Don't look now, but the Cleveland Browns are suddenly a team to watch. No, they're not sneaking into the playoff picture, but they've positioned themselves to spoil plenty of dreams for others.
Videos by FanBuzz
Thursday night's hard-fought 23-20 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers not only gave Cleveland its second divisional upset in three weeks but also sent a clear message: these Browns won't be rolling over for anyone.
In a season marred by inconsistency and irritation, this was a glimpse of what could've been. Four days removed from a humiliating collapse against the New Orleans Saints, the Browns showed resilience, poise, and a surprising ability to dominate in the trenches.
Jack Conklin's standout performance neutralizing T.J. Watt was a huge part of the equation. Watt entered the game as an NFL Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner but left with just one quarterback pressure on 24 matchups. That's elite work from Conklin, who anchored a line that gave the offense room to operate.
Meanwhile, Cleveland's defense held firm when it mattered most. While far from perfect, the Browns played with an energy that's been absent for most of the season, showing they still have plenty of fight left.
Now comes the next test: a road trip to face the surging Denver Broncos. The Broncos, winners of five straight, are suddenly one of the league's hottest teams. But don't count out Cleveland. With four of their last six games against teams over .500, the Browns can continue to disrupt the AFC playoff picture. It's the kind of opportunity that could energize a roster that has fallen woefully short of expectations.
Basically, a strong finish won't erase the frustrations of this season, but it could set the stage for optimism in 2025.
