5 reasons the Pittsburgh Steelers will win in Week 2 vs. the Cleveland Browns

Steelers will find a way to slow down Cleveland’s Nick Chubb

To summarize broadcaster Dan Patrick, Browns running back Nick Chubb can’t be stopped. You can only hope to contain him. This is a guy who is just four yards shy of having five consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons to begin his career. Now in his sixth season, Chubb was a second-team All-Pro last year and is a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

The Steelers have done a nice job of at least slowing Chubb down in nine previous meetings. Chubb, who averaged 5.9 yards per carry (18 rushes, 106 yards) last week against the Bengals, has averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his career against Pittsburgh. He’s only had two 100-yard rushing games against the Black & Gold (2020 season in Pittsburgh, 2022 season in Cleveland), scoring his only two career rushing touchdowns against the Steelers in those contests.

The challenge in this game will be slowing Chubb down without the presence of All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward, who injured his groin in the season-opener and is expected to miss the next eight weeks. 

Former Browns DL Larry Ogunjobi is expected to play for the Steelers, but is also battling a lingering injury, putting the defensive line in a precarious position.

Expect youngsters like Isaiahh Loudermilk, DeMarvin Leal, and rookie Keeanu Benton to play huge roles in this game, along with veteran newcomers Armor Watts and Breiden Fehoko. Fehoko has been on the practice squad, but I look for him to be activated to the game-day roster Monday night.