Scouting the Browns: Cleveland hasn't won regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003

SCOUTING THE BROWNS

Last meeting

Browns beat Steelers, 24-19, on Nov. 21 in Cleveland.

Key matchup

Steelers WR George Pickens vs. Browns CB Denzel Ward

The eyes of everyone are always on Pickens, from opposing defensive coordinators to fans to officials. Pickens is coming off a game in which he was flagged twice for unsportsmanlike conduct in Cincinnati, and the week prior he made the wrong kind of headlines for saying after a loss in Cleveland that “I don’t really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all.” Pickens also sparred with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome during a game-ending Hail Mary attempt, but it is Ward who most often is tasked to stop him. Ward is regarded as one of the NFL’s best corners — but according to Pro Football Focus, opposing receivers average 18.8 yards per catch when he is in coverage. That’s highest of any CB in the league and plays right into the hands of Pickens and Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson.

Key injuries

Pickens is listed as questionable after suffering a hamstring injury Friday. The Steelers welcome back OLB Alex Highsmith (ankle) after a three-game absence and DB Cory Trice (hamstring) after a nine-game absence, and WR Calvin Austin III progressed through concussion protocol this week and will play. Cleveland is without receiver Cedric Tillman (concussion), and safety Juan Thornhill (calf) is questionable.

Series record

Steelers lead 79-63-1.

Series notes

While the Steelers in recent years have struggled in road games against the Browns — as the game two weeks ago attests — they have not lost at home to them (during the regular season) in 21 years. The Steelers have a 20-game home winning streak vs. Cleveland. … The Browns, though, did win a playoff game at what is now called Acrisure Stadium after the 2020 season. … The Browns have a chance to sweep the season series from their rival for the first time since 1988. … The .957 winning percentage the Steelers own against the Browns at what opened up as Heinz Field is the third-best by any NFL team in any building against any opponent it faced at least 10 times there. The Steelers’ 11-0 record (1.000) against the San Diego Chargers at Three Rivers Stadium is one of two ahead of it. … The Steelers have hosted the Browns on 71 prior occasions, by far the most of any opponent in franchise history. … This is the first time the teams meet with the Browns having a two-game winning streak in the series since Oct. 22, 2000 — Cleveland beat the Steelers in games played in November 1999 and September 2000.

Notable

The Browns (3-9) are mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with a loss. They have only two playoff berths since 2003. … A win by the Steelers (9-3) would give them double-figure wins in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2014-17. The Steelers’ next victory would mean they would have won at least 10 games for the 15th time in 24 seasons. … The Steelers, however, cannot clinch a playoff berth this weekend. … A win by the Steelers (2-1 vs. divisional opponents) would assure a non-losing season in AFC North play. The Steelers have lost more division games than they won just once since the AFC North was christened in 2002. Only in 2009 since the turn of the century have the Steelers had a losing record in divisional play. … Cleveland wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has played 69 career NFL games but has had two of his top three most productive games (by yardage) over his past three games played: 235 yards on nine catches Monday at Denver and 142 yards on six catches Nov. 17 at New Orleans. Counting a six-catch, 85-yard game against the Steelers, Jeudy has 21 receptions for 462 yards and two touchdowns over his past three games.

Fantasy tip

Is the Steelers defense/special teams worth a play? Only three teams have thrown more interceptions than the Browns, whose quarterback Jameis Winston has thrown seven over his past four games. Only three teams have more interceptions on defense than the Steelers. Last week, Winston had two interceptions returned for touchdowns in a loss at Denver, and the Steelers had a defensive touchdown of their own. Additionally, the Browns are the only team in the NFL to have allowed both a punt and kickoff return for a touchdown this season.