First Call: Steelers are early underdogs in Cleveland; Josh Dobbs does it again

In Monday’s “First Call,” we look ahead to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming visit to Cleveland. We get into how some NFL returns could impact the Steelers. And Josh Dobbs flashes his skills in Minnesota.

Looking ahead

Despite being 6-3 and winning four of their last five, the Steelers (6-3) are 3.5-point underdogs heading into next week’s game in Cleveland. That’s according to Caesars.

The Browns (6-3) just beat the Ravens 33-31. Along the way, Cleveland stormed back from deficits of 17-3 in the first quarter and 31-17 in the fourth quarter.

never a doubt ???? pic.twitter.com/H69iQEtglL

— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 12, 2023

Running back Jerome Ford ran for 107 yards. Amari Cooper had 98 yards receiving. The Cleveland defense intercepted Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson twice and sacked him three times.

The Steelers won the first meeting between the clubs earlier this season at Acrisure Stadium (26-22).

As for the Ravens, they also have an AFC North battle at home versus Cincinnati lined up for this week. After both teams lost Sunday, they have to face each other Thursday night.

The Ravens are 3.5-point favorites. They won the first meeting in Cincy 27-24.

Boyd’s bobble

As for those Bengals (5-4), they suffered a 30-27 loss to the Houston Texans (5-4). A drop from former Pitt Panther Tyler Boyd was a big reason why.

Down 27-24 with under two minutes remaining, the Clairton product had a potential go-ahead touchdown clang off his hands.

How did Tyler Boyd drop this??? pic.twitter.com/Mj8vY9nU2w

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) November 12, 2023

Boyd had a huge game going otherwise. He finished with eight catches and 117 yards. Cincy is the only team in the AFC North that has less than six wins.

Heading into Monday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos, the Steelers are the top wild card. Cleveland has the next spot. And Houston currently holds the final playoff ticket.

Baltimore still leads the AFC North at 7-3.

More sports

• Feats of Strength: Patrick Peterson's big plays, resurgent run game overcome Steelers' shortcomings vs. Packers
• Jaylen Warren passes 100 rushing yards, teams with Najee Harris to surpass 200 in Steelers win
• Attrition means Steelers practice-squader Trenton Thompson, others on field to protect lead

Dandy Dobbs

Former Steelers quarterback Josh Dobbs continues to impress in Minnesota.

After winning last week’s game for the Vikings over the Atlanta Falcons in an emergency relief role, Dobbs helped Minnesota win again Sunday over the New Orleans Saints 27-19.

Dobbs completed 23 of 34 pass attempts for 268 yards and one touchdown in the win. He also rushed for 44 yards and a touchdown on eight carries.

JOSH. DOBBS.

????: #NOvsMIN on FOX
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGbyLL pic.twitter.com/Zd2xyhCX3c

— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2023

Minnesota has now won five in a row and is 6-4. They play the Denver Broncos on “Sunday Night Football” next week.

Easing back in?

Ex-Steeler James Conner returned to his current team Sunday. Conner and the Arizona Cardinals hosted and beat the Falcons 25-23.

Conner’s stats sheet wasn’t mind-blowing. But it wasn’t bad. He has 16 carries for 73 yards after coming off an injury that sidelined him for four weeks on injured reserve. Conner, normally a valuable part of the passing game, had no receptions.

The Cardinals also got their starting quarterback back in uniform. Kyler Murray hadn’t played all year after suffering a torn ACL 11 months ago. He went 19 of 32 for 249 yards, with no touchdowns, one interception and two sacks. He also had this unreal scramble to set up a game-winning field goal.

Kyler ran and ran and ran until he got the first down ???? @K1

????: #ATLvsAZ on CBS
????: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/kECSNGc6Bj pic.twitter.com/beWCv5etrq

— NFL (@NFL) Nov. 13, 2023

Arizona improves to 2-8. The Falcons have fallen to 4-6. The Cardinals visit Acrisure Stadium on Dec. 3.