Two teams with matching 2-1 records will meet under the lights Thursday night, but the paths to Huntington Bank Field have looked very different. The Cleveland Browns have won two tight games in a row, building confidence after a rough opening loss. The Pittsburgh Steelers just survived a 30-27 battle with Cincinnati, showing they can answer when a game gets loud late. Now, an AFC North rivalry game gives both teams a chance to grab an early edge in the season.

Cleveland’s young offense is the heart of this story. New coach Todd Monken wants the Browns to become faster, tougher and more steady, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. has become a key piece. Fannin already has 14 catches and two touchdowns. He is a big target with quick moves, and he can turn a short throw into a longer gain by slipping past tacklers. Pittsburgh must keep track of him over the middle, especially near the goal line.

Running back Quinshon Judkins gives Fannin help by charging into defenders with power. Judkins has carried the ball 42 times in three games, showing Cleveland wants to lean on its ground game. That plan matters even more with guard Teven Jenkins and center Elgton Jenkins ruled out. The Browns may need other linemen to step up fast against a Steelers front led by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward. Those veterans can wreck a play before it gets started.

Cleveland has scored only 18 points per game, so every drive will matter. The Browns also need steadier play from their passing game as they continue building around quarterback Shedeur Sanders and their young skill players. Sanders has shown calm in the pocket during his early NFL career, but Cleveland cannot afford rushed throws or lost chances against a defense that loves creating big plays.

Pittsburgh brings a different kind of challenge: an experienced attack with several weapons. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers knows how to spot open receivers quickly, while DK Metcalf can turn one deep throw into a huge problem. Metcalf uses his size and speed like a sprinter carrying a shield. Michael Pittman Jr., if his foot allows him to play, offers a dependable option on shorter routes.

Still, the Steelers’ most important player may be Jaylen Warren. He has rushed for 216 yards and added 110 receiving yards, making him a do-it-all engine for an offense that has not always scored easily. With Rico Dowdle out and Warren listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, Pittsburgh may need Warren to be both tough and careful with the ball. The Steelers have protected possessions better than Cleveland so far, and that could decide a close rivalry game.

The Browns’ defense has allowed too many yards early, even after last season’s strong work against the pass. Replacing traded pass rusher Myles Garrett remains a huge challenge. If Cleveland can pressure Rodgers without leaving Metcalf alone downfield, its home crowd could turn this into a fistfight.

Prediction: Pittsburgh has the steadier early-season defense, more proven quarterback play and a knack for winning close games. The Steelers will win a hard-hitting Thursday night battle.

Browns and Steelers Bring 2-1 Starts Into a Thursday Night Tussle