Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Pick & Prediction NOVEMBER 21st 2024

Preview and Prediction

Despite the Steelers' strong performance in the AFC North, Pittsburgh quarterback Russell Wilson acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done.

As the Steelers prepare to face the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night, Wilson is starting to feel like he may be a part of something special. However, he also wants to make sure that the team doesn't get ahead of themselves.

"I believe that we have a chance to make a deep playoff run," said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. "But the most important thing for us is to focus on each week as it comes and treat it as the most crucial week of all.

"It's not just about the week, it's about each day and each moment in between. The greatest teams and players, in any sport, are always focused on the present moment. It's never too far away, it's right here, right now. And that's where our focus needs to be."

The Steelers (8-2) have been locked in and are currently on a five-game winning streak. In their most recent game, they narrowly defeated the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Sunday.

Against Baltimore, Chris Boswell kicked six field goals while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and one interception.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns (2-8) continue to struggle. They suffered a 35-14 loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, marking their seventh loss in the last eight games.

Now, the Browns have to face one of the toughest defenses in the league. Quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to lead a strong performance against the Steelers, who allow the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).

"It's all about precision passing, getting the ball out on time, and executing our plays," Winston said. "This team (the Steelers) isn't going to try to trick us. They're going to line up and challenge us to give our best, and we have to do the same."

In their loss to the Saints, Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passing. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had six catches for 142 yards and a touchdown, while star running back Nick Chubb struggled with just 50 yards on 11 carries since returning from a knee injury.

Browns coach Kevin Stefanski is looking forward to the challenge of facing the Steelers.

"It's a great challenge to play the Steelers on Thursday night," Stefanski said. "They are a well-coached team with great players on both offense and defense, so we need to have a great week of preparation for this game."

The Browns may be without standout defensive end Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Tuesday due to a hip injury. Other players who were limited in practice included wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral), and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (shoulder).

For the Steelers, linebacker Alex Highsmith missed practice due to an ankle injury, while cornerback Cory Trice Jr. participated in full despite a hamstring issue.

PREDICTION

Pittsburgh Steelers

20

17

Cleveland Browns

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Recap OCT 31TH 2021