NFL3 hours ago2 minute read

Watson Late Heroics Put Browns Atop AFC North

Deshaun Watson led the Cleveland Browns to a 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, putting them in sole possession of the division.

The EagleEyeOdds deskWritten from the match data, checked against our model before it goes out

Watson Delivers Again

Deshaun Watson is on a roll. For the third game in a row, the Cleveland Browns quarterback came through in the final moments to secure a victory. On Thursday night, Watson set up Andre Szmyt for a 56 yard field goal with just 10 seconds left. The kick sailed through the uprights to give Cleveland a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Watson joins Brian Sipe as the only Browns quarterbacks since 1970 to lead game winning drives in three straight games. "It was electric. It was amazing," Watson said after the game.

A Tough Second Half

The win gives the Browns a record of three wins and one loss, their first such start since 2021. It also puts them alone at the top of the AFC North for the first time since November 9, 2014.

Watson started strong, throwing for 181 yards in the first half. Cleveland scored touchdowns on three straight drives in the second quarter to lead 21-10 at halftime.

The second half was a different story. Watson turned the ball over twice, including a fumble forced by T.J. Watt and an interception on a tipped pass. Pittsburgh capitalized on the mistakes. The Steelers tied the game at 24-24 after Aaron Rodgers threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth and ran in a 2 point conversion.

Watson did not panic. He completed four straight passes on the final drive to get the Browns into field goal range. Safety Grant Delpit intercepted a late pass from Rodgers to seal the win.

Turning Things Around

This win streak is a major turnaround for Watson. Just a month ago, he was booed by home fans during a preseason game. Now, he has completed 69.6% of his passes this season for 855 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions.

The Browns have also won five straight home games against the Steelers. It is their first three game winning streak since late in the 2023 season.

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.