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3 Steelers X-factors for TNF match-up against Cleveland

By Brandon Kring

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stretches past Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns for a 12 yard touchdown during the third quarter in the game at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 28: James Conner #30 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stretches past Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns for a 12 yard touchdown during the third quarter in the game at Heinz Field on October 28, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to pump up the crowd in the second half during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 28: Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to pump up the crowd in the second half during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Heinz Field on October 28, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Bud Dupree

Dupree is having a huge contract year and that is just what the doctor ordered for the Steelers defense. He has already surpassed his 2018 stats in just nine games in 2019.

He has racked up six sacks and eight tackles for loss in 2019. His jump in production no doubt is both a result of playing opposite T.J. Watt and a compliment to Watt’s rushing abilities.

Dupree’s play against the run has been borderline elite so far this season as well and that is where his X-factor designation for the week comes in. The Browns currently sit at 13th in the league in rushing and are averaging over five yards per carry, good for 2nd in the league.

Dupree will have a big hand in helping the defense slow down that attack who now has Kareem Hunt to compliment young stud Nick Chubb. The two-headed attack is going up against the Steelers rush defense that has been inconsistent in stopping the run all year but comes off allowing just 88 yards to the Rams on Sunday.

Dupree’s increased pass rush production makes him a big X-factor player. He is playing at a level that should allow him to disrupt the Browns offense in both the pass and run game.

The Steelers can get to 6-4 by beating the Browns on Thursday which will help them in their chase for a wildcard spot. The Ravens play the Texans and a Steelers win coupled with a Ravens loss could put them just one game back for the division lead.

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Pittsburgh has a long way to go to win the division but the wildcard is very much in the fold. The journey continues with these X-factors contributing to a fifth straight Steelers win to get to 6-4.

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