The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns both have one thing in common: they both played their most recent game overseas.
The Steelers held off the Minnesota Vikings 24-21 in Dublin in Week 4, then got their bye in Week 5 to recover. The Browns faltered late against those same Vikings in London in Week 5, losing 24-17.
Now, the two AFC North rivals will square off in Pittsburgh in Week 6.
However, that week of rest isn’t just a key advantage for the Steelers — it’s a historic one.
The Browns are the first team in NFL history to return from an international game and immediately face an opponent coming off its bye. And if that isn’t enough, Pittsburgh also has home-field advantage.
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That’s a tough break for Cleveland, which will be extra fatigued and dealing with jet lag this week. Meanwhile, the Steelers should be fresh and ready to go for their first game in two weeks.
At 3-1, Pittsburgh is in a prime spot to extend its lead over the rest of the AFC North. The 1-4 Browns are tied for last place with the Baltimore Ravens, who are big underdogs at home this week against the Los Angeles Rams with Lamar Jackson unlikely to suit up due to a hamstring injury. Despite trading for Joe Flacco this week, the 2-3 Cincinnati Bengals are massive road underdogs against the Green Bay Packers, who are also coming off their bye.
The Steelers defense, which has improved after a slow start, will look to keep rolling against rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel in just his second career NFL start. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers and Pittsburgh’s offense should be rejuvenated and ready to attack Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s rugged defense.
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Featured image via Kirby Lee/Imagn Images