Browns vs Steelers Preview

Photo Credit: Joe Sargent, Getty Images

The AFC North is tighter than a drum. Every team is within a game or two of each other. The Pittsburgh Steelers 6-3 are traveling to Cleveland to take on the Browns 6-3 in one of the most important games of each of their seasons. 

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Pittsburgh has the tiebreaker over Cleveland as of right now, since the Steelers beat the Browns during their first meeting week two, 26-22. This was the game that Browns running back Nick Chubb suffered a season-ending knee injury in. 

Deshaun Watson may not have lived up to the fully guaranteed contract he received in 2022, but he flipped a switch and went back in time during the second half against the Ravens on Sunday. Watson led a comeback while going 14/14 for 136 yards, one touchdown and a quarterback rating of 130.6. In the fourth quarter, Watson was 8/8 for 88 yards and a touchdown, with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3. 

Warson suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that will require surgery despite his ability to re-enter the game on Sunday. According to Ian Rapoport, the injury is a displaced fracture in the glenoid in his right shoulder. A full recovery is expected.

If there’s one thing this Steelers team does well, it’s win divisional games. They’ve been doing it for years under head coach Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh continues to put wins together, even when they’re lacking talent. It’s the coaching. More specifically, Mike Tomlin. 

Kevin Stefanksi, the Browns head coach, will be in the running for the NFL Coach of the Year Award. He’s been without his star running back all season and without his quarterback for most of the season. Cleveland is a hard place to play in, but the Steelers are used to winning ugly games. 

Who will improve to 7-3?