The skinny: At its best, this always has been one of the most deeply rooted rivalries in the league. But since the Browns’ return to the NFL as an expansion team in 1999, the matchup has not been kind to Cleveland.
The Steelers have won 19 of the past 21 meetings, including 15 of the past 16. The Steelers have won the last seven times they faced the Browns in Pittsburgh.
This game is the first of two meetings these two will have over the regular season’s final month. It means plenty for the Steelers, who already have been swept by division-rival Baltimore this season. A tie for the division lead with the Ravens won’t keep the Steelers out of the wild-card round.
The difference will be: Whether the Browns’ limited offense — 28th in scoring, with just 14.6 points per game — can find any rhythm against the Steelers’ swarming defense, which is first in total defense and fourth in scoring defense.
There are times when Cleveland quarterback Colt McCoy appears a bit more comfortable on the road. Seven of his 14 touchdown passes have come away from home and only three of his nine interceptions.
Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is 12-1 as a starter against the Browns, with 19 TDs in those games.
The call: Steelers 28-12
Jeff Legwold, The Denver Post
