Oct 12, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (8) looks to pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Cleveland Browns are heading into Gillette Stadium as heavy underdogs against the red-hot New England Patriots. On paper, this looks like a mismatch, a 2-5 Browns team facing a 5-2 Patriots squad that has surged under MVP candidate quarterback Drake Maye. But football games are not played on paper, and this week’s upset of the week might belong to Cleveland.

The Browns' defense remains one of the most talented in football. They currently lead the NFL in fewest yards allowed per game, and their defensive front has been relentlessly dominant. Myles Garrett anchors a pass rush that has hit opposing quarterbacks 63 times this season, ranking in the top five in the league.

Drake Maye has been terrific, completing over 70 percent of his passes this season with twelve touchdowns and only two interceptions through seven games. Still, the Browns' secondary has held opposing quarterbacks to just 173.7 passing yards per game, third best in the NFL. If Garrett and McGuire collapse the pocket, Maye will be forced into quick throws, which should lead to turnovers. Cleveland thrives on that chaos, as shown in their 31-6 domination of Miami, where they forced two interceptions and held the Dolphins to 202 total yards.

Offensively, the path is clear. Quinshon Judkins, the rookie running back, ran for 84 yards and three scores last week. If the Browns can control time of possession behind Judkins and short throws from Dillon Gabriel, they will keep Maye and the Patriots’ offense off the field. Gabriel has yet to throw an interception this season and his steady play will be key to sustaining drives.

Cleveland must turn that unease into frustration early. Win the line of scrimmage, dictate tempo, and let the defense hunt. This is how Kevin Stefanski’s team will steal this one. The Browns have been counted out all year. But with defense, discipline, and just enough offense, they could leave Gillette Stadium with the statement win the AFC never saw coming.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Week 8 NFL Upset of the week: The (2-5) Browns over the (5-2) Patriots in Foxborough

Reporting by Tyler Whitcomb, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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