Steelers vs Browns Game Analysis: 4-Way Tie
This week’s Thursday Night Football pits the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland. The game starts at 8:15 pm ET on October 1. Both teams are in the AFC North, the only division where all four teams are tied at 2-1 going into Week 4. This game will break up that logjam.
The tight divisional race suggests a close game, but neither team has been consistent so far, so let’s do a deeper analysis to see what to expect. Here at PayPerHead, you’ll find our Steelers vs Browns prediction and everything you need to know ahead this big game.
Pittsburgh Steelers Recent Scores: Looking for Away Win
The Steelers have won every home game and lost their only away game, which suggests a loss here, especially since they lost to the Patriots in New England, 3-20. At least their defense has been consistent throughout:
Week 1: vs Falcons 20-13 (won)
Week 2: at Patriots 3-20 (lost)
Week 3: vs Bengals 30-27 (won)
But in Week 2, it was New England’s defense that won the game. They kept the Steelers from making any headway, even getting a strip-sack touchdown early in the fourth quarter.
In Week 3, the Pittsburgh offense had its best outing in a thriller against the Bengals, who were poised to get their first 3-0 start since 2015. But Aaron Rodgers outdueled Joe Burrow and the Bengals. A tweak to the offensive line sparked the running game, netting them six yards per carry. RB Jaylen Warren ran for 176 total yards.
Cleveland Browns Recent Scores: Watson’s Back
After a blowout loss in Week 1, Cleveland fans were bemoaning that they were the same old Browns. But Cleveland tightened up their defense and got consistent output on offense in the next games:
Week 1: at Jaguars 10-34 (lost)
Week 2: at Buccaneers 23-19 (won)
Week 3: vs Panthers 21-18 (won)
Week 2 saw a comeback win against the Buccaneers as Deshaun Watson outplayed Baker Mayfield. The kickers on both teams combined for 7 out of 7 field goals.
Watson also started for Week 3, which saw him get cheers from the Browns fans, something that’s been five weeks in the making. Watson worked 22 months to get back from tearing his right Achilles tendon twice.
The Panthers took an 18-13 lead with 4:25 remaining, but came back with a touchdown and a 2-point conversion to make the 3-point margin. But it wasn’t needed as the Browns’ defense kept the Panthers off the scoreboard to finish the game.
Their defense only allowed 4.9 yards per play and got three sacks for the win.
Steelers vs Browns History: Tough Town Cleveland
The Steelers have a long history with the Browns, dating back to 1950. They have faced each other a total of 149 times, with Pittsburgh leading the series with 83 wins, 65 losses and 1 tie. Only three of those were postseason games, with Cleveland winning the most recent in an AFC Wild Card Game in 2021, 48-37.
Since 2021, both teams have won six games, but Pittsburgh has not won in Cleveland since then.
Steelers vs Browns Prediction: Steelers Steal
The Steelers are hoping for their first road win this season in Cleveland. They’ve shown what their offense can do against the Bengals, while their defense is on par with Cleveland’s. Aaron Rodgers has the experience, while Deshaun Watson’s dual-threat play is beginning to shine through.
Pittsburgh is the slight favorite at -2.5, but expect a lower-scoring game because of the short week and two tight defenses.
Our Steelers vs. Browns prediction is a Pittsburgh steal: they get their first road win in a low-scoring, short-week battle, 21-19. Remember to follow us on our social media accounts to stay tuned in on this NFL season
