Three seconds remained in Tennessee last week when Cleveland kicker Szmyt sent a 32-yard field goal through the uprights to finish a 27-24 win. That calm ending pushed the Browns to 5-2, exactly even with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now the AFC North rivals meet Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, where Pittsburgh will try to turn its home field into the loudest stop on Cleveland’s climb.

Both teams arrive on two-game winning streaks, but they travel different roads. The Steelers have built their 5-2 start with a steady offense and timely defense. They score nearly 22 points per game and allow fewer than 20, which shows a team that often stays in control of close contests. Cleveland has won with grit, but its 19 points per game show why every long drive and late kick can matter.

Pittsburgh’s main engine is Jaylen Warren. He has rushed for 561 yards in seven games, and his hard, twisting runs help the Steelers stay on schedule. Against New Orleans, Warren topped 100 rushing yards while Pittsburgh squeezed the clock and protected a narrow lead. Rico Dowdle gives the backfield another runner who can keep the pressure on tired defenders.

That ground game also gives Aaron Rodgers room to work. The veteran quarterback can use quick throws when defenses crowd the line, then look for DK Metcalf downfield. Metcalf has 32 catches and brings rare size and speed to every deep route. Pittsburgh will be without Michael Pittman Jr., who is on injured reserve with a foot injury, so Metcalf and tight end Pat Freiermuth may face extra attention.

Cleveland’s answer begins with Quinshon Judkins, a powerful young runner who has scored three rushing touchdowns in six games. He helped the Browns fight back from an early 14-point hole in Tennessee, showing that Cleveland’s offense can stay patient when trouble hits. Tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is another important piece. His 25 catches include three touchdowns, and his ability to catch short passes and turn upfield can make him a difficult target to bring down.

The Browns must find enough room for those playmakers against Pittsburgh’s pass rush. T.J. Watt can change a drive with a sack, meaning he pulls the quarterback down behind the line of scrimmage. Cleveland also has several key defenders listed as questionable, including Jared Verse, Grant Delpit, Mason Graham, and Carson Schwesinger. Their availability could shape whether the Browns can slow Warren and keep Rodgers from finding easy throws.

Pittsburgh has questions, too, with Alex Highsmith and Jalen Ramsey listed as questionable. Still, the Steelers have gained more yards than Cleveland this season and own a plus-four edge in takeaways, meaning they have recovered or intercepted the ball more often than they have lost it. In a rivalry game built for tight moments, that careful style gives Pittsburgh the edge. Prediction: the Steelers win behind Warren’s running and another composed home performance.

Steelers and Browns Bring Matching 5-2 Records to Acrisure Stadium