The formula for the Browns to pull an upset was simple: Make the game ugly, and dominate on defense. This is exactly what the Browns did to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6. The Browns’ offensive struggles continued after they jumped out to a 100-0 lead in the opening quarter. The Ravens were ecstatic with their defense’s performance, which was the best of the season.
The Browns were able to shut down the Steelers’ D.K. Metcalf’s offense allowed less than 300 yards total and 3.9 yards per game across 65 plays. Only 15 third-down conversions were allowed, and they were flawless on fourth down and the red zone. This included a red zone stand in which four consecutive incompletions forced by them at the last second.
The Browns also struggled, but their solid defensive effort was sufficient to carry the load. The Browns must slow down the Bengals’ offensive powerhouse to close out their season in style. Since 2023, the Browns have lost all four of their previous meetings in this divisional rivalry.
Myles Garrett still needs to get one more sack in order to break the NFL record for sacks in a single season, something he failed last week. Shedeur Sanders, and other Browns young talent should put on a good show in the final minutes of the season.
Last week, the Bengals won a second consecutive lopsided game by thrashing the Arizona Cardinals with 23 points and scoring 37 of their own. Cincinnati’s defense and offense were firing on all cylinders at the same moment, something that has not happened often this season. The Cardinals defense may be a weak overall unit, but this game was a reminder of how good the Bengals offense can be when it is at its best.
Joe Burrow again threw multiple touchdowns and 300+ yard passes. The team rushed for over 100 yards, scored 29 first downs and beat the opponent in time of possession by more than 20 minutes. Perhaps even more encouraging was their defense against an offensively capable Arizona team. The Bengals only allowed 233 total yardage, 12 first-downs, and 42 running yards. They also had an 81% success on third-down.
The Browns will be a good opponent for them this Sunday, and they’ll have a chance to finish the season 7-10 with a win. As we saw last Sunday, Cleveland’s elite defensive abilities should not be underrated. This matchup was won by the Browns in the season’s opener. The Bengals were only able to win this game by one point.
Burrow’s team putting on another strong offensive performance at the end of the season would be a great vote of confidence for the franchise as it heads into the offseason, which could bring about some big changes. In recent years the Bengals had the Browns number, but in this gritty AFC North matchup anything is possible.
The Ravens scored their best offensive performance since Week 2 despite Lamar Jackson’s absence. Derrick Henry was used to maximum effect by the Ravens in the backfield. It paid off. Henry’s career high in carries (36), 216 yards and four touchdowns were aided by a dominating run blocking effort on the part of the offensive line.
The Ravens ran over 300 yards as a team and outclassed the Green Bay Packers defensive front at their home field. Tyler Huntley’s 60 rushing yard contribution was crucial, as were his first downs from scrambles or design runs. Huntley was flawless in his execution of a short-passing strategy.
The Ravens showed plenty of defensive cracks on the other side. Malik Willis, the Packers’ wide receivers, and their four 30+ yard passes smashed them for most of the game. It was the same problem they had a few weeks earlier against the Steelers, when Aaron Rodgers made a connection with D.K. Metcalf, among others, had a number of explosive passing plays.
Metcalf’s absence should make it easier for the Ravens to defend the Steelers offense in this Sunday’s showdown. The Ravens must play disciplined football, avoid costly mistakes, and remain focused despite the personnel advantage. This has been a problem for them in previous matchups against the Steelers. Expect the Ravens, whether Jackson is back or Huntley takes over at the center position, to continue running the ball often and early.
Last week, the Steelers mentioned above were amongst the biggest losers in the league. The Steelers had a chance to win the division title and only needed to beat the Browns, who were 3-12. Instead, they were unable to generate the 14 points needed to win.
Metcalf was a major contributor to the Steelers’ offensive success. Rodgers averaged just under 50% completion rate and 4.3 yards on each pass. No wide receiver had more than 25 yards receiving. The Steelers’ rushing attack was also significantly reduced, with just 78 yard on 25 attempts (3.0 yards per carry). The Steelers seemed to stop moving the ball around midfield whenever they moved it.
They’ll need to quickly put things back together when they face the Ravens on Sunday. Metcalf and Broderick Washington will be out for the rest of the season. T.J. Watt’s return is also doubtful. The formula for the Steelers’ rally to win the division is still there.
Expect the Steelers’ rushing attack to be back on track against the Ravens. The Steelers are only two games away from a 230-yard rushing total in Detroit. The Steelers’ defensive line will have a tough time slowing down Henry and Ravens’ running game. If they can limit Ravens’ damage on the ground and force turnovers they will be in a good position to win. Recent games between the Steelers and Ravens have been won by avoiding mistakes, and executing at high-leverage spots.