The Browns got an imperfect but desperately needed win Sunday against Buffalo and, despite all their woes so far, they still have a chance to salvage this season. The latter part of the schedule lightens up quite nicely, with two dates against the Bengals and another with the Dolphins looming. But in order to stand any chance, Cleveland must take at least one game from Pittsburgh and Thursday night's prime-time affair at home will be the best chance.The Steelers have recovered nicely form their own dreadful start, but they will come back to Earth in this one.

This line is a bit of an overreaction to Cleveland beating Buffalo last week. This should probably be a pick 'em line, and I actually have Pittsburgh as a one-point favorite. The Steelers may well win this game outright, and I'll certainly sprinkle that. Mason Rudolph is getting comfortable in his starting role, the defense is massively improved and James Connor should be back to improve the running game.

The Steelers are hot, they have 26 takeaways this year and they're playing against a guy who can be a turnover machine. Mason Rudolph threw for 242 yards last week; everyone rips him but he's pretty good. James Conner will be back this week, boosting the offense. Cleveland should not be favored.

The story of this game will be takeaways, as the Steelers defense has racked up at least three takeaways in five straight games while posting the No. 1 turnover rate in the league. Baker Mayfield has the second-most interceptions in the league, and he plays behind an offensive line that should struggle to keep the Steelers pass rush at bay. The Pittsburgh O-line, which ranks No. 1 in adjusted sack rate this year, won't have similar issues against the Browns, especially with Olivier Vernon out. Pittsburgh leans on the run game and defense to pick up a road divisional win here.

Pittsburgh RB James Conner returns from a two-game absence due to a shoulder injury and upgrades the offense. He rushed for 145 yards in his last game and caught seven passes for 78 yards in his previous outing. The Steelers scored at least 20 points in seven straight prior to last week while Cleveland could reach that mark if QB Baker Mayfield targets WR Odell Beckham Jr. more often. Browns RB Kareem Hunt shook off the rust from his half-season suspension on Sunday and will contribute more.

Both teams are coming off victories, but I like Pittsburgh to extend its winning streak to five games as it is winning more than 50 percent of my simulations. The Steelers will have RB James Conner back from his shoulder injury and are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with the Browns (7-0-1). Cleveland has yet to post back-to-back victories this season and will be denied again by a solid Pittsburgh defense.

With Kareem Hunt and Nick Chubb in the backfield, the Browns offense figures to be a tough challenge for the Steelers. The hope is that the Cleveland defense can make things complicated for Pittsburgh QB Mason Rudolph. He is holding back the offense, but the Steelers defense hasn't held back since Minkah Fitzpatrick arrived.

The Browns haven't committed a turnover in two straight games -- a streak I expect will end Thursday versus Pittsburgh's ferocious defense. The Steelers should get James Conner back from his shoulder injury, which would be a huge boost to their offense. In their last six games, the Steelers are 5-1 with the only loss coming in overtime to the Ravens. The Browns were fortunate to beat Buffalo, as the Bills missed two field goals, including a 34-yarder. Grab the points with a Pittsburgh team that's 7-0-1 straight-up in the last eight meetings.