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

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.