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The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers will renew their storied AFC North rivalry on Sunday, October 12, at Acrisure Stadium. This promises to be another physical, grind-it-out contest between two franchises that pride themselves on toughness and defense. The Browns return from their trip to London licking their wounds after a close 21-17 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, the Steelers are coming off a bye week, rested and eager to extend their winning streak.
For Cleveland, the trip across the Atlantic offered a few silver linings despite the loss. Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his first NFL start. He delivered a poised, mistake-free performance under tough circumstances. This gives fans a glimpse of potential stability at a position that’s been anything but secure. This is especially true after they turned heads with the Joe Flacco trade. However, facing a rested Pittsburgh squad on the road is another challenge entirely. The Steelers’ defense has looked rejuvenated under head coach Mike Tomlin. They will be fully healthy and scheming to confuse Gabriel in his second start.
This matchup couldn’t come at a more inconvenient time for the Browns. After a physically and emotionally draining trip to London, they immediately head to Pittsburgh. Still, the Browns showed resilience in Week 5. They trailed early against the Vikings but clawed back behind Gabriel’s two touchdown drives and the relentless effort of Myles Garrett and the defense.
Garrett played through an ankle issue last week. He was active and disruptive, though, even if he didn’t record a sack. On the flip side, the Browns’ biggest issue remains their offensive predictability. Without a consistent deep passing threat, they’ve leaned heavily on short throws and inside runs. That makes them easier to defend, especially for a disciplined defense like Pittsburgh’s.
The Steelers are in a better position heading into this divisional clash. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems to be settling into rhythm. He has connected efficiently with DK Metcalf and even Jaylen Warren. Pittsburgh’s defense, led by Patrick Queen, is healthier and ready to challenge a Cleveland offensive line that has been inconsistent in pass protection. With home-field advantage and extra rest, this game could be tilted in their favor. That said, the Browns have a way of turning AFC North matchups into gritty slugfests.
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Here we will look at and discuss some bold predictions for the game between the Browns and the Steelers in Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season.
Cleveland’s All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett remains the Browns’ biggest game-wrecker and emotional leader. Sure, he hasn’t recorded a sack in back-to-back games. However, his presence continues to alter opposing game plans. Garrett notched three solo tackles in the London loss and played a season-high 57 defensive snaps. He didn’t really show any lingering effects from his ankle injury.
Heading into Pittsburgh, Garrett sits at 4.0 sacks on the season. That is tied...
