The Cleveland Browns are heading to face the Pittsburgh Steelers for one of their biggest games of the 2026 season. Sitting at 5-2, they hold the top spot in the AFC North after defeating the Steelers 27-24 earlier this season. They will look to maintain their top spot, but they’ll first face a difficult challenge.
The orange and brown haven’t won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since October 2003. With first place in the AFC North on the line, they will have an opportunity to make a statement, end a long losing streak, and potentially establish themselves as contenders for the playoffs.
Battle For First in the AFC North
Ending the Browns Long Losing Streak
One of the biggest storylines heading into this week’s matchup was the team’s struggles when playing in Pittsburgh, with the last regular-season victory coming back in 2003.
The Steelers have controlled the rivalry at home, with an overall record of 52-21. The lack of success has become a recurring discussion over the years, with the team still searching for its first regular-season win in over twenty years.
This history makes Sunday’s matchup even more important. With this opportunity to end one of the longest road losing streaks to a single opponent, a win would feel like a major accomplishment for Cleveland and provide more momentum to hold the top position in the AFC North.
Holding onto First in the AFC North
With both teams entering Sunday’s game at 5-2, there is plenty on the line. With the tiebreaker going to Cleveland thanks to their Week 4 win. This game would provide a massive benefit to them for the head-to-head tiebreaker.
A win would move them up to 6-2, something that hasn’t been achieved since 1994, when Bill Belichick was the head coach. It would also be the first time since 1988 that there has been a sweep in the same season.
Todd Monken has been playing a major role in helping them reach this point. In his first season, he has been helping the Browns get off to their strongest start in years. A win on Sunday would achieve another milestone and give them a comfortable look for the second half of the season.
The Last Word
This matchup is more than just ending the losing streak. It is an opportunity to show that this strong start is not a fantasy. They have constantly found ways to win close games against teams people didn’t think they would beat.
Now they will need to have one of their strongest games yet this year to beat a Pittsburgh team that has been rolling as of late. If the offense can put together meaningful drives and the defense shuts the door, they have a chance to secure one of their biggest wins so far.
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