By Browns Daily Dose | October 1, 2026
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers meet Thursday night in a game that carries plenty of AFC North significance.
Both teams enter Week 4 at 2-1, and the winner will enter Week 5 alone atop the division. The Browns also have a chance to make a statement on national television in their first divisional game of the season. (NFL Fantasy)
There are plenty of stars on both sides, but these five players could have an outsized impact on how the game plays out.
1. Deshaun Watson — Browns QB
The Browns’ offense has shown flashes through the first three games, but Cleveland still ranks near the bottom of the league in several major offensive categories.
That puts plenty of responsibility on Watson.
Watson has thrown multiple touchdown passes without an interception in each of Cleveland’s last two victories. Against Carolina, he also produced one of his better games as a runner, carrying 11 times for 45 yards. (NFL Fantasy)
That mobility could be particularly important Thursday.
Pittsburgh brings a pass rush featuring T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, and Cleveland will be playing without starting center Elgton Jenkins. Luke Wypler is expected to start at center. (NFL Fantasy)
If Watson can make plays when the pocket breaks down — and avoid giving Pittsburgh short fields — Cleveland’s offense could look very different than it has at times this season.
BDD key: Watson doesn’t necessarily need to throw for 300 yards. He needs to consistently make the right decision when Pittsburgh’s pressure arrives.
Check out 10 Things Cleveland Must do to Win Thursday Night
2. Mason Graham — Browns DT
If you’re looking for a potential breakout performance, keep an eye on Mason Graham.
The fifth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft already has four sacks through Cleveland’s first three games, tied for second-most in the league entering Thursday night. More importantly, his interior pressure could be a major problem for Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers. (NFL Fantasy)
Rodgers is 42 years old and remains one of the NFL’s most experienced quarterbacks. He also showed last week against Cincinnati that he can still punish defenses with the deep ball, throwing two touchdowns on deep passes in the first quarter. (NFL Fantasy)
The Browns’ defense will need to make him uncomfortable.
Graham could be the player who makes that happen from the middle.
BDD key: If Graham consistently collapses the pocket, Cleveland’s defensive backs may have more opportunities to make plays on Rodgers’ throws.
3. Aaron Rodgers — Steelers QB
The Browns’ defensive game plan starts with Rodgers.
Pittsburgh scored 30 points against Cincinnati last Sunday, with Rodgers putting together one of his best performances since joining the Steelers. But Cleveland presents a very different challenge.
The Browns currently have the second-highest quarterback pressure rate in the NFL at 42.2%, according to NFL.com. (NFL Fantasy)
Rodgers has the experience and quick release to neutralize pressure, but Cleveland’s ability to disrupt him without giving up explosive plays could be one of the defining battles of the night.
The Browns allowed significant production to opposing tight ends last week, while Pittsburgh has a potential matchup weapon in Darnell Washington, who stands 6-foot-7 and weighs nearly 270 pounds. (Yahoo Sports)
BDD key: Make Rodgers hold the football, and the Browns’ pass rush has a chance to take over. Give him clean pockets, and Pittsburgh’s offense becomes much more dangerous.
How to watch the Browns and Steelers
4. Harold Fannin Jr. — Browns TE
The Browns need more explosive plays from their passing game, and Fannin could be the player who provides them.
NFL.com identified Fannin as one of Cleveland’s young playmakers capable of creating problems for Pittsburgh’s defense. Rookie receivers Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion also have shown promise, but both were held to just two catches in last week’s win over Carolina. (NFL Fantasy)
That makes Fannin’s role especially interesting.
Against a Steelers defense capable of bringing pressure from multiple spots, a tight end who can get open quickly can become a quarterback’s best friend.
Fannin doesn’t have to dominate the box score.
A handful of important third-down conversions, a red-zone reception or one explosive catch could change the game.
BDD key: Watch Fannin on third down. If he repeatedly moves the chains, Cleveland’s offense could stay on the field and keep Pittsburgh’s pass rush from dictating the game.
5. T.J. Watt — Steelers EDGE
It wouldn’t be a Browns-Steelers matchup without mentioning T.J. Watt.
Watt remains one of the biggest problems Cleveland has to solve, particularly with the Browns’ offensive line dealing with injuries.
Elgton Jenkins has officially been ruled out with a concussion, while Teven Jenkins is also out. (Cleveland Browns)
That makes Cleveland’s protection particularly important.
Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig give Pittsburgh multiple ways to attack the quarterback. If the Steelers can consistently generate pressure with four or five rushers, Cleveland could have trouble establishing rhythm offensively.
But if the Browns’ protection holds up, Watson could have enough time to find Fannin, Denzel Boston, KC Concepcion and Cleveland’s other playmakers.
BDD key: The Browns don’t have to completely shut Watt down. They simply have to prevent him from taking over the game.
The Bottom Line
This game could ultimately come down to which team’s biggest playmakers win their individual matchups.
Can Deshaun Watson make enough plays against Pittsburgh’s pressure?
Can Mason Graham disrupt Aaron Rodgers from the interior?
Can Aaron Rodgers exploit Cleveland’s secondary before the pass rush gets home?
Can Harold Fannin Jr. give the Browns’ passing game a consistent chain-moving threat?
And can Cleveland keep T.J. Watt from wrecking the game?
Those five players could have a major say in what happens when the Browns and Steelers meet Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video. (Yahoo Sports)
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