Steelers Faced With A Critical 2-Week Stretch Starting With Browns: 'They Have To Win This Game'

The Pittsburgh Steelers will face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday following a much needed bye week. Pittsburgh is currently 3-1 to begin the season, but they find themselves in prime position to continue winning and take an even larger lead in the race for the AFC North over the next two weeks. Following the matchup with the Browns is a Thursday night matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, as a win in back to back weeks against division rivals would be a massive boost of momentum for the remainder of the season.

Aaron Rodgers had one of his better performances of the season against the Minnesota Vikings in Ireland during Week 4. The veteran quarterback threw for a total of 200 yards and a touchdown in the victory, and Rodgers appeared to be much more comfortable then we have seen in weeks past. He and the Steelers' offense as a whole will certainly have their hands full against an excellent Browns front seven on Sunday and the unit will need to pick up right where they left off overseas and continue to play at a high level.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly recently shared his thoughts on Sunday's matchup, claiming that the next two games for the Steelers will be must-wins.

"They have to win this game," Kaboly stated. "The numbers are the numbers, but the bottom line is they have had two weeks off and they have been playing well."

Kaboly continued to talk about next Thursday's matchup with the Bengals, as the insider believes the Steelers are in excellent position to begin the season with a 5-1 record.

"They got the majority of their players back, but that's a bad Cleveland team," Kaboly explained. "You need to go in there, especially with what's on the line, you're looking at 4-1 and staring at 5-1 here."

The Browns and Bengals have both gotten off to an ugly start on the 2025 season. Bengals star quarterback Joe Burrow was sidelined with a long-term injury earlier in the season and the Browns have had their fair share of struggles at the quarterback position as well. Pittsburgh will face rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel and will look to take full advantage of both Sunday and Thursday's matchups.

The Steelers' defense could shine against an inexperienced quarterback like Gabriel. Pittsburgh's defense struggled to begin the season, but the unit as a whole has since picked it up. TJ Watt and Cam Heyward will lead the way once again and the Steelers will look to take full advantage of their schedule over the next two weeks.

Steelers' Offensive Line Will Play A Crucial Role On Sunday

The Steelers' big men up front will need to protect Rodgers at all costs moving forward. The Browns have arguably the best defense in the league and they could put constant pressure on the veteran quarterback this weekend. Rodgers could continue to improve with additional protection, and the veteran will be faced with an excellent test. The Steelers' offensive live has been under scrutiny to start the 2025 campaign, but Sunday presents a new challenging opportunity to turn the narrative around.

The offensive line had one of their best performances as a unit during Week 4. Mason McCormick was exceptional throughout all four quarters and Troy Fautanu has continued to show improvement as the season moves on.

As mentioned, the Steelers will have a golden opportunity over the next two weeks. Both the Browns and Bengals find themselves near the bottom of the league in terms of offensive production, and Pittsburgh will have a legitimate chance to begin the season with a 5-1 record and a firm lead in the AFC North.