NFL4 hours ago2 minute read

Browns Take AFC North Lead After Late Field Goal Beats Steelers

The Cleveland Browns secured a tight 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to claim the top spot in the AFC North.

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Late Game Heroics Seal Cleveland Victory

The Cleveland Browns are on top of the AFC North for the first time since November 2014. A late 56 yard field goal from Andre Szmyt with just 10 seconds remaining gave the Browns a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Safety Grant Delpit sealed the win by intercepting a final pass from Aaron Rodgers.

The victory puts the Browns at 3-1 on the season, marking their best start since 2021. Meanwhile, the Steelers fell to 2-2 and continued their struggles in Cleveland, where they have not won since 2021.

Quarterbacks Battle Through Tough Night

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson finished the game completing 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards, with one touchdown and one interception. He also rushed for 22 yards but lost a fumble. Watson threw for 181 yards in the first half, helping Cleveland build a 21-10 halftime lead. Despite turning the ball over twice in the second half, Watson managed his third game winning drive of the season.

On the other side, 42 year old Aaron Rodgers had a tough night. The Browns defense sacked him five times and hit him 10 times. Rodgers and Steelers coach Mike McCarthy were seen trading angry words on the sideline during the first half over playcalling delays. Despite the tension, Rodgers helped erase a 14 point deficit late in the game, connecting with DK Metcalf on two deep passes and scoring a two point conversion himself. However, it was not enough to save the Steelers, who are now 0-10 in divisional Thursday night games on the road.

Key Stats and Trends

Cleveland struggled with discipline, picking up 17 penalties during the game. This is the second week in a row that the Browns have committed at least 14 infractions.

For Pittsburgh, wide receiver Roman Wilson was a bright spot. He scored the team's first touchdown for the second consecutive week, marking the first time in his professional career that he has scored touchdowns in back to back games.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Browns at New York Jets (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): New York Jets win 53%, Cleveland Browns win 47%; projected score New York Jets 21, Cleveland Browns 19. Our safest pick: Under 46.5 points.

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL, Sun, 11 Oct): Pittsburgh Steelers win 53%, Indianapolis Colts win 47%; projected score Pittsburgh Steelers 23, Indianapolis Colts 21. Our safest pick: Colts +9.5.