Deshaun Watson guided the Cleveland Browns to a dramatic 27‑24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night, delivering a clutch 56‑yard field goal by Andre Szmyt with just ten seconds left on the clock. Watson threw for 268 yards, completing 24 of 33 attempts, and accounted for a touchdown and an interception.
His performance capped a go‑ahead drive in the fourth quarter, marking his third consecutive week of leading a decisive scoring series for the Browns. The Browns entered the game with a 3‑1 record, their best start since the 2021 season. They built an early advantage, leading 21‑7 late in the first half.
However, the Steelers rallied, tying the game at 24‑all after a series of plays that included a three‑yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers to tight end Pat Freiermuth with 1:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, followed by a successful two‑point conversion by Rodgers himself. Rodgers finished with 299 passing yards, completing 22 of 40 attempts for three touchdowns and two interceptions. He had one final opportunity to bring Pittsburgh within field‑goal range, but his pass was intercepted by Browns defensive back Grant Delpit at the Cleveland 18‑yard line with only one second left, sealing the win for Cleveland. Pittsburgh’s offense featured a solid ground game, as running back Jaylen Warren rushed for 93 yards on 17 carries, while wide receiver DK Metcalf contributed five receptions for 115 yards.
The Browns’ defense applied relentless pressure, sacking Rodgers five times throughout the contest. Cleveland’s Thursday night winning streak now stands at eight consecutive games, the longest active streak in the league and the fourth longest in NFL history. Four of those victories have come against the Steelers, underscoring the Browns’ dominance in these late‑week matchups.
Meanwhile, the Steelers, now 2‑2, remain winless on the road against AFC North rivals on Thursday nights, holding a 0‑10 record in those specific circumstances. The game opened with Cleveland going three‑and‑out, after which Pittsburgh responded with a 78‑yard drive spanning 17 plays. The drive culminated in a shovel pass to quarterback Wilson, who turned a 12‑yard run around the left end into a jet‑sweep touchdown.
This marked the second straight game in which the Steelers reached the end zone on their opening possession. Watson’s first‑half passing total of 181 yards was his highest output in the opening 30 minutes of a game since he joined the Browns in 2022. The Browns’ offense continued to find rhythm, with Jaleel McLaughlin tying the game at 7‑7 on a 28‑yard rushing touchdown late in the first half. McLaughlin broke two tackles at the 22‑yard line and slipped through a narrow gap at the 15‑yard line before crossing the goal line.
That drive was set up after Browns cornerback Denzel Ward intercepted a Rodgers pass intended for Michael Pittman Jr. at the Cleveland 44‑yard line on the second play of the second quarter. Shortly thereafter, Quinshon Judkins punched in a two‑yard rushing touchdown off right guard, giving Cleveland a 14‑7 lead. The drive began with Watson connecting with Denzel Boston on a 60‑yard bomb to the Steelers’ 14‑yard line, showcasing the Browns’ big‑play capability.
Harold Fannin Jr. added his third touchdown in two games on a two‑yard pass from Watson on a third‑and‑goal situation with 1:22 left in the half. This marked the first time since Week 13 of the 2020 season, when the Browns faced Tennessee, that Cleveland scored at least 21 points in a single quarter.
Pittsburgh managed to narrow the margin to 21‑10 just before halftime when Boswell nailed a 31‑yard field goal with eight seconds left on the clock. Early in the fourth quarter, Rodgers rolled to his right and found Washington for a 21‑yard touchdown, pulling the Steelers within five points at 21‑16. The two‑point conversion attempt that followed was unsuccessful, leaving the game within striking distance for Pittsburgh. The Steelers fought back fiercely, tying the game at 24‑24 before the Browns orchestrated the final, game‑winning drive.
Watson’s composure under pressure was evident as he methodically moved the ball downfield, culminating in a 56‑yard field goal attempt by Andre Szmyt. The kick sailed through the uprights with ten seconds remaining, securing a 27‑24 victory for Cleveland. In addition to the on‑field drama, the broadcast highlighted upcoming viewing opportunities, reminding fans that the 2026 NFL season will be available live on Sky Sports, including comprehensive coverage of the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI on Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Viewers can also explore the latest Sky Sports subscription deals or stream games without a contract via the NOW platform. Overall, the contest showcased a blend of offensive fireworks, defensive resilience, and clutch performances from both teams.
Watson’s leadership, Szmyt’s poise under pressure, and the Browns’ ability to execute in critical moments were key factors in the win. Meanwhile, the Steelers demonstrated tenacity, overcoming a sizable deficit and forcing the game into a nail‑biting finish, but ultimately fell short as the clock ran out.
The victory not only extends Cleveland’s impressive Thursday night streak but also reinforces their status as a formidable opponent in the AFC North heading into the remainder of the season.