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NFL: Top 5 Week One matchups to look forward to

By Rodney Stokes Jr

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play against the New York Jets in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – OCTOBER 08: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns reacts to a play against the New York Jets in the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns

Coming off a winless season, the Cleveland Browns haven’t won a week one match-up since 2004 (against the Ravens) or a home opener since 2015. The Steelers, on the other hand, have been the most consistently dominant team in the AFC North since Ben Roethlisberger arrived in 2003.

BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers works under pressure from linebacker Matt Judon #91 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 6: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers works under pressure from linebacker Matt Judon #91 of the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 6, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

While it may be laughable to even think that the Browns have a shot at the Steelers, it is something to remember that behind Deshone Kizer last year they were just nipped at 21-18.

The offseason additions have made the Browns a more complete team on paper and the year of development for guys like Myles Garrett and David Njoku could make the Browns more of a threat than in previous years. The Steelers will never be overlooked, but an aging Ben Roethlisberger, an unhappy Le’Veon Bell and a defense that hasn’t been as elite as it has in past years could open up a door for the Browns.

There’s a long-standing history between these two teams regardless of the Browns struggles over the last two decades. A win for them could start to bring balance back to that rivalry.

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