The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats have one of the most storied rivalries in the NFL, often called the “Turnpike Rivalry” due to the proximity of the two cities along the Ohio and Pennsylvania Turnpikes. Fans of both teams live for these matchups, which are always packed with intensity, drama, and standout performances. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about the latest games, this article breaks down the player stats from their recent clashes, focusing on the 2024 season games, in a way that’s easy to understand for all ages. We’ll look at key players, their contributions, and what the numbers tell us about this fierce competition.
A Quick Look at the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry
The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats have faced off 147 times since 1950, making it the oldest and most-played rivalry in the AFC. The Steelers lead the series 82-64, with one tie, but the Browns have had their moments of glory, including a historic sweep in the 2024 regular season, their first since 1999-2000. These games are more than just stats—they’re about pride, passion, and bragging rights.
In 2024, the teams met twice in the regular season, with the Browns winning 24-19 on November 21 in Cleveland and the Steelers taking the second game 27-14 on December 8 in Pittsburgh. Let’s dive into the player stats from these games, highlighting the stars who shaped the outcomes, and present the data in a clear, reader-friendly way.
Game 1: Browns 24, Steelers 19 (November 21, 2024)
This snowy showdown at Huntington Bank Field was a classic. The Browns, with a 2-8 record, were underdogs against the 8-2 Steelers, but they pulled off an upset in a blizzard-like atmosphere. Let’s break down the key player stats.
Browns’ Standout Performers
Nick Chubb (Running Back)
Nick Chubb was the heart of the Browns’ offense, especially meaningful since this was his first game against the Steelers since a devastating knee injury in 2023. He ran the ball 20 times for 59 yards, averaging 2.95 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 57 seconds left. His 50th career touchdown put him among Browns legends like Jim Brown and Leroy Kelly. Chubb’s grit in the snow showed why he’s a fan favorite.
Jameis Winston (Quarterback)
Jameis Winston brought energy and clutch plays, despite some mistakes. He completed 21 of 36 passes for 235 yards, with no passing touchdowns but a rushing touchdown on a 6-yard scramble. Winston also had a fumble and an interception late in the game, but his leadership on the final drive, including a 26-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy, set up Chubb’s winning score. He completed five of six passes on the run for 97 yards, showing poise in tough conditions.
Myles Garrett (Defensive End)
On defense, Myles Garrett was a game-changer. He recorded three sacks in the first half alone, bringing his season total to 10. Garrett also forced a fumble on Steelers QB Russell Wilson, which led to a Browns field goal. His disruption of Pittsburgh’s offense was key to Cleveland’s early lead.
Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver)
Jeudy was a reliable target, catching six passes for 85 yards, including a critical 26-yard grab on the game-winning drive. His ability to find open space in the snow helped keep drives alive.
Dustin Hopkins (Kicker)
Hopkins made a 34-yard field goal, which was crucial in a low-scoring game, though he didn’t attempt any long-range kicks due to the weather.
Steelers’ Key Contributors
Russell Wilson (Quarterback)
Wilson struggled against Cleveland’s pass rush, completing 21 of 28 passes for 270 yards and one touchdown. He was sacked multiple times, including three by Garrett, and lost a fumble. His 23-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III gave the Steelers a late 19-18 lead, but a failed Hail Mary sealed their fate.
Jaylen Warren (Running Back)
Warren led the Steelers’ ground game with 54 yards on 11 carries, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. He was stopped on a critical fourth-and-1, which hurt Pittsburgh’s momentum.
Najee Harris (Running Back)
Harris was limited by Cleveland’s stout run defense, managing just 16 yards on six carries. The Browns’ front, led by Garrett, kept him in check.
Calvin Austin III (Wide Receiver)
Austin III was a bright spot, catching a 23-yard touchdown pass and finishing with 37 yards. His score briefly put the Steelers ahead in the fourth quarter.
Chris Boswell (Kicker)
Boswell, usually reliable, missed a 58-yard field goal in the snow but made a 48-yarder and a 28-yarder. The missed kick on the opening drive set a tough tone for Pittsburgh.
Game 1 Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Table
|
Team |
Player |
Position |
Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Browns |
Nick Chubb |
RB |
20 carries, 59 yards, 2 TDs |
|
Browns |
Jameis Winston |
QB |
21/36, 235 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 1 rushing TD |
|
Browns |
Myles Garrett |
DE |
3 sacks, 1 forced fumble |
|
Browns |
Jerry Jeudy |
WR |
6 receptions, 85 yards |
|
Browns |
Dustin Hopkins |
K |
1/1 FG (34 yards) |
|
Steelers |
Russell Wilson |
QB |
21/28, 270 yards, 1 TD, 1 fumble |
|
Steelers |
Jaylen Warren |
RB |
11 carries, 54 yards |
|
Steelers |
Najee Harris |
RB |
6 carries, 16 yards |
|
Steelers |
Calvin Austin III |
WR |
37 yards, 1 TD |
|
Steelers |
Chris Boswell |
K |
2/3 FG (48, 28 yards; missed 58) |
Game 2: Steelers 27, Browns 14 (December 8, 2024)
The rematch at Acrisure Stadium saw the Steelers bounce back, capitalizing on Browns’ mistakes to win 27-14. Pittsburgh moved to 10-3, while Cleveland fell to 3-10, officially ending their playoff hopes. Here’s how the players performed.
Steelers’ Standout Performers
Russell Wilson (Quarterback)
Wilson was more effective this time, throwing for 158 yards and two touchdowns on 15 of 26 passes. He connected with Van Jefferson for a 10-yard touchdown and avoided turnovers, a big improvement from the first game.
Najee Harris (Running Back)
Harris found more room to run, gaining 46 yards on 14 carries and scoring a 1-yard touchdown. His physicality helped control the clock, as Pittsburgh held the ball for 32:37.
Cam Heyward (Defensive Tackle)
Heyward was a force on defense, recording two sacks on Jameis Winston. His pressure disrupted Cleveland’s rhythm, especially in the second half.
Keeanu Benton (Defensive Tackle)
Benton snagged his first career interception, picking off a low pass from Winston at the line of scrimmage. This turnover led to a Steelers touchdown, swinging momentum.
Van Jefferson (Wide Receiver)
Jefferson stepped up in the absence of George Pickens, catching a 10-yard touchdown pass and finishing with 42 yards.
Browns’ Key Contributors
Jameis Winston (Quarterback)
Winston had a tougher day, completing 18 of 31 passes for 190 yards, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. A false start and a sack on a crucial third down derailed a potential scoring drive.
Jerome Ford (Running Back)
Ford provided a spark with a 56-yard kickoff return to open the second half, but his rushing was limited to 34 yards on 10 carries. A failed fourth-and-1 run hurt Cleveland’s chances.
Nick Chubb (Running Back)
Chubb was held to 44 yards on 15 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry. The Steelers’ defense, allowing just 90.8 rushing yards per game, bottled him up.
Isaiah McGuire (Defensive End)
McGuire forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter, giving the Browns a chance to close the gap, but Winston’s interception two plays later ended the comeback hopes.
Dustin Hopkins (Kicker)
Hopkins struggled, missing two field goals (38 and 43 yards), which cost the Browns crucial points.
Game 2 Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Table
|
Team |
Player |
Position |
Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Steelers |
Russell Wilson |
QB |
15/26, 158 yards, 2 TDs |
|
Steelers |
Najee Harris |
RB |
14 carries, 46 yards, 1 TD |
|
Steelers |
Cam Heyward |
DT |
2 sacks |
|
Steelers |
Keeanu Benton |
DT |
1 interception |
|
Steelers |
Van Jefferson |
WR |
42 yards, 1 TD |
|
Browns |
Jameis Winston |
QB |
18/31, 190 yards, 0 TD, 2 INTs |
|
Browns |
Jerome Ford |
RB |
10 carries, 34 yards; 56-yard kickoff return |
|
Browns |
Nick Chubb |
RB |
15 carries, 44 yards |
|
Browns |
Isaiah McGuire |
DE |
1 forced fumble |
|
Browns |
Dustin Hopkins |
K |
0/2 FG (missed 38, 43 yards) |
What the Stats Tell Us
Browns’ Strengths
-
Run Game Resilience: Nick Chubb’s performance in Game 1 showed his ability to deliver in clutch moments, even with limited yards. His 2.95 yards per carry in the snow was impressive given the conditions.
-
Defensive Dominance: Myles Garrett’s three-sack first half in Game 1 and Isaiah McGuire’s forced fumble in Game 2 highlight Cleveland’s ability to pressure quarterbacks. Their defense allowed just 4.1 yards per rush, tying for fifth-best in the NFL.
-
Clutch Plays: Jameis Winston’s ability to make big throws on the run (97 yards on five completions in Game 1) and Jerry Jeudy’s key catches kept drives alive.
Browns’ Weaknesses
-
Inconsistency at QB: Winston’s turnovers (three in the two games) were costly, especially in Game 2, where his interceptions led to Steelers points.
-
Kicking Struggles: Dustin Hopkins’ missed field goals in Game 2 were a major factor in the loss, as Cleveland scored on only one of four red-zone trips.
-
Third-Down Woes: The Browns’ 28.1% third-down conversion rate is the worst in the NFL, limiting their ability to sustain drives.
Steelers’ Strengths
-
Defensive Pressure: Cam Heyward and Keeanu Benton’s contributions in Game 2, along with T.J. Watt’s 17 career sacks against the Browns, show Pittsburgh’s ability to disrupt offenses.
-
Turnover Margin: Pittsburgh’s +11 turnover differential (19 takeaways, eight giveaways) is among the league’s best, and they capitalized on Cleveland’s mistakes in Game 2.
-
Balanced Offense: Russell Wilson’s cleaner performance in Game 2, paired with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren’s running, kept the Browns’ defense guessing.
Steelers’ Weaknesses
-
Run Game Struggles: In Game 1, the Steelers managed just 70 rushing yards, with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren contained by Cleveland’s front.
-
Weather Challenges: The snow in Game 1 exposed Pittsburgh’s struggles in adverse conditions, with missed kicks and turnovers hurting their chances.
-
Inconsistent Passing: Wilson’s 270 yards in Game 1 were solid, but his inability to sustain drives in the snow and reliance on short passes in Game 2 limited big plays.
Why This Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats rivalry isn’t just about stats—it’s about heart. Fans in Cleveland and Pittsburgh live for these games, and moments like Nick Chubb’s game-winning touchdown or Myles Garrett’s sack-fest are etched in memory. The 2024 season showed both teams’ strengths and flaws, with the Browns proving they can hang with the best despite a tough year, and the Steelers showing resilience after a rare loss.
For younger fans, think of this rivalry like a superhero showdown—each team has its stars, like Garrett and Watt, battling to prove who’s tougher. For older fans, it’s a reminder of decades of hard-fought games, from the 1970s when Chuck Noll’s Steelers dominated to the Browns’ playoff upset in 2021.
Looking Ahead
As we look to 2025, both teams face big questions. Can the Browns build on Winston’s flashes of brilliance and Chubb’s return? Will the Steelers’ defense, led by Watt and Heyward, keep them in playoff contention? The next chapter of this rivalry is sure to bring more unforgettable moments.
For the latest stats and updates, check sites like NFL.com, ESPN, or ClevelandBrowns.com. And if you’re a fantasy football player, keep an eye on stars like Chubb and Jeudy for the Browns or Harris and Wilson for the Steelers—they could make or break your lineup.
Conclusion
The 2024 Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats were a tale of two battles: a snowy upset in Cleveland and a bounce-back win in Pittsburgh. Players like Nick Chubb, Myles Garrett, Russell Wilson, and Cam Heyward defined these games with their stats and heart. Whether you’re cheering for the Browns or Steelers, this rivalry delivers every time. Keep this guide handy for the next matchup, and let’s see who writes the next chapter in this epic NFL story.