Browns’ Late Field Goal Sinks Rodgers in Thursday Finale

Aaron Rodgers’ final scheduled Thursday night appearance ended in frustration as the Cleveland Browns edged the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24, using a late field goal to secure their third straight victory and move into first place in the AFC North.

The matchup carried extra significance before kickoff. Rodgers entered the night with a 13-7 record in Thursday games, one win away from matching Tom Brady’s mark of 14 victories in that setting. Instead, the veteran quarterback saw his record slip to 13-8 as Cleveland closed out a dramatic divisional win in the 150th all-time meeting between the longtime rivals, whose cities are separated by just 135 miles.

Pittsburgh got a productive night from Rodgers, who threw for 299 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He helped lead an eight-play, 80-yard drive in the fourth quarter that pulled the Steelers even at 24-24, giving his team a chance to steal a road win. But Cleveland answered immediately with the decisive possession of the game.

Deshaun Watson continued his encouraging early-season form for the Browns, finishing with 268 passing yards and a touchdown. After Pittsburgh’s tying drive, Watson calmly guided Cleveland on a seven-play march that moved the offense into long field-goal range. Andre Szmyt then delivered the biggest kick of the night, drilling a 56-yarder to put the Browns back in front 27-24.

That sequence summed up Cleveland’s strong opening stretch. The Browns entered Week 4 at 2-1, their first such start since 2023, and Thursday’s result pushed them to three consecutive wins. It also gave them the inside track in the division, at least for the moment, after beating a direct AFC North rival in a game that swung late.

For Pittsburgh, the loss added to a troubling divisional road trend. The Steelers fell to 0-10 in road games against AFC North opponents, a statistic that underscored how difficult these matchups have become away from home. Even with Rodgers producing three touchdown passes, Pittsburgh could not come up with the final stop it needed.

Before the game, Rodgers spoke candidly about the challenge of playing on a short week, while also acknowledging how much Thursday night football has become part of the modern NFL schedule.

“I just suck it up for those three hours and then know you get a reward on the back end. I think it’s part of the game now because of the money that’s in it. I think I’m just excited about the weekend,” Rodgers told reporters.

Watson’s performance will continue to draw attention as one of the more notable early comeback stories in the league. He was efficient rather than flashy, but his control in key moments helped Cleveland finish the game when it mattered most. The Browns did not waste their final opportunity, and Szmyt’s long kick ensured that Rodgers’ milestone chase would have to end short.

There were also notable coaching numbers attached to the night. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy entered with an 11-5 record on Thursdays, including victories in four of his previous five such games, but Cleveland denied him another win in that spot.

Both teams now get extra rest before their next outings. Cleveland will visit the New York Jets in Week 5, while Pittsburgh returns home to face the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 11. The Associated Press contributed to this report.