The 2026 NFL season has come with a ton of surprises so far. One might include the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-27 week three win over the Cincinnati Bengals. The win is not the surprising part, though; the offense was. The Steelers scored 30 points after scoring just three against the New England Patriots. The Steelers were able to bounce back after an embarrassing 20-3 loss, but now it is time to move past the win and focus on this week.
The Steelers are set to take on the Cleveland Browns in Huntington Bank Field stadium on Thursday Night Football. While the Steelers have a legit shot to win and start their season 3-1, they are also 0-9 against divisional opponents in road games on Thursday Night Football since 1970, and they have not had a road divisional game Thursday win since 1950. While that sounds confusing, both stats are accurate, and the point is they struggle when they play division opponents on the road. With that being said, if the Steelers want to change history and get the win, let’s discuss the keys to a Steelers victory over the Browns.
Steelers Keys To Week 4 Victory
Offense Just Has To Be Decent, Offensive Line Needs To Block
The Steelers’ offense looked absolutely incredible against the Bengals. They scored 30 points, and Aaron Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdown passes. However, everyone knows the offense does not usually perform that well, as the week before they only scored three points against the Patriots.
The offense does not have to be nearly as dominant this week as long as the defense does their job, but they absolutely can not score 10 or fewer points and expect to win the game. The Browns’ defense has been solid with the exception of Week 1’s struggle against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As long as the offensive line does not get crushed for the Steelers, they should be able to put some points up and leave with a victory.
Apply Pressure on the Quarterback and Do Not Give Up Wide-Open, Easy Plays
This may be a hot-take kind of key, but we have to take note of what is happening. Deshaun Watson is starting to get in his groove as the Browns’ quarterback, and the Browns’ passing game has looked good. The Steelers’ defense is also very skilled, and it is highly unlikely Watson will throw downfield, as this is the Browns’ first real defense they have faced all season.
If the Steelers can take away short-yardage opportunities, turn check downs and screen passes into negative plays and force Watson to throw downfield, the Steelers could take advantage early and create turnovers. The same goes for getting pressure on Watson; if TJ Watt and the defense go after Watson and play aggressively, it could result in forcing turnovers.
Boswell Needs To Be Ready To Go
It is highly unlikely the Steelers will score 30 points again after doing so this past week, but that is what makes Chris Boswell so important. If the Steelers struggle to find the end zone, they will need as many points as they get, and Boswell can kick long field goals; he just has not made or attempted many so far this season. This could absolutely be a defensive-heavy game, so Boswell and the special teams could be a massive factor. Boswell has missed a few kicks this year, but he has proven countless times that he can put this team on his back when the offense struggles to find the end zone.
The Steelers have a chance to improve to 3-1 this week and build some confidence. Standing in their way is history and a Browns team that is hungry to be 3-1 as well. Do you think the Steelers will change history and finally win a Thursday Night Divisional road football game?
Main Image: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
