The Cleveland Browns struggled to find rhythm on offense and defense in their 27-6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8, a defeat that cost them their lead in the AFC North. Deshaun Watson’s mobility, which had been an asset earlier in the season, was neutralized as Pittsburgh’s defense adjusted after their Week 4 meeting. Now the Browns face the New Orleans Saints on Sunday at 1 p.m. EST on CBS, hoping to bounce back against an NFC South team that has underperformed this year.
Watson and the Browns’ offense struggled to generate momentum against the Steelers, unable to mount sustained drives through the air or on the ground. The Browns entered Week 9 with a 5-3 record, having won five of their first seven games but falling flat in last week’s divisional clash. The Saints, meanwhile, have not lived up to expectations in 2026, leaving the Browns optimistic about exploiting weaknesses and reclaiming confidence.
Sunday’s matchup at the Saints’ home turf offers the Browns a chance to reset. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. EST, with broadcast coverage on CBS. For viewers in the Central Time Zone, the game starts at noon CST. This contest follows a demanding stretch in the Browns’ schedule that included wins over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, Baltimore Ravens, and Tennessee Titans, as well as losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and the Steelers.
The Browns’ season has featured close games. They edged the Panthers 21-18 and the Titans 27-24, while also securing a narrow 13-10 win over the Ravens. Their losses have come on the back of more clear defeats, such as a 34-10 setback to the Jaguars in Week 1 and a recent 27-6 loss to Pittsburgh. These outcomes underscore inconsistency on both sides of the ball.
The schedule ahead is busy for Cleveland. After Sunday’s trip to New Orleans, the Browns return home in Week 10 to face the Houston Texans at 1 p.m. EST on FOX. They will then enter their bye week in Week 11 before hosting the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 12. Subsequent games include a home clash against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 and matchups against the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens in the following weeks.
Defensively, the Browns will need to tighten up after allowing 27 points to the Steelers, a team they had previously beaten. Offensively, Watson’s ability to regain mobility and confidence will be critical. The Saints’ struggles this season offer an opportunity, but Cleveland must avoid the mistakes that cost them against Pittsburgh.
The Browns’ next game is a test of whether they can rebound quickly or if the loss to the Steelers will set a longer-term tone for their season. The Saints have not been a dominant force this year, but home advantage and the chance to spoil the Browns’ momentum make this a game to watch closely. Sunday’s kickoff on CBS at 1 p.m. EST will reveal how both teams respond after uneven starts to the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.