Browns, Steelers clash for division lead

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers enter Sunday's matchup with identical 5-2 records. The team that wins will hold the sole lead in the AFC North at the start of November. This is the first time since 1994 that Cleveland has reached the 6-2 mark after eight games.

The Browns secured a 27-24 victory over the Tennessee Titans in their previous outing. All five of Cleveland's wins this season have been decided in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has led the league with a 132.2 passer rating and a 73.2% completion rate in the final two minutes of play.

Pittsburgh has won three consecutive games since its loss to Cleveland in early October. The Steelers have relied on late-game execution to secure those victories. They scored the final 10 points against Indianapolis, overcame a 13-point deficit against Tampa Bay, and managed the final 5:52 of the clock against New Orleans.

Head coach Mike McCarthy noted that the team is still developing. "At the end of the day, we all know what the goal is," McCarthy said. "When you get to the playoffs, every game comes down to a one-possession game. So, I think your team, we all train those situations and you try to live them, but there’s nothing like being in them in real time. So, it’s great for everybody."

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers emphasized the importance of having the ball late in games. "When you’re growing up, for me my favorite players all had the ball in their hands late in the game," Rodgers said. "Quarterback, guard, Michael Jordan, pitchers, because you know that’s the guy making the impact. And so, in the fourth quarter, you want the ball in your hands and have a chance to win the game."

The Browns will be without several key players. Inactives include quarterback Dillon Gabriel, quarterback Taylen Green, linebacker Justin Jefferson, cornerback Noah Igbinoghene, running back Audric Estime, and center Parker Brailsford. The Browns' defense currently leads the NFL with 46 tackles for loss.

Pittsburgh holds a 24-1 home record against Cleveland since Acrisure Stadium opened in 2001. The Steelers allowed only 18 rushing yards in their last game, the second-lowest total in the league this season. Running back Jaylen Warren is fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 855 yards.

The Browns face a critical test against the Steelers' pass rush. Pittsburgh had just two sacks in their previous meeting, matching the Browns' season low. Edge rusher T.J. Watt has recorded 18.5 of his 120.5 career sacks against Cleveland. The game is scheduled for Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.