Aaron Rodgers' farewell tour continues.
"Thursday Night Football" in Week 4 brings an AFC North showdown with far more at stake than anyone might have expected entering the season. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns are 2-1, meaning the winner will take control of the division.
For Pittsburgh, Rodgers is entering his final NFL season, and the four-time MVP is coming off one of his best performances since joining the Steelers. Rodgers completed 19 of 34 passes for 292 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in Pittsburgh's Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, providing a much-needed spark to the offense.
Cleveland's surprising start has been just as intriguing. New head coach Todd Monken has helped get the most out of
Deshaun Watson, who has now delivered back-to-back games with at least two touchdown passes and no interceptions. The last time Watson threw at least two touchdown passes in back-to-back regular-season games was during Weeks 16 and 17 of the 2020 NFL season while playing for the Houston Texans.
Clearly, Monken's bulletin board material from former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has affected his club.
With first place on the line, Rodgers' final season and Cleveland's unexpected rise colliding under the Thursday night lights. USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights, and more from the Browns and Steelers Week 4 "Thursday Night Football" game. All times are Eastern:
Where to watch Thursday Night Football Browns vs Steelers
- Date: Thursday, Oct. 1
- Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT)
- Where: Huntington Bank Field (Cleveland)
- TV channel (local only): Cleveland: News 5 Cleveland WEWS (ABC), Pittsburgh: WTAE (ABC)
- Stream: Amazon Prime Video
Watch "Thursday Night Football" all season with Prime
Browns vs Steelers preview
The Steelers and Browns renew one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries Thursday night with the AFC North lead on the line, and the matchup comes with plenty of history. Pittsburgh is 0-9 on the road against AFC North opponents on Thursdays, including an 0-4 mark in Cleveland. Mike McCarthy, however, brings a strong Thursday night track record to Pittsburgh, having won four of his last five on the night.
The Browns have plenty of defensive firepower despite no longer having Myles Garrett in Cleveland. Their defense enters Thursday off of a game in which they pressured Bryce Young on 51% of dropbacks – the highest mark by any team this season – setting up an intriguing matchup with a Steelers offensive line that will have its hands full.
Pittsburgh’s pass rush could provide an answer of its own, especially since the Browns allow the second-highest pressure rate in the league and the Steelers have the second-highest pressure rate when rushing four or fewer. With Cleveland and Pittsburgh separated by just roughly 130 miles, this rivalry has always carried a little extra edge. With both teams entering at 2-1, Thursday’s winner will leave the field atop the AFC North.
Browns vs Steelers live updates
Browns vs Steelers prediction by A.I.
05:30 PM ET, October 1 2026, Jacob CamenkerPittsburgh Steelers 20, Cleveland Browns 17
AI's take: The Steelers have a "steadier quarterback situation" and "the better defense" in this matchup, according to Copilot. That's why it is favoring Pittsburgh to win the short-week divisional matchup, even on the road.
Our take: Aaron Rodgers is coming off his best performance of the season, but the Browns have won back-to-back games during which Deshaun Watson has looked competent. This game is a true coin-flip, but don't be surprised if Todd Monken's squad makes it three victories in a row.
Thursday Night Football live stream
05:01 PM ET, October 1 2026, Tom Viera- Live stream (national): Prime Video
Fans can stream the Browns vs. Steelers game on Prime Video, the exclusive home of "Thursday Night Football."
Watch "Thursday Night Football" all season with Prime
Browns vs Steelers odds, moneyline
04:30 PM ET, October 1 2026, Tom VieraThe Steelers are favored to defeat the Browns on the road, according to the current NFL odds at DraftKings. Pittsburgh opened as 2.5-point favorites, and the line has held steady.
- Point Spread: Steelers (-2.5)
- Moneyline: Steelers (-148); Browns (+124)
- Over/under: 38.5
Thursday Night Football start time
04:15 PM ET, October 1 2026, Tom Viera- Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
The Browns and Steelers game will kick off Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season with "Thursday Night Football" at 8:15 p.m. ET.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thursday Night Football live updates: TV info, stream, how to watch Browns vs Steelers
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