The stakes are high for Thursday night’s NFL game in Week 4. All four AFC North teams currently sit at 2-1. After Thursday Night Football, the Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers will stand alone in first place for the time being. The visiting Steelers are coming off a massive win against divisional rival Cincinnati. Cleveland is riding a two-game winning streak and eager to push it to three. Entering Thursday night, here are four bold predictions.
MORE: NFL power rankings entering Week 4: All 32 teams ranked worst to first
Pittsburgh running back Jaylen Warren reaches a first-time feat
Thursday’s game is an enticing matchup for Jaylen Warren. The Browns’ defense has issues defending the run and ranks 23rd in rushing yards allowed. The unit hasn’t fared better at stopping opposing teams in the air. After having issues through the first two weeks, Pittsburgh’s offense put up 30 points last Sunday. Jaylen Warren’s increased workload led to his best game of the season. He’s in line for another big game against a shoddy Cleveland defense. The Steelers will have success targeting Warren in the backfield, leading to success.
Prediction: Jaylen Warren torches the Browns, scoring a receiving and rushing touchdown. This is the first time the running back has secured a receiving and rushing touchdown in the same game.
Cleveland rookie KC Concepcion catches first career touchdown
The Browns have a tough matchup against Pittsburgh’s defense. The Steelers have been equally as good defending the pass and run. The defense will emphasize coverage on wide receiver Denzel Boston throughout the game. This will allow KC Concepcion to have single coverage. The rookie’s ability to find open space will play to his advantage.
Prediction: Cleveland rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion takes advantage of single coverage and records his first career touchdown reception.
MORE: NFL running back power rankings entering Week 4
Offensive penalties hinder the Browns
Cleveland has been crushed by offensive penalties. Entering Thursday night, the Browns have the 2nd–most offensive penalties through three weeks. This has limited their ability to extend drives. The offense has the 3rd–lowest third-down percentage in the NFL. Against a tough Pittsburgh defense, Cleveland’s offensive penalties will again show their ugly heads.
Prediction: The Browns’ offensive struggles continue as penalties persist.
Aaron Rodgers has first 300-yard game with the Steelers
Aaron Rodgers isn’t the same quarterback he used to be, but he still protects the football and limits turnovers. Thursday’s game is the perfect opportunity for the Pittsburgh quarterback to reach a plateau for the first time since 2024. It’s been a few seasons since he’s thrown for 300 yards, but that changes against the Browns. He will have every opportunity to exploit a lousy Cleveland secondary and spread the ball around the field. Thursday Night Football turns out to be the best game for Aaron Rodgers in a Pittsburgh Steelers uniform. It’s a big game for the future Hall of Famer, and the team moves into sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
Prediction: Aaron Rodgers has his first 300-yard passing game as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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