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5 reasons the Cleveland Browns will upset the Pittsburgh Steelers

By Nick Dudukovich

CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: A Cleveland Browns fan is seen during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - AUGUST 17: A Cleveland Browns fan is seen during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 02: Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 02: Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers attends SiriusXM at Super Bowl LII Radio Row at the Mall of America on February 2, 2018 in Bloomington, Minnesota. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM) /

The Le’Veon question

LeVeon Bell isn’t back with the Steelers yet, but Hue Jackson is predicting the fantasy football favorite to return to Pittsburgh’s backfield in time for Week 1.

That might not be a terrible thing for the Browns.

Cleveland played Pittsburgh during Week 1 of the 2017 season, and Bell rushed for just 32 yards on 10 carries.

His rustiness was one of the big reasons a Browns’ team led by rookie DeShone Kizer was able to hang around in what became a 21-18 defeat.

Now, with a revamped defensive line starring Larry Ogunjobi in the middle, along with Myles Garrett and Emmanuel Ogbah setting the edge, it may take a awhile for Bell to get going.

As of Labor Day, Bell had yet to sign his $14.5 million tender, but the expectation was that he’d be at Steelers practice on Wednesday ready to go, according to Steelers’ center Maurkice Pouncey.

Roethlisberger can beat the Browns without a great performance by Bell, but if Le’Veon is rolling, a victory almost seems impossible.

But I think there’s something to said about being game ready, and it may take a game for Bell to find his legs.

Even if Bell does sign his franchise tender, the Steelers might be wise to start preseason star James Conner, instead.

Conner had PFF’s highest grade for a running back this preseason, according to Pro Football Focus.

If Bell plays, he’ll likely be rusty. If Conner plays, well, the Browns can be happy they’re not facing one of the most dynamic backs in the game.

Pittsburgh’s question mark at this position favors Cleveland getting their first season opening win since 2004.

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