The Cleveland Browns continue to ride high at 5-2 and have their eyes on a wider lead in the AFC North.

Heading into Week 8, a lot has been said on the Browns' side, led by recent comments from Jared Verse. On the Steelers' side, they remain focused on getting better each week, as they seemingly have since their last loss, which was to the Browns. Both teams are now facing a critical matchup in Week 8, much sooner than either probably expected between them.

The winner will have control of the AFC North, bragging rights, and be in the driver's seat for the foreseeable future in the division. Lots to look at and analyze, especially in the three positions where we feel that Cleveland holds an edge over Pittsburgh.

Cornerback

The Browns secondary has been carried by the play of Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell. At times, their lack of depth shows at the cornerback position. The stars at the top, though, have carried the torch and made things easy for the players on the defensive front to get sacks and create chaos. The Steelers have enjoyed Jamel Dean coming into the roster, but their cornerback group remains less than what we have seen from the Browns. Specifically, look for Ward to perhaps close down on an Aaron Rodgers pass that has lost some of it's zip and even create a turnover.

Offensive Line

This unit started the season out ROUGH. The penalties were high, Deshaun Watson was having to play a part-time magician, and the run game was not getting any room to work. Over the last couple of weeks, they have really found their groove in all those areas laid out. The offensive line is getting pushback from the opposing defensive lines, the penalties are cleaned up, and it has created a smoother experience on offense. This unit will have a tough task against them in Week 8, but Browns fans should be happy to have the group they have versus the one on the opposite sideline.

Defensive Line

This unit has been a blast to watch unfold in 2026. The play of Mason Graham is that of what a team hopes a top pick can be, even if he is slow out of the gate from his injury. Thankfully, others have picked up the baton and run with it, such as Maliek Collins, Isaiah McGuire, and Mike Hall Jr. Even Aiden Huntington has created some chaos in the new role he is seeing expanded each week. This group will have a major impact in Week 8, just as they did in Week 4. Look for defensive coordinator Mike Rutenberg to be aggressive against Aaron Rodgers and this offensive line that has let him down for stretches of 2026.