Almost no predictions believe the biggest AFC North matchup of the season to date will become a blowout victory for either side. The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the shocking 5-2 Cleveland Browns in a venue where the visiting club hasn't won since 2003. Most are picking the Steelers to emerge as the winners of this divisional battle, but don't be shocked if this one comes down to the wire.
Both teams go into this matchup not being taken seriously. Perhaps if one of the two dominated this game and pulled away on the scoreboard, then some experts might believe in them. If not, then no matter who wins or loses, this game might fail to gain respect. Either way, the Steelers need to take care of business in their home venue, but this might be their biggest test of the campaign yet.
Cleveland hasn't beaten anyone special to this point in the season, but the same can be said for Pittsburgh.
It will be interesting to see how the outcome of this game affects whoever eventually wins the AFC North. You would have to assume the victor of this game will be the early favorite to win the division this season. It's not going to be an easy battle to win, and the high stakes only intensify this rivalry.
Still Curtain contributors predict a Pittsburgh Steelers season defining victory
"The Cleveland Browns have performed better than anyone expected this season but predicting them to sweep the Steelers this season feels rich. The Browns haven't won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003. Worse yet for Cleveland, they haven't swept the Steelers during the regular season since 1988. Mike McCarthy isn't going to let that happen on his watch." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 24-17)
"Cleveland is surely talking a big game, and it would be awfully embarrassing to prove their words right. To be frank, neither of these teams is as good as their 5-2 record, but this still feels like it has the makings of a good game. If Pittsburgh loses, it will be a bitter pill to swallow. I think they put the Browns back in their place with a close win." - Andrew Falce (Steelers 24-20)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t want to squander a chance to give Mike McCarthy his first taste of ranking first in AFC North with a win against the Cleveland Browns. Patrick Graham’s defense plays a lot better than in Week 4, forcing DeShaun Watson to make slower, harder decisions as a QB. Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren lead McCarthy’s offense to an effective afternoon." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 28-20)
Final prediction has Steelers finding a way to squeak out a win
Score Prediction: Steelers 23, Browns 20
Everyone should predict this AFC North clash to be a close game that comes down to the wire. Expect turnovers to be monumental in the outcome of this game. The Steelers offense needs to play a smart brand of football. Establish the run early and take care of the football. Any opportunities they give the Browns based on Pittsburgh shooting themselves in the foot could be costly.
Cleveland has struggled against lesser foes this season but so have the Steelers.
That being said, overall, the Black and Gold have the edge when it comes to the talent on their roster. Trusting Aaron Rodgers to win the game over Deshaun Watson provides a clear edge. This won't be an easy game to win, but if the offense can have a strong rushing attack and take care of the football, then they should have a steady path to victory.
On the defensive side of things for Pittsburgh, it's all about creating havoc for the opposition.
Stop the run first and get Watson on the ground often. Create dysfunction for the quarterback and don't allow him to escape the pocket for big gains. Forcing a couple of turnovers and winning the turnover margin will be vital to getting a win. It's easier said than done, but the Steelers have the players to make this happen.
At the end of the day, pick the Steelers to win this AFC North matchup. It's not going to be pretty, as these two teams are eerily similar at this point in the season. Neither has done terrific things thus far, but they have found a way to get to impressive 5-2 records. The Steelers have the talent to win this game, and there should be a strong chance that they do as long as they take care of the ball.
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