Mainly because Pittsburgh was so much better than the Browns. The proximity between the two cities did help, as did the recent moves by Cleveland to upgrade its team. Memorable Steelers-Browns GamesLet’s start with a more recent moment of rare positivity for the Browns. It was December 2009 on Thursday Night Football when the Browns shocked the Steelers, winning 13-6.
Cleveland has been eliminated from playoff contention. The Steelers are still in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, so these next one game are critical for them. This next game is expected to be close, with Pittsburgh going off at just a 2. 5-point favorite. They might be worth taking a chance on against the spread as they are currently on a three-game streak of ATS wins. A couple defensive numbers to keep in mind before kickoff: Pittsburgh enters the game with only seven rushing touchdowns allowed, which is the best in the league.
What makes it even more memorable was it stopped a 12-game Steelers win streak against the Browns. It was also the coldest game ever recorded between the two teams, with a wind chill of -10 degrees. Going back a little earlier, the Steelers stopped a Browns eight-game winning streak in 1954. Pittsburgh got a 150-yard three-touchdown game from Ray Matthews in a 55-27 blowout of the Browns.
The first 20 years of this back-and-forth went more the way of the Browns. Hall of Famer Jim Brown ran all over Pittsburgh as the Browns walked away with a 31-9 record spanning the two decades. Once the 1970s hit, things started to change for the better in Pittsburgh. Former Browns linebacker Chuck Noll took over as the Steelers head coach. Noll, along with Terry Bradshaw and others, went on to dominate the Browns and the rest of the NFL. The Browns eventually were gutted and moved to Baltimore in the mid-90s, ending the rivalry for a couple of years. Since the return of the Browns to Cleveland, the rivalry truly struggled to rekindle any life between the teams.
From 2010-18, the Steelers have won all but two season series against the Browns. Going 15-2-1 over that stretch is impressive, but their opponent in Cleveland was, at times, lifeless. Moving forward, the Browns and Steelers should be neck-and-neck to battle for this division, truly making this a difficult matchup to handicap. Steelers vs Browns HistoryThe Browns first hit the NFL in 1950 after dominating the AAFC for years. In their inaugural season, Cleveland took home the NFL Championship, starting a major rivalry with the Steelers as well.
Pittsburgh came out on top in a nail-biter against the Baltimore Ravens last week, sneaking past 16-13. Among those leading the charge for the Steelers was RB Najee Harris, who picked up 111 yards on the ground on 22 carries in addition to snatching one receiving TD. That nimble footwork stands out as the first time Harris has hit the 100-yard rushing mark this season.
Most of the squad's points came courtesy of special teams, which contributed ten. K Chris Boswell booted in three field goals, the longest a 51-yarder in the third quarter, which ultimately accounted for the difference in the matchup. Meanwhile, Cleveland beat the Washington Commanders 24-10 last week. The Browns can attribute much of their success to QB Deshaun Watson, who passed for three TDs and 169 yards on 18 attempts in addition to picking up 31 yards on the ground, and WR Amari Cooper, who caught three passes for two TDs and 105 yards. Cleveland is now 7-9 while Pittsburgh sits at 8-8.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers: Predictions, picks Breaking news headlines about Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers, linking to 1000s of sources around the world, on NewsNow:
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Odds 2023Steelers vs Browns OddsFor many seasons, the Cleveland Browns were one of the biggest jokes in professional sports, but their rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers has never been a laughing matter. The Browns have turned things around entering the 2019 season, and their near historic turnaround should make NFL bettors take a deeper look when using previous matchups with their rival in Pittsburgh and proceed with caution when looking at the Steelers’ dominance.
It was the first time Pittsburgh moved ahead of Cleveland in their history, and the last time for the Browns to lead the series. Notable PlayersFormer Browns linebacker-turned-Steelers head coach Chuck Noll would be one of the most notable characters who made an impact with both teams. There’s also Bill Cowher, who took over for Noll and also played for Cleveland. Bruce Arians held the offensive coordinator position with both organizations. Punter Chris Gardocki was on both teams, winning a Super Bowl with the Steelers. Steelers vs Browns FAQsWhat is the Steelers all-time record against the Browns? The Steelers lead the all-time series with the Browns 75-58-1. When do the Steelers and Browns play next? The Steelers and Browns next play on Nov.
Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Box Score Here's a look at the betting details and USA TODAY's NFL staff picks for the Browns vs. Steelers Week 18
