The first football in October is right around the corner. The 2026 NFL Season has definitely had some surprised thus far, but for the most part, things have worked out as expected. The coming months will really be when the league hierarchy comes into view, and the good and bad teams are separated appropritately.
This week's slate of primetime matchups is honestly rather mediocre. There aren't many high-profile teams playing in the primetime windows, but that could also lead to some shocking results as well. There are two divisional matchups in primetime this week, and another one that could end up being a shootout.
As we have done each week thus far, let's roll out our picks and predictions for the three regular primetime games here in Week 4, starting with Thursday Night Football's AFC North showdown.
Picking the winners of Week 4's primetime games in the 2026 NFL Season
Thursday, October 1st
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns, 8:15 PM ET
Before the season, this game probably didn't seem to be all that, but Pittsburgh and Cleveland are a combined 4-2 through six games, as the Browns are riding a two-game winning streak. Dare I say that Deshaun Watson also looks rather solid thus far, too.
The Browns just don't feel like a bottom-feeding team like many predicted they would be this year. While they're certainly not a good team, as least not yet, things could be a lot worse. They host the Steelers in this one, and after two shaky performances to open up the season, the Steelers played a much sharper game in Week 3, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals.
Now playing their second AFC North game in a row, getting early-season wins over Cincinnati and Cleveland would be massive. The Steelers really don't have what it takes to go on a playoff run or anything, but as we saw last year, they could simply win the division and give themselves a chance.
Given that this game is in Cleveland, the Browns should keep it close. However, Pittsburgh is simply a better team, even if it's not by much. I am not sure it's wild to suggest that the Steelers end up winning this game.
With two offenses that have limited ceilings, I don't anticipate this game being high-scoring. Under 40 total points might end up being where this game lands. We'll predict that the Steelers win this one thanks to a late field goal and move to 3-1 on the season.
Prediction: Steelers win 20-17
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