The Cleveland Browns are set for a pivotal AFC North showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football at Huntington Bank Field in Ohio.
Coming off a demoralizing 35-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints, the Browns are eager to reset in front of their home crowd and secure a critical divisional win.
Offensive inconsistency and defensive lapses plagued Cleveland last week. Jameis Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns, but his efforts were overshadowed by defensive struggles as the Browns allowed 473 total yards.
Now sitting at 2-8, Cleveland faces a Steelers squad that enters with an 8-2 record, buoyed by a stout defense led by T.J. Watt and a reinvigorated offense featuring quarterback Russell Wilson and wide receiver George Pickens.
The Browns announced their inactives ahead of the matchup:
- QB Bailey Zappe (3QB)
- RB D’Onta Foreman
- CB Chigozie Anusiem
- T Jedrick Wills Jr.
- TE Geoff Swaim
Cleveland’s defense, ranked fifth in the NFL, will be tasked with containing Pittsburgh’s 29th-ranked offense while hoping to capitalize on the Steelers’ 30th-ranked rushing attack.
Offensively, the Browns must find consistency and protect against Watt’s relentless pass rush, which has been instrumental in Pittsburgh’s success this season.
A victory would mark Cleveland’s second win against a top AFC North opponent at home, offering a glimmer of hope as the team looks to salvage its season.
With the division race heating up, the Browns must seize the opportunity to gain ground and generate momentum in their quest to stay in playoff contention.
