Brutal weather conditions for TNF could nullify Steelers' advantage over Browns

Dealing with weather conditions is part of the game in the NFL -- especially for teams in the AFC North. Unlike the pampered teams that primarily play in domes, the Steelers, Browns, Ravens, and Bengals routinely deal with treacherous playing conditions.

We've already witnessed this once when it comes to the Pittsburgh Steelers. In Week 5, Mike Tomlin's team hosted the Dallas Cowboys for Sunday Night Football -- a game that was accompanied by ninety minutes of weather delays before the action kicked off.

Unfortunately, slippery field conditions led to a low offensive scoring output for the Steelers and they ultimately lost to a Cowboys team missing nearly all of their best defensive players. Now Pittsburgh is preparing for a road game against the Cleveland Browns, hoping the weather doesn't bite them this time around.

Steelers will need to overcome harsh weather conditions vs. Browns

The weather in Cleveland, Ohio for Thursday Night Football does not look encouraging. According to AccuWeather.com, the forecast for Thursday evening is calling for 38 degrees with 25-mile-per-hour wind gusts and a 70 percent chance of precipitation.

Because of the temperature and a real feel of 22 degrees, this precipitation could practically take any form (rain, sleet, or snow). Additionally, the forecast is calling for 0.09 inches of rain and 98 percent cloud cover.

While the Steelers welcome whatever Mother Nature throws at them, these conditions don't favor Pittsburgh in this contest, as the unpredictable weather adds another variable that could work in the favor of the underdog (the Browns).

Entering Week 12, Cleveland's defense has not been good. They are surrendering 342.7 yards per game to go with 24.8 points allowed per contest. Sadly, Russell Wilson and Pittsburgh's offense could have trouble exploiting the Browns' weaknesses if the weather conditions play a major factor.

The weather could also cause ball security issues. A few more balls hitting the turf could be an advantage for a team like the Browns, who may need a few lucky bounces and unforeseen plays to go their way to pull off the win.

There's nothing Mike Tomlin can do about the weather. He simply needs to make sure his team shows up and is ready to play in whatever conditions are thrown at them on Thursday Night Football. The Steelers haven't won a game in Cleveland since 2017, but that streak must end now.

If you plan on attending this primetime AFC North showdown, make sure you bundle up and have your raincoat handy.