The 5-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are staring down their bye week, but not before a collision course with the 5-2 Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh. This isn’t just another game, folks. We’re talking about sole possession of first place in the AFC North, and it’s a direct rematch from exactly one month ago when Cleveland snagged the first win on Thursday Night Football. But hold up, the Steelers have ripped off three straight wins since then, totally turning their season around. FanDuel Sportsbook actually gives the Steelers a 3.5-point edge here, and honestly, this feels as close to a must-win as you get in the middle of the season. Let’s dig into why some key players are about to have massive days.
Rookie Unleashed: Why Bernard Is About to Explode
Get ready for Germie Bernard to absolutely light it up, because the rookie receiver’s over/under for receiving yards is ridiculously low at 43.5. Why is it so low? Because he barely saw any action the last time these two teams met. But that’s exactly why he’s about to feast! The Browns haven’t seen what this kid can really do. Last time out, Pittsburgh actually had two receivers go over this yardage, but the Steelers were running the ball so much they controlled the clock and limited targets. It would be a total shocker if no receiver gets more than three catches for a second week in a row. Bernard is a volume guy, and the Steelers are going to need him to get open and break some tackles against Cleveland’s tough man defense. He’s going to be one of, if not *the most*, targeted pass catchers out there. Don’t sleep on this rookie.
Dowdle’s Dominance and Washington’s Touchdown Streak
On the ground and through the air, Rico Dowdle is ready to put on a clinic. Since coming back from that toe injury, he looks significantly more efficient with the rock in his hands. Sure, the offensive line got better, but Dowdle’s improving numbers mean he’s going to keep earning more carries. Just last week, the veteran back averaged a season-high 4.6 yards per carry. And check this out, he also hauled in six passes for 45 yards, which was the most on the team! Yeah, Jaylen Warren still got more touches (21 to Dowdle’s 16), but Dowdle’s the change-of-pace guy and they’re gonna use him a ton as he gets healthier. We saw what he did against New Orleans, and I’m telling you, that’s what we can expect from him for the rest of the season. With the Browns struggling to stop the run, both backs could be in for a monster day.
And let’s not forget about Darnell Washington. This six-foot-seven tight end has already blown past his career highs in total touchdowns this season, and his usage is just going up and up. You know he’s a red zone threat, and he’s going to continue that dominance by finding the end zone again.
This isn’t just a game, it’s a statement. The winner owns the AFC North. These Steelers are riding high on a three-game win streak, and with weapons like Bernard, Dowdle, and Washington ready to prove a point, it’s going to be an absolute battle for first place. Get ready for some fireworks!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Behind the Steel Curtain.
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