One of the NFL's greatest rivalries takes center stage Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns with first place in the AFC North at stake. Both teams enter with 5-2 records, though the Browns hold the division lead thanks to their Week 4 victory in Cleveland.
The Steelers have won three straight since that loss, including a 16-10 win over the Saints in Paris last week. Pittsburgh is favored by 3.5 points with an over/under of 39.5.
Where to Watch
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. The game will air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Key Storylines
In their last meeting, the Browns rallied from a 21-7 deficit to win 27-24 on a 56-yard field goal by Andre Szmyt with 10 seconds left. Aaron Rodgers threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns in that loss, while rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion combined for 153 yards for Cleveland.
Pittsburgh's offensive line has improved since allowing five sacks in Week 4; Rodgers has been sacked nine times in the three games since. The running game has also revived with Rico Dowdle's return alongside Jaylen Warren. Defensively, the Steelers rank fifth in points allowed and have excelled in third-down and red-zone efficiency. Linebacker Payton Wilson had a key interception in the win over New Orleans.
Cleveland's offense put up 491 yards against Tennessee, with 308 passing and 183 rushing, but turned the ball over twice. The big question remains whether Deshaun Watson can succeed against an elite defense.
Prediction
The Steelers hold advantages at quarterback and in the running game against a Browns defense that ranks 22nd in yards per carry allowed. If Dowdle and Warren establish the ground attack, it should open opportunities for Rodgers and the passing game. Projected score: Steelers 20, Browns 16.
