The Browns and Steelers enter Week 8 tied at 5-2, with Cleveland eyeing its first AFC North title after a 27-24 win over Pittsburgh in Week 4. The article lists three reasons the Browns could prevail—stifling an early Steelers drive, using short passes and swing runs to set up manageable second downs, and relying on cornerback Denzel Ward to shut down D.K. Metcalf. It also outlines three Steelers advantages: a dominant run defense anchored by LB Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen, relentless pass rush from T.J. Watt and Keeanu Benton, and the home‑field boost at Heinz Field. The outcome will likely dictate the division race as the Bengals trail at 4-2.
The Cleveland Browns take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 on Sunday at 1:00 PM ET, broadcast nationally on CBS with Kevin Harlan and Trent Green announcing. Ohio viewers can catch the game locally on WOIO 19.1, though the Cincinnati/Dayton market shows the Bengals instead. Nationally, the matchup is highlighted in Louisiana and a corridor of states up to Pennsylvania, while Baltimore‑Buffalo receives broader coverage. The article also lists the full Week 8 NFL schedule, inviting Browns fans outside Ohio to share their local broadcast details.
Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek makes his first limited‑practice return after missing two games with a calf injury suffered in Week 5 against the Colts. His comeback eases a crowded receiver room that has also been without Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, contributing to a recent offensive slump despite Aaron Rodgers’ 465 yards over the past two games. Practice‑squad call‑ups Brandon Smith and Brandon Johnson have filled in, while veteran Marquez Valdes‑Scantling joins the squad as another option. Skowronek has two more practice chances before the Week 8 showdown with the Browns.
Mina Kimes breaks down why the Steelers can finally topple the Browns after a Thursday Night Football loss that left Pittsburgh 0-2 in the series. She points to key adjustments on defense, renewed quarterback confidence, and exploiting Cleveland’s recent turnover slump as the Steelers’ path to an upset. With the Browns sitting 5-2 atop the AFC North, Kimes highlights specific player matchups and strategic shifts that could swing the upcoming game in Pittsburgh’s favor.
The Steelers' offense has hit a wall against man coverage this season, with few one‑on‑one wins for their receivers. The article breaks down why those matchups are failing, examines key players like the wideout corps, and offers a clear, though hard‑to‑execute, game plan to fix the problem before the next showdown with the Browns.
The Browns say defensive end Jared Verse will likely suit up for Week 8 against the Steelers despite a swollen knee that sidelined him from Wednesday's practice. Coach Todd Monken gave Verse a rest day, but remains hopeful he can play in the AFC North showdown that could crown a division leader. Verse sparked extra drama after calling Pittsburgh "dirty" following Cleveland's Week 4 win, prompting Steelers lineman Cam Heyward to promise a response on the field. With Aaron Rodgers leading the Steelers, the Browns need Verse’s edge rush—he’s posted 17 tackles but no sacks in seven games. Other Browns injuries include Tytus Howard (concussion) and Elgton Jenkins (knee).
In Week 7 of the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals rallied from a 0-13 halftime hole to crush the Baltimore Ravens 35-13, pushing Baltimore into last place (4-3). Joe Burrow threw for 292 yards and four touchdowns, with Tee Higgins hauling 148 yards. The Steelers beat the New Orleans Saints 16-10 in Paris, while the Browns held onto first with a 27-24 win over the Titans. Key performances included Aaron Rodgers’ 212-yard, one‑TD effort for Pittsburgh and Deshaun Watson’s clutch 36‑yard pass for Cleveland. Both the Ravens and Titans saw their run games stifled, and the Bengals’ second‑half defense recorded multiple sacks to seal the victory.
The Bengals host 1‑6 Titans at Paycor Stadium on Oct. 29 and must focus on three essentials to avoid an upset. First, they can’t underestimate Tennessee, whose defense ranks near the bottom in both passing (31st) and rushing (26th) yards, yet the Titans proved they can compete by nearly beating the Browns. Second, stopping Tony Pollard—who rushed for 129 yards and three TDs against Cleveland—will be crucial, mirroring how Cincinnati limited Derrick Henry last week. Third, Joe Burrow should attack from the shotgun early, targeting Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to build a quick lead before mixing in under‑center runs. Executing these keys gives Cincinnati its best chance for a home victory.
The Titans are gearing up for Week 8 at Paycor Stadium, hoping to bounce back from a bruising 24-17 loss to the Browns. Rookie linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. shines, while Cam Ward’s Week 7 tape shows flashes of promise amid ongoing concerns about his long‑term role. Fans are invited to weigh in on the upcoming Bengals showdown and stay connected via the SB Nation app. Meanwhile, the Vikings remain the NFL’s sole unbeaten team, and the Seahawks land 6‑time All‑Pro guard Quenton Nelson, a move that could spark a sell‑off for the Colts.
The Browns head to Pittsburgh for their Week 8 AFC North showdown, recalling the franchise's infamous 51‑0 victory over the Steelers on Sept. 10, 1989 – the fourth‑largest Week 1 margin in NFL history. That game saw Cleveland surge to a 17‑0 first‑quarter lead with defensive scores from Clay Matthews and David Grayson, eventually cruising to a 51‑0 shutout. Now, after a strong start to the season and a first‑place hold in the division, Cleveland aims for a season sweep, though a win of any size would be notable given the Steelers haven’t lost in Pittsburgh since 2003. Coach Todd Monken stresses focus, while injury updates and trade rumors swirl ahead of the clash.
The Rams, reeling from a 3-4 start after Myles Garrett’s Week 1 knee injury, may consider another blockbuster trade, but coach Sean McVay says the priority is waiting for injured starters to return rather than buying new talent. McVay notes key players like Davante Adams, Trent McDuffie, and Blake Gripe are expected back soon, making a trade for long‑term IR players unlikely. Meanwhile, the Seahawks and 49ers have already added Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner via trades. The Rams host the Chargers this Sunday.
In the Oct. 28 "Depot After Dark" roundup, Steelers fans get a blend of hot takes: rookie safety Cameron Crosby breaks his silence on Aaron Rodgers' surprise scramble, the Browns unleash an unorthodox blitz dubbed the "Renegade" that challenges Pittsburgh’s offense, and former linebacker Troy Polamalu receives a special honor from the franchise. The segment also notes Rodgers' solid play this season and highlights key moments from the latest Steelers game.
Gridiron Experts breaks down the final fantasy‑football trade window, highlighting low‑priced buy targets and overvalued sell‑offs for weeks 8‑14. The article warns against early‑season impulse trades like a Sam LaPorta‑Matthew Golden for Saquon Barkley swap and points to players whose workload exceeds their points: Chase Brown (CIN RB), Ollie Gordon II (MIA RB), DeVonta Smith (PHI WR) and Michael Wilson (ARI WR). Each prospect includes role, injury and depth‑chart context, plus timing tips around bye weeks. Readers learn which high‑volume backs and WRs to snag now and which underperformers to cash out before the deadline.
Analyst Evan Cohen argues on ESPN Cleveland that the Cleveland Browns should trade backup quarterback Shedeur Sanders to the Indianapolis Colts, labeling him a "willing distraction" who could mask the Colts' shortcomings. With Deshaun Watson firmly entrenched as the Browns' starter, Sanders' chances to start in Cleveland remain slim, prompting speculation about a possible move. Cohen suggests the trade could boost Indianapolis' depth and give Sanders a chance to develop, though the deal hinges on the Browns' long‑term plans and the price demanded. Fans await official word as the trade talk fuels debate over Sanders' NFL future.
Welcome to Steelers Night Shift! Our LIVE audience interaction broadcast across YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook hosted by Jobe Morrison and Brendan Howe! We discuss Week 8 vs. Cleveland Browns. Check out more from Alan Saunders, Zachary Smith and the rest of the team on the Steelers Now YouTube page.
Baker Mayfield admits he hasn’t spoken to former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski since 2021 as the Buccaneers prepare to face Stefanski’s new team, the Atlanta Falcons, on Nov. 1. The rift stems from Mayfield’s 2022 trade from Cleveland, which he once called a “piece of garbage” move, though both now express professional respect. Mayfield, a Pro Bowl QB who helped Tampa Bay win the NFC South in 2023‑24, says the upcoming game isn’t about revenge but winning the division again. Stefanski praises Mayfield’s playmaking ability ahead of the matchup, adding a personal subplot to the Sunday showdown.
Strong safety DeShon Elliott returns from injured reserve just in time for the Steelers’ second showdown with the Cleveland Browns. After missing the first meeting, Elliott says the rematch is a classic Pittsburgh‑versus‑Cleveland battle and he’s eager to help preserve the Steelers’ unbeaten home record against Cleveland. The interview hints at his confidence and the stakes for Pittsburgh’s defense as the rivalry reignites on October 28, 2026.
Browns head coach Todd Monken stresses that the upcoming divisional showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday is about winning the next game, not past history. He notes the rarity of a Cleveland victory in Pittsburgh since 2003 and the chance to sweep the season series, but insists the focus stays on preparation, practice and securing a win to chase a playoff spot. Monken’s message aims to keep his young roster grounded as they chase a sixth straight win and aim to break the franchise’s long‑standing road woes.
The new Steelers Afternoon Drive podcast kicks off with hosts Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith dissecting the latest Steelers updates. They review injury reports for Ben Skowronek, Doneiko Slaughter and Brandin Echols, recap Mike McCarthy's recent comments, and share insights from chats with Zach Frazier, Riley Nowakowski, Deshon Elliott and Asante Samuel Jr. The episode also tackles the Cam Heyward‑Jared Verse debate, highlights ESPN's Top 25 trade targets, and more. Listeners can catch the show on YouTube, Megaphone or their favorite podcast platform.
The Browns lock up defensive tackle Maliek Collins with a two‑year, $30 million extension that guarantees $15 million, an $8 million signing bonus and up to $1.5 million in per‑game roster bonuses through 2028. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ coaching staff and veterans—including HC Jesse Minter, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, RB Derrick Henry and WR Zay Flowers—acknowledge the team’s momentum issues and mental lapses as they await the possible return of quarterback Lamar Jackson this week. Both clubs emphasize consistency and staying even‑keeled to shape their identities moving forward.
The Browns and Steelers each have nine players listed as Did Not Practice ahead of their Week 8 AFC North showdown. Cleveland’s notable absences include DE Jared Verse (knee) and OT Tytus Howard (concussion protocol), while RB Dylan Sampson and several linemen are limited. Pittsburgh sits out CB Jalen Ramsey (wrist), CB Brandin Echols (hamstring) and DE Cameron Heyward (rest), among others. Both teams will be missing key contributors as they vie for the division lead.
Ben Skowronek returns to the Steelers' practice Wednesday, limited by a calf injury, marking his first participation since Week 5. Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith also remains limited with a groin strain after playing in Week 7. Defensive backs Brandin Echols (hamstring), Jalen Ramsey (wrist) and newcomer Doneiko Slaughter (hamstring) sit out, while Cam Heyward, T.J. Watt and tight end Darnell Washington are listed as rested. The team prepares for Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, whose practice report is still pending.
The Browns head into their Week 8 showdown with the Steelers on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium despite a rash of injuries. The injury report lists defensive tackle Jared Verse and two offensive line starters as inactive (DNP), adding to an already battered roster. Cleveland still leads the AFC North, but the depletion could tilt the highly anticipated, media-fueled clash in Pittsburgh’s favor.
Wednesday’s NFL roster moves see the 49ers trade a 2027 fourth‑round pick to the Colts for defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, while also releasing DB Jack Jones. The Bills elevate WR Tyrell Shavers from the PUP list, and the Commanders add WR Van Jefferson, place Terry McLaurin on IR, and return DT Jer’Zhan Newton from IR. The Chiefs bring K Justin Tucker to the practice squad and bring DT Omarr Norman‑Lott back from PUP. Notable practice‑squad signings include TE Carsen Ryan (Browns), WR Zay Jones (Cardinals), and RB Jaydon Blue (Eagles).
The Steelers issue their Week 8 injury report ahead of Sunday’s showdown with the Browns, listing six players who missed Wednesday’s practice. Hamstring issues sideline CB Brandin Echols and CB Doneiko Slaughter, while DL Cam Heyward, TE Darnell Washington and EDGE T.J. Watt are on rest days. DB Jalen Ramsey sits out with a wrist injury. The report signals potential lineup adjustments for the upcoming game.