One of the NFL's greatest rivalries takes center stage on Sunday as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cleveland Browns with first place in the AFC North on the line. Both teams enter Week 8 with identical 5-2 records, though the Browns hold the division lead thanks to their Week 4 victory in Cleveland.
Previous Meeting
The Browns edged the Steelers 27-24 in Week 4, marking their fifth consecutive win over Pittsburgh in Cleveland. Cleveland built a 21-7 lead before Pittsburgh rallied behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to tie the game with 1:42 remaining. However, Deshaun Watson led a drive culminating in Andre Szmyt's 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left. Rodgers finished with 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, while Jaylen Warren rushed for 93 yards and DK Metcalf caught five passes for 115 yards. For Cleveland, rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion combined for nine catches and 153 yards.
Team Trends
Pittsburgh has won three straight since that loss, including a 16-10 victory over the Saints in Paris last week. The Steelers' offensive line has improved, allowing nine sacks over the past three games compared to five in the Week 4 meeting alone. The rushing attack has been revitalized with Rico Dowdle's return, and the defense ranks among the league's best in points allowed, touchdown passes allowed, yards per carry, third-down efficiency and red zone efficiency. Linebacker Payton Wilson has been a standout, recording a key interception against New Orleans.
Cleveland's offense showed signs of life in a win over the Titans, amassing 491 total yards with a balanced 308 passing and 183 rushing. However, the Browns turned the ball over twice after a clean game against the Ravens. The key question remains whether Watson can succeed against an elite Steelers defense.
Game Details
When: Sunday, Nov. 1 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+
Odds: Steelers -3.5, Over/Under 39.5 (via DraftKings Sportsbook)
Prediction
The Steelers hold two distinct advantages: a superior quarterback in Rodgers and a running game that could exploit a Browns defense ranked 22nd in yards per carry allowed. If Dowdle and Warren establish the ground game, it should open up the passing attack. Projected score: Steelers 20, Browns 16.
