James Conner
Conner has missed the last two contests after suffering a shoulder injury late in the Dolphins game two weeks ago. He will be active and start in the game on Thursday and that is big for the Steelers.
Conner had a great two games against Cleveland in 2018 running the ball 55 times for 281 yards and two touchdowns in the two match-ups against them. It would be very favorable to the offense if he can continue that type of success against them as the offense still searches for rhythm in the passing game.
Conner has the ability to gash defenses with his legs and his hands. He is not the complete dual-threat back that Le’Veon Bell once provided for the offense, but he does well enough in both facets of the game to gain attention from defenses.
Conner will face a Browns defense that sits at 27th in rush yards allowed and 28th in yards per attempt. The Steelers offensive line has to take advantage of the match-up and pave lanes for Conner to do damage.
If the Steelers can run the ball and sustain drives, they will be able to pick when to pass the ball and make the most of those calls. The defense is good enough to give the offense every chance to get the win, especially if Conner can dominate.