Rivalry games under the primetime lights have a way of producing unforgettable endings. Every snap feels bigger, every mistake feels heavier, and the team that makes one more play usually walks away with bragging rights. Cleveland has owned this particular setting for years. On Thursday night, the Browns found a way to do it again, and they needed every last second.
Cleveland held on for a 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, moving to 3-1 and taking sole possession of first place in the AFC North heading into the weekend.
“BALLGAME”
BALLGAME pic.twitter.com/bKMUAPbw07
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) October 2, 2026
Fans had plenty of reactions to the big win.
“BROWNS ARE THE BROWNS,” one fan wrote.
“Good win, on to the next W!,” another commented.
“Congratulations #Browns! You played hard. Please work on not committing so many penalties,” another fan said.
The finish was dramatic. After Aaron Rodgers hit Pat Freiermuth for a 3-yard touchdown with 1:42 remaining and then ran in the 2-point conversion himself to tie the game at 24, Deshaun Watson calmly moved the offense into range. Andre Szmyt drilled a 56-yard field goal with 10 seconds left to win it.
The Browns built their lead in a dominant 2nd quarter. Trailing 7-0 after Rodgers found Roman Wilson for a 12-yard score, Cleveland ripped off 21 straight points on a 28-yard touchdown run by Jaleel McLaughlin, a 2-yard plunge by Quinshon Judkins and a 2-yard touchdown pass from Watson to Harold Fannin Jr. with 1:22 left in the half.
Watson turned in his most productive passing night of the season, completing 24 of 33 passes for 268 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He has now won 3 straight games for the first time since arriving in Cleveland.
He spread the ball around effectively. Denzel Boston caught 4 passes for 89 yards, including a 60-yard strike, while KC Concepcion added 5 catches for 64 yards. Judkins chipped in 6 receptions for 43 yards to go along with his rushing touchdown, and Jerry Jeudy caught 3 passes for 36 yards, his first receptions since the opener.
The defense delivered again despite a scary moment early. Mason Graham went down in the 1st quarter and appeared to be in significant pain after his left leg bent awkwardly on a running play. He did not return, and his status will be the biggest storyline coming out of this game.
The rest of the front picked up the slack. The Browns sacked Rodgers 5 times, with Maliek Collins, Adin Huntington, Isaiah McGuire and Sam Williams among those getting home. Denzel Ward and Grant Delpit each came away with an interception, and Carson Schwesinger led the team with 9 tackles.
The penalties remain a serious problem. Cleveland was flagged 14 times for 88 yards, even more than last week, and nearly let a 21-10 lead slip away as the Steelers scored 14 points in the 4th quarter. Todd Monken will not be happy with that part of the film.
Still, the Thursday night magic continues. The Browns have now won 10 straight home games on Thursday night and remain unbeaten against Pittsburgh in that setting.
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