Well, this took a turn for the worse. All week long, the weather forecast predicted harsh conditions in Cleveland for the Steelers vs. Browns Thursday Night Football showdown, but things are looking even worse than expected.
In the hours leading up to the game, the winds started to roll in. Then the snow struck. Here's a video captured by a fan at Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland.
Snow showers coming down in Cleveland for #Browns Steelers pic.twitter.com/uJ3t0V7vFl
— Grant Puskar (@grant_puskar_) November 22, 2024
This is what AFC North Football in late November is supposed to look like. Earlier in the week, I wrote about how the weather conditions for Pittsburgh's Week 12 contest could help the Browns level the playing field. The Steelers have a more talented roster, but the weather throws a curveball in what we can expect on the field.
Harsh weather conditions could level the playing field in Steelers vs. Browns game
Pittsburgh's bread and butter in the passing game is Russell Wilson's moon ball down the field George Pickens. This could be a connection that's hard to find tonight with snow coming down and wind gusts of 23 miles per hour.
The latest update from AccuWeather.com is calling for winter weather advisories with a breezy rain and snow mix and low visibility at the football game. The weather in Cleveland is 37 degrees, but has a reel feel of 25 degrees.
The Steelers unquestionably have the more talented roster and the better team from top to bottom this year. But the harsher-than-expected is one of several factors Mike Tomlin's team must deal with tonight.
In addition to playing in the frigid temperatures and precipitation, the Steelers are on the road in Cleveland on a short week. Tomlin's team has also struggled on the road on Thursday Night Football -- going 0-3 against the Browns in this setting.
This is a must-have game on Pittsburgh's schedule. Dropping this contest against the Browns wouldn't spell disaster. The Steelers would still be in the driver's seat for a playoff spot. However, one divisional loss like this could be all it takes for Pittsburgh to ruin their shot of finishing first in the AFC North and earning a first-round bye.
Let's hope the weather doesn't level the playing field for the Browns tonight.