Coming out of their bye week, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set up for a potential AFC North victory in Week 6 of their season. They enjoyed watching their entire division lose while they rested at home last week, but this time won't be so easy.
The Cleveland Browns come to Pittsburgh, and while it might appear like a cakewalk on the surface, the Steelers cannot be too cocky going into this matchup.
The Browns are now fully behind rookie quarterback Dillion Gabriel after they traded away Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals. Under Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh has become routinely concerned about the team underperforming against lesser talent. They have struggled against underdogs in the past, and it has many worried about the outcome of this game. It could get ugly in a hurry.
Experts reviewing this contest are highly favoring the Steelers to emerge victorious. Tomlin has a fantastic record following the bye week, and Cleveland is struggling this season. Gabriel is a young quarterback going into his second start against a defense that is getting healthier. It won't be an easy win, but most predictions have this battle going in the favor of the home team.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 6 of the season's predictions have a cautious yet hopeful outlook
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are fresh off their bye week with a comfortable division lead... and Mike Tomlin wants to keep it that way. Meanwhile, the 1-4 Cleveland Browns will be traveling from London to Pittsburgh for a road game this week. The Steelers have had two weeks to prepare to face rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in what will be his second-ever NFL game. Cleveland's defense could give Aaron Rodgers and company trouble, but I have Pittsburgh advancing to 4-1." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 20-17)
"In a typical season, this looks like a game that the Steelers would drop. However, this Steelers team clicked before the bye week, and I think they match up well against Cleveland. I won't be shocked if this is a typical let down game though." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 20-13)
READ MORE: Steelers just got a massive boost this season without lifting a finger
"The Pittsburgh Steelers get the job done and secure a must win victory in convincing fashion. Patrick Queen and TJ Watt lead the charge against rookie Dillon Gabriel. Aaron Rodgers and Metcalf connect once for a touchdown." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 28-10)
"It's easy to overlook Cleveland because of its offense. No one should expect Dillon Gabriel to enjoy his first start against the Steelers' defense. But Myles Garrett and the Browns' defense have answers for Pittsburgh's offense. Low-scoring rock fight incoming." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 13-6)
Final prediction has Pittsburgh overcoming an upset, but they won't make things easy
Final prediction: Steelers 19, Browns 17
It's hard not to envision this game as a potential low-scoring affair where two defenses battle. The Steelers head into this game with multiple people on track to return from injury, but the status of Jalen Ramsey and Calvin Austin III will be vital. If neither of those two is able to play, it could be a negative for Pittsburgh. This will not be a walk in the park like many hope.
Cleveland has a solid defense through the early portion of the season, and they will keep the game close.
It will be up to Aaron Rodgers and the offense to capitalize on opportunities. If they manage the game effectively and protect the ball, the Steelers stand a strong chance of securing the win. That is easier said than done when Myles Garrett is across from you.
Gabriel may be the exception, having shown promise against the Vikings last week. But with game tape now available, the Steelers may find it easier to scheme against him. They will test him early and often. He cannot afford to make costly turnovers. The Browns want to play tight games and try to win the contest at the end, which is oddly similar to the Steelers' approach.
At the end of the day, it's difficult not to imagine the Steelers winning this game. Gabriel will give Cleveland some juice early in this battle, but it should fizzle as the matchup commences. The rookie signal-caller should turn over the ball. Neither offense will produce a strong showing, but Rodgers and company will do enough to hang onto a late lead to improve their record to 4-1.