Steelers Prepare for AFC North Clash with Browns This Sunday

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to take on the Cleveland Browns in their first AFC North game of the season at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. and will be broadcast on CBS.

This matchup marks a significant moment for star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who commented, “I’ve heard this is where real football is played,” as he prepares for his first intra-division game. The Steelers come into this game with a 3-1 record, looking to establish dominance in the AFC North.

A win could give the Steelers a 3.5-game lead over their division rivals, should they also secure a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday and see the Bengals lose to the Green Bay Packers. However, head coach Mike Tomlin cautioned against any premature talk of division titles, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the moment.

<p“Coach T," as he is known, embraces the rivalry, and his players notice the change in his demeanor during divisional weeks. Left tackle Broderick Jones noted, “You can just tell, like when it’s a divisional week, he comes in with a different mindset, a different fire about himself.”

T.J. Watt, a standout defender for the Steelers, echoed Tomlin’s sentiments about the importance of these games. “Like Mike T says, a lot of guys are brought here for these types of matchups,” he said. The Steelers’ roster includes several players who previously played in the AFC North, reinforcing their competitive edge.

The Steelers have historically dominated the AFC North, claiming nine division titles since its establishment in 2002, more than any other team. Despite not winning the division since 2020, the current season presents a chance to break the drought, particularly with the Steelers being the only team in the division with a winning record.

With the Browns struggling this season at 1-4 and starting a rookie quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, the Steelers are favored by 5.5 points. Despite the records, Watt reminded everyone, “You can throw records out the window for games like this. It’s very physical. Home-field advantage is huge in games like these.”