The Cleveland Browns are 3-1 to start the 2026 NFL season, and few expected that from this team through four games. Cleveland put together a strong first half on offense and got solid play from a defense that lost Mason Graham to an injury early. The Browns then put together a third straight game-winning drive to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-24.

Cleveland now heads into a mini bye with just under two weeks off before it returns to action in Week 5. With that break in mind, here’s a look at the winners and losers from the Browns’ Week 4 win over Pittsburgh.

Browns winners from the Week 4 win over the Steelers

It starts with Browns kicker Andre Szmyt. His 56-yard field goal with under 20 seconds to play gave Cleveland the win, and the crowd reacted accordingly. Szmyt continues to kick the ball at a high level. He’s now 8-of-8 on field goals, and the Browns can feel good about him being automatic every time he steps on the field.

Cornerback Denzel Ward deserves recognition as well. Aaron Rodgers tested Ward early in the game, and Ward came away with an interception. After that, Rodgers rarely threw in his direction and looked for damage to do elsewhere. Ward remains one of the most important players on this defense. Nearly a decade into his career, he’s still playing at an elite level.

Rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston had another strong outing with four catches for 89 yards. Boston was Cleveland’s most dynamic player on offense, and he’s off to a terrific start to his NFL career. He looks like he could be a No. 1 wide receiver in this league very soon.

Adin Huntington also stepped up in a big way. The Browns’ defensive line sacked Rodgers five times, and Huntington was one of the players who filled the void after Graham went down. He finished with a couple of tackles and a sack, and his presence was felt throughout the game. It was a positive day for the second-year player.

Wide receiver KC Concepcion rounds out the winners. Concepcion caught five passes for 64 yards. He did have one drop, but he also produced a couple of plays of 20-plus yards that showed what he can do when he gets open with the ball in his hands. Between Boston and Concepcion, the rookie wide receivers on this team have been tremendous.

Browns losers from the win over Pittsburgh

Cornerback Myles Harden had a rough afternoon. With Ward locking down his side and Tyson Campbell holding up well on the outside, Rodgers went after Harden in the slot. Pittsburgh did some damage against Campbell, but Harden was picked on multiple times. It was a tough turnaround after a strong showing in Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. Harden will want to burn the tape from this one.

Penalties nearly cost the Browns a win

The biggest loser was the penalty problem. Cleveland hurt itself repeatedly against the Steelers, and I don’t believe Pittsburgh would have been in this game late in the fourth quarter without those mistakes. The Browns were flagged a whopping 14 times for 88 yards. Add in a fumble and an interception, and Cleveland was lucky to escape with a win.

Still, the Browns keep finding ways to win close games, and much of the credit goes to head coach Todd Monken. The mini bye gives Monken time to clean up the penalties before Week 5.