The Cleveland Browns are off to a hot start to begin 2026, as their 21-18 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday took them to 2-1 on the year. The schedule ticks up a notch this week, as the Browns have their division rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Thursday. Here are three key matchups to keep an eye on:
Matchup #1: Browns defensive line versus Jaylen Warren
Jaylen Warren has always been a severely underrated running back, and last week against the Cincinnati Bengals, he proved just that. Warren totaled 176 all-purpose yards, spearheading their win over the Bengals. With Rico Dowdle banged up, Pittsburgh will likely lean on Warren again, and if Cleveland wants a shot at upsetting the Steelers, they will need to contain Warren at all costs.
Matchup #2: Browns pass rush versus Steelers offensive line
Something has to give with two middle-of-the-pack
teams when it comes to sacks. The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line has kept Aaron Rodgers fairly clean through three games, allowing just eight sacks. Cleveland has seven sacks on the year, but has not gotten anything of Jared Verse in this category. Verse will need to step up his play to match Mason Graham on Sunday and create havoc for Rodgers.
Matchup #3: Harold Fannin Jr. versus Steelers linebackers/safeties
Through three weeks, one of Deshaun Watson's favorite targets has been Harold Fannin Jr. Fannin scored twice in the comeback victory against Carolina on Sunday and is finding his 2025 stride once again. The linebackers and safeties for Pittsburgh are aggressive and quick, and Cleveland will need to be creative in getting Fannin into open space for him to work.
This article originally appeared on Browns Wire: 3 Matchups to watch between the Browns and Steelers in Week 4
