The new-look Cleveland Browns (1-4) embark on one of the most difficult trips in football, heading to Acrisure Stadium to face the fresh Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) in a crucial Week 6 AFC North rivalry game after a week full of trades.
The Browns are not only dealing with a rookie quarterback in Dillon Gabriel and a struggling offense, but they also have to contend with a brutal scheduling disadvantage—being the first team in NFL history to return from an international game only to face an opponent coming off a bye week.
Can Myles Garrett and the elite defense carry this team, or will the historical trend of Pittsburgh dominance at home prevail? Please stick with me as I break down the matchup with five predictions for what will happen on Sunday.
Dylan Sampson Gets More Involved
The emergence of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins has been a rare bright spot for the Browns’ offense, with his powerful running and explosiveness with the ball in his hands. However, this has come at the expense of fellow rookie Dylan Sampson. Sampson’s snap share has dwindled dramatically since his Week 1 performance, where he caught eight passes for 64 yards.
While Sampson may not have the pass-blocking acuity of veteran Jerome Ford, the coaching staff must simply find a way to give the speedy back more looks on passing downs. His elusiveness in space is a weapon the offense has barely utilized recently. Expect the Browns’ offensive coordinator to design more screens, swings, and quick check-downs to get the ball into Sampson’s hands against a disciplined Steelers defense, resulting in a season-high in receiving yards for the rookie.
Myles Garrett Has Another Two-Sack Game
The AFC North rivalry is historically where the league’s best pass-rushers feast, and Myles Garrett is due for a monster performance. Garrett already has a history of big games against Pittsburgh and enters Week 6 with 4.0 sacks through five games. Facing a Steelers offensive line that will likely be without their starting right tackle, Garrett will line up against a below-average left tackle in Broderick Jones.
The Steelers are expected to utilize extra blockers and chips to slow him down, but the Defensive Player of the Year candidate is too talented to be held down for long. Against his division rival and with his team desperate for a win, Garrett will break through for at least two sacks on Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers, keeping the game competitive with disruptive plays.
Dillon Gabriel Remains Free of Turnovers
Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been asked to manage the game and avoid mistakes in his first NFL starts. So far, the game plan has been executed well, as he has yet to throw an interception. He is making his second career start on the road against one of the most consistently opportunistic defenses in the league, led by T.J. Watt.
Despite the intense pressure and the fact that the Steelers’ defense is coming off a bye, Gabriel will continue his streak of clean play. The Browns’ offense will lean on the run game with Judkins, relying on quick, high-percentage throws on third down. Gabriel will manage the pocket and get the ball out on time, protecting the football and keeping his interception count at zero for the second straight week.
The Browns’ Defense Holds the Steelers Under 50 Rushing Yards
The Cleveland defense has been the strength of the team, ranking first in the NFL against the run this season. Their ferocious defensive front, spearheaded by Garrett, has suffocated opponents on the ground. The Steelers’ offense, conversely, has struggled to establish the run, ranking 31st in rushing offense entering Week 6.
Coordinator Jim Schwartz will dial up his typical attack-and-penetrate defense, focused on stuffing the Steelers’ run game early and forcing them into third-and-long situations. The Browns’ front seven will overwhelm the Steelers’ offensive line, limiting Pittsburgh to under 50 total rushing yards for the entire game, forcing Rodgers to win the game through the air.
Browns Lose a Tight, Low-Scoring Affair: Steelers 17, Browns 13
While the Browns’ defense is elite and will keep them in the game, the struggles of the offense will ultimately be the team’s downfall. Pittsburgh coming off a bye week, combined with their historical home advantage in this rivalry (the Browns are 1-19 straight up in their last 20 games in Pittsburgh), provides the edge.
The prediction is a classic, ugly AFC North slugfest. The Browns’ defense will deliver on all fronts, including a massive effort from Myles Garrett and a dominant performance against the run.
However, the offense will fail to capitalize on scoring opportunities, settling for two field goals and a single touchdown. The Steelers will grind out a couple of offensive scores and a field goal, ultimately edging out the Browns in a close, low-scoring battle that exemplifies the current state of both teams.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: Browns vs. Steelers: 5 bold predictions for Cleveland’s Week 6 AFC North showdown
Reporting by Lane Dobbins, Browns Wire / Browns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
