined 10 points after falling 33-27 at Cincinnati in Week 1.
Watson and Boston lead the passing game
Deshaun Watson completed 24 of 30 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns, adding 22 rushing yards on seven carries. His 80% completion rate gave Cleveland an efficient passing performance on a day when Quinshon Judkins gained just 21 yards on 12 carries. Denzel Boston caught five of seven targets for 95 yards and a touchdown. Harold Fannin Jr. added five receptions for 54 yards on six targets, while Blake Whiteheart turned his lone catch into a 17-yard touchdown. Judkins contributed as a receiver, catching all five of his targets for 27 yards.
Irving produces, but Tampa Bay falls short
Bucky Irving carried 17 times for 89 yards, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt. He also caught four passes, though those receptions produced just one yard. Baker Mayfield finished 21-of-34 for 182 yards, one touchdown and one interception, with another 29 yards on four carries. Chris Godwin Jr. caught all three of his targets for 46 yards and added a 12-yard run. Emeka Egbuka supplied Tampa Bay’s receiving touchdown. He finished with three catches for 16 yards on five targets and lost three yards on one rushing attempt.
Fantasy takeaways
Boston led the game with 20.5 PPR points, combining five receptions with substantial yardage and a touchdown. Watson followed at 19.7 points, while Tampa Bay kicker Chase McLaughlin scored 16.0. Irving’s rushing production helped him reach 13.0 PPR points, matching Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt. Mayfield finished with 12.2. Fannin’s five-catch performance yielded 10.4 PPR points without a touchdown. Judkins’ receiving work helped offset his limited rushing output, bringing him to 9.8 points.
Week 3 schedule
Cleveland hosts the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. ET. Tampa Bay stays home to face the Minnesota Vikings that day at 4:05 p.m. ET.