The Browns will host the Steelers on Thursday Night Football at Huntington Bank Field in their first matchup against the Steelers this season.

"Great challenge playing the Steelers on Thursday night," head coach Kevin Stefanski said ahead of Thursday night's game. "Well-coached team, great players, offense, defense and special teams, so we have to have a great week here to get ready for that game."

Here are three burning questions to consider ahead of the Browns' upcoming bout against the Steelers.

Who will be the Browns' leading receiver against the Steelers?

Since QB Jameis Winston took over as the team's starting quarterback, the production of each of Cleveland's top three receivers has increased.

"I think when you got a play caller like Ken (Dorsey), who's given all of them opportunities, you keep them engaged," Winston said. "When receivers get engaged, it's the best of both worlds – they want the ball, they're blocking for each other, they're out there executing, and it makes football really fun."

WR Cedric Tillman went from averaging just under 13 yards per game through the first seven games of the season to averaging over 73 yards per game in Winston's three starts.

WR Jerry Jeudy averaged 38 yards per game over the first seven games and has averaged 98 yards per game with Winston as quarterback. In the Browns' most recent game, a Week 11 loss to the Saints, Jeudy had six receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown.

WR Elijah Moore has also seen an increase in yardage, averaging nearly 60 yards per game with Winston compared to just over 19 yards per game through the first seven games of the year.

"Well, I think we have a group of veteran receivers, for the most part – Ced is our youngest pass catcher," Winston said. "I think just the work that they put in every single week – we talk about the precision passing game, 'I want you at this place at this time,' and they strain, and they work to get there. They know, 'Hey, versus man-to-man coverage, what does that mean?' You got to win. Regardless of how you get open, let's win and I'll put the ball on you."

The Browns receiving corps will face a talented Steelers secondary that has held teams to 5.2 yards per passing play – tied for the 10^th-fewest in the NFL this season.

One or more of Tillman, Moore or Jeudy will need to have a productive day if the Browns are to overcome the Steelers and their talented group of defensive backs on Thursday Night Football.

"They got a young corner that's elite. They got a veteran corner that I've seen over the course of my career. He's fast and likes to take chances and they got a safety that's a ballhawk. So, they're stacked on every level," Winston said. "I think the main focus is the Cleveland Browns have to come and play Cleveland Browns best version of football."

How will the Browns fill the void left by Dawand Jones and Jedrick Wills Jr.?

Browns starting left tackle Dawand Jones was placed on the injured reserve list with a leg injury on Tuesday after suffering a fractured fibula that Stefanski said will end his 2024 season.

Additionally, Jedrick Wills Jr., who has started four games at left tackle for the Browns this season, was ruled out for the Browns’ Week 12 game against the Steelers with a knee injury.

In order to address their depth at offensive tackle, the Browns signed T Geron Christian on Tuesday. Christian started nine games at left tackle for the Browns in 2023 but will not start on Thursday according to Stefanski.

Germain Ifedi, who came in for Jones after he was injured against the Saints, is an option start at left tackle. Ifedi, who is in his 10^th season in the NFL, has appeared in eight games for the Browns this season and has earned the confidence of his starting quarterback.

"This is the epitome of 'next man up football'," Winston said. "Man, Germain Ifedi has been in this league a long time. He's a [first round] pick. He's been patiently preparing for this moment. So, I'm definitely excited to be out there with him. He came in last week and did a heck of a job. So, we're going to keep leaning on him, keep lifting him up, and we going to keep pushing forward."

The Browns will face a strong Steelers pass rush on Thursday, highlighted by LB T.J. Watt. Watt lines up predominantly on the right side of the offensive line, meaning he will face RT Jack Conklin. However, the Browns are prepared if the Steelers decide to move him around.

"You have to be ready for anything," Stefanski said. "He does primarily rush on the right side, but not always. There are times when he can line up really anywhere. But you certainly need to know where he is at all times."

Can the Browns win the turnover battle against the Steelers?

When asked about what stands out about the 2024 Steelers, who lead the AFC North with an 8-2 record, Stefanski noted their plus-11 turnover margin, the second-highest in the NFL.

"That's the number one stat when you think about winning and losing," Stefanski said. "I think they're doing a nice job of their offense taking care of the ball and the defense going and getting the ball."

On the season, the Steelers have 11 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries, the fourth-most total turnovers in the NFL. Offensively, they have thrown just three interceptions and have lost five fumbles, combining for the fourth-fewest giveaways in the league.

QB Russell Wilson has shown his ability to protect the football, throwing six touchdown passes to only two interceptions.

"He's a great player," Stefanski said. "The style which he plays hasn't changed very much. He can win off schedule, he can win on schedule, great deep ball thrower, he's taking care of the ball."

The Browns secured two takeaways in their loss to the Saints, as CB Denzel Ward intercepted TE Taysom Hill in the first quarter and forced and recovered a fumble in the second quarter. Ward and the Browns defense will look to build on their Week 11 performance when they face Wilson and the Steelers.

Offensively, Winston has had two games without an interception, in Week 8 against the Ravens and in Week 11 against the Saints. In Week 9, however, he threw three interceptions against the Chargers.

Protecting the ball will be paramount for the Browns offense as they seek to capitalize on offensive drives against an unforgiving Steelers defense.

"It's precision passing, getting the ball out on time, elite operation and just doing our job," Winston said on how the Browns can protect the football against the Steelers. "It's the simple things. Like this team is not going to try to fool you. They're going to line up and say, 'Give us your best, we're going to give our best.'"