Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats: Complete Box Score, Top Performers & Game Analysis (2026)

Last updated: June 26, 2026

The latest Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats show how situational execution can matter more than total yardage in a close NFL game. Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 13–6 at Huntington Bank Field on December 28, 2025, in a physical AFC North matchup shaped by difficult weather, defensive stops and missed scoring opportunities.

Pittsburgh recorded more total yards, first downs, rushing yards, offensive plays and possession time. The Steelers also intercepted Shedeur Sanders twice and did not commit an official turnover. Despite those advantages, Pittsburgh failed to score a touchdown.

Cleveland won because it produced the game’s only touchdown, averaged more yards per offensive play, performed better on third down and stopped Pittsburgh on all three of its fourth-down attempts. The Browns also held the Steelers scoreless throughout the second half.

Sanders completed 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. Harold Fannin Jr. caught Cleveland’s only touchdown, while Jerry Jeudy led the Browns with 54 receiving yards. Andre Szmyt converted every kick and accounted for seven points.

For Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers completed 21 of 39 passes for 168 yards without a touchdown or interception. Jaylen Warren led the game with 64 rushing yards, and Pat Freiermuth led all receivers with 63 yards.

This complete analysis covers the final score, scoring drives, passing, rushing, receiving, defensive and special-teams statistics, injury context, top performers, turning points, rivalry history and the scheduled 2026 meetings.

Quick Answer: Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats

The Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 13–6 in the teams’ most recent completed matchup on December 28, 2025.

Cleveland built a 10–0 lead in the first quarter through a 50-yard Andre Szmyt field goal and a 28-yard touchdown pass from Shedeur Sanders to Harold Fannin Jr. Pittsburgh responded with two Chris Boswell field goals before halftime but did not score again.

The Browns held Pittsburgh to:

• Six total points
• No touchdowns
• 3-of-15 on third down
• 0-of-3 on fourth down
• 0-of-2 in the red zone
• 3.9 net yards per passing play
• Zero second-half points

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats at a Glance

Key Takeaways

• Cleveland beat Pittsburgh 13–6 despite being outgained 291–262.
• Shedeur Sanders threw the game’s only touchdown and completed 73.9% of his passes.
• Jaylen Warren led rushing with 64 yards, while Pat Freiermuth led receiving with 63.
• Pittsburgh intercepted Sanders twice but scored no points from either takeaway.
• The Steelers went 0-for-3 on fourth down and scored no second-half points.
• Andre Szmyt made both field goals and scored seven points.
• Denzel Ward sealed the win with a fourth-down pass breakup.
• The loss prevented Pittsburgh from clinching the AFC North in Week 17.

Match Overview

Rain, wind and cold temperatures supported the type of low-scoring, defense-first contest often associated with the rivalry.

Cleveland adjusted more effectively during the opening quarter. The Browns scored on their first two possessions and established a 10-point advantage before Pittsburgh’s offense developed any rhythm.

Final Score by Quarter

Cleveland scored its first 10 points during the opening quarter. Pittsburgh responded with two field goals in the second quarter, including one as time expired before halftime.

Neither team scored during the third quarter. The Browns added the final three points with 1:40 remaining when Szmyt converted a 33-yard field goal following a Pittsburgh turnover on downs.

Complete Scoring Summary

Cleveland’s only touchdown came from outside the red zone. As a result, the Browns officially finished 0-for-1 in red-zone touchdown efficiency even though they won by seven points.

Pittsburgh reached the Cleveland red zone twice but did not score a touchdown on either visit.

How the Game Unfolded

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats reflect a game decided by Cleveland’s fast start, Pittsburgh’s missed opportunities and a late defensive stand.

Cleveland Built an Early Lead

The Browns opened with a nine-play, 41-yard drive that ended in Andre Szmyt’s 50-yard field goal.

After Pittsburgh went three-and-out, Shedeur Sanders completed a 42-yard pass to Cedric Tillman before finding Harold Fannin Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown. The six-play, 86-yard drive gave Cleveland a 10–0 lead.

Pittsburgh Answered With Field Goals

Chris Boswell made field goals from 44 and 40 yards, reducing Cleveland’s halftime lead to 10–6.

Pittsburgh also gained excellent field position after Jack Sawyer intercepted Sanders, but the Steelers failed to score after the takeaway.

Cleveland’s Defense Controlled the Second Half

Neither team scored in the third quarter. Boswell missed a 54-yard field goal, while Kyle Dugger’s fourth-quarter interception of Sanders also produced no Pittsburgh points.

With Cleveland leading 10–6 late in the game, the Steelers failed on four consecutive pass attempts. Szmyt then added a 33-yard field goal to extend the lead to 13–6.

Pittsburgh’s final drive reached Cleveland’s 7-yard line, but Denzel Ward helped force three straight incompletions to Marquez Valdes-Scantling. His fourth-down pass breakup secured the victory.

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh gained more total yards, but Cleveland made the decisive plays in scoring situations.

How Injuries and Absences Shaped the Match

The final Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats must be considered alongside the important players who were unavailable or injured. Both teams entered the game without major contributors, and additional injuries changed their personnel during the contest.

Pittsburgh’s Missing Receivers Changed the Target Distribution

Without Metcalf and Austin, Pittsburgh directed 21 combined targets toward Valdes-Scantling, Miller and Thielen.

Those three receivers combined for:

• Eight receptions
• 60 receiving yards
• Zero touchdowns
• A 38.1% combined catch rate

Valdes-Scantling received a team-high nine targets but caught three passes for 21 yards. Miller caught three of seven targets for 25 yards, while Thielen caught two of five for 14.

These numbers add important context to the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats, as the lack of efficient production from Pittsburgh’s replacement receivers restricted the offense’s ability to create explosive passing plays.

Washington’s Injury Reduced Formation Flexibility

Washington caught both of his targets for 15 yards before leaving with a broken arm.

His departure reduced Pittsburgh’s tight-end depth and may have limited its use of heavier personnel, short-yardage formations and additional blocking options.

Cleveland Also Lost Important Offensive Pieces

The Browns entered without Njoku and Judkins and then lost Fannin after his touchdown reception.

Cleveland’s right-guard situation also changed repeatedly. Teller left after aggravating his calf, Jenkins replaced him and later entered concussion protocol, and Zak Zinter was required to complete the game.

These personnel changes help explain why the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show Cleveland struggling to sustain its offense after halftime.

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats: Team Comparison

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh led several volume categories, while Cleveland performed better in scoring and passing efficiency.

Pittsburgh led in total yards, first downs, rushing production, offensive plays and possession time.

Cleveland held the more valuable advantages:

• More points
• The game’s only touchdown
• More yards per play
• Better passing efficiency
• A higher third-down conversion rate
• Perfect field-goal accuracy
• Three fourth-down stops
• No second-half points allowed

The clearest difference in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats was passing efficiency, as Cleveland averaged 7.4 net yards per passing play compared with Pittsburgh’s 3.9.

Drive Outcome Comparison

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that drive efficiency mattered more than total yardage.

Pittsburgh scored on two possessions, while Cleveland scored on three despite throwing both interceptions.

Points Following Takeaways

Pittsburgh scored zero points after the two interceptions. This was one of the most important differences in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats, as the game was decided by seven points.

Average Starting Field Position

Pittsburgh’s average possession began around its own 32-yard line. Cleveland’s average possession began around its own 26.

The Steelers therefore held an average field-position advantage of approximately six yards per possession.

That advantage was supported by:

• Two interceptions
• Five punts placed inside Cleveland’s 20
• 34 punt-return yards
• 27 interception-return yards
• Cleveland’s limited second-half offense

Despite beginning with better field position, Pittsburgh scored fewer points and no touchdowns.

First-Half vs Second-Half Performance

Cleveland’s offense was far more productive before halftime.

The Browns gained 210 yards on 30 first-half plays, an average of seven yards per play. They generated nine first downs and scored 10 points.

After halftime, Cleveland gained only 52 yards, recorded two first downs and scored three points. Those three points began with possession already at Pittsburgh’s 20 following a turnover on downs.

Pittsburgh gained almost identical yardage in each half—145 before halftime and 146 after it—but scored no points during the final 30 minutes.

The split demonstrates how Cleveland’s offense created the lead while its defense preserved it.

Quarterback Comparison

Shedeur Sanders’ Performance

Sanders produced the more efficient passing performance.

He completed nearly 74% of his attempts, averaged 8.1 yards per throw and delivered the game’s only touchdown pass. His 42-yard completion to Tillman was also the longest offensive play.

Sanders completed passes to eight different players, allowing Cleveland to move the ball despite missing Njoku and losing Fannin during the first quarter.

His strongest numbers included:

• 17 completions
• 23 attempts
• 186 passing yards
• One passing touchdown
• 73.9% completion rate
• 8.1 yards per attempt
• 42-yard longest completion
• 10.9 yards per completion

However, the two interceptions prevented his performance from being complete.

Sawyer intercepted a pass intended for Sal Cannella and returned it to Cleveland’s 31. Dugger later intercepted a deep attempt intended for Jeudy.

The Browns’ defense prevented either mistake from producing Pittsburgh points.

Sanders also rushed four times for 20 yards. His mobility helped Cleveland avoid several negative situations and included an 11-yard run.

Aaron Rodgers’ Performance

Rodgers protected the football but struggled to generate scoring production.

He completed 21 of 39 attempts for 168 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. His 53.8% completion rate and 4.3 yards per attempt reflected Pittsburgh’s difficulty creating consistent downfield value.

Rodgers completed five passes to Smith, but those receptions produced only 18 yards. He also completed three passes each to Freiermuth, Miller, Valdes-Scantling and Gainwell.

His final numbers included:

• 21 completions
• 39 attempts
• 168 passing yards
• No passing touchdowns
• No interceptions
• 53.8% completion rate
• 4.3 yards per attempt
• 29-yard longest completion
• 8.0 yards per completion
• 64.9 passer rating

Rodgers attempted 16 more passes than Sanders but finished with 18 fewer passing yards.

His best sequence came on Pittsburgh’s final possession, when completions to Miller and Freiermuth moved the Steelers to Cleveland’s 7. The drive ended with three consecutive incomplete passes to Valdes-Scantling.

Cleveland Browns Rushing Stats

Cleveland did not establish a dominant conventional running game.

Sampson led the Browns with 27 yards on 11 attempts, while Raheim Sanders added 21 yards. Neither running back averaged more than 2.6 yards per carry.

Shedeur Sanders nearly matched the two leading running backs, gaining 20 yards on four attempts.

Cleveland recorded only one rushing first down and no rushing touchdowns. Cleveland continued running while protecting the lead, even though the ground game averaged only 3.1 yards per attempt.

Pittsburgh Steelers Rushing Stats

Pittsburgh clearly won the rushing comparison.

The Steelers gained 131 yards and averaged 5.5 yards per attempt. Warren led all players with 64 yards on 12 carries and produced gains of 15 and 13 yards.

Heyward recorded the longest run with a 29-yard direct snap. That play helped create Pittsburgh’s first field goal.

The Steelers’ inability to convert their rushing advantage into a touchdown was one of the game’s central problems. Pittsburgh moved efficiently between the 20-yard lines but could not maintain the same success in decisive short-yardage and scoring situations.

Cleveland Browns Receiving Stats

Jeudy led Cleveland with five catches and 54 yards. All five receptions came before halftime, underlining how sharply the Browns’ passing production declined during the second half.

Tillman made the game’s longest reception, gaining 42 yards on his only target.

Fannin caught both of his targets for 30 yards. His 28-yard touchdown was the game’s most valuable reception, but his groin injury ended his participation.

Bates and Bond also made important first-half catches. Bates gained 19 yards during Cleveland’s opening possession, while Bond converted a third down with a 16-yard reception.

Sampson caught three passes but recorded zero receiving yards because the plays gained one yard, lost one yard and produced no gain.

Pittsburgh Steelers Receiving Stats

Freiermuth led all players with 63 receiving yards despite making only three catches.

Two of those receptions came during the final drive, including a 29-yard gain that moved Pittsburgh to Cleveland’s 21.

Smith caught every target but produced only 18 yards. His 3.6 yards per reception reflected Pittsburgh’s reliance on short passing.

Valdes-Scantling received a team-high nine targets but caught three. His low catch rate became particularly important when all three passes directed toward him near the end zone during the final drive fell incomplete.

Cleveland Browns Defensive Leaders

Bush and Schwesinger shared Cleveland’s tackle lead with nine each.

Schwesinger played every defensive snap while managing an injury. Delpit added eight tackles, a sack, a quarterback hit and a forced fumble.

Wright recorded Cleveland’s other sack and contributed two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits.

Campbell defended two passes, while Ward recorded the final fourth-down pass breakup.

Garrett’s box-score production was limited to one tackle and one quarterback hit, while Delpit and Wright recorded Cleveland’s two sacks.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Leaders

Pittsburgh’s defense performed well enough to win.

The Steelers held Cleveland to 262 yards, intercepted Sanders twice and allowed only three points after the opening quarter.

Highsmith was the most disruptive Pittsburgh defender. He recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits.

Dugger led the defense with eight tackles and intercepted Sanders in the fourth quarter. Sawyer recorded Pittsburgh’s first interception and returned it 27 yards.

The defense repeatedly created opportunities, but Pittsburgh’s offense did not convert them into points.

Interception Summary

Pittsburgh won the official turnover margin 2–0.

However, turnover margin is valuable only when the resulting possessions improve scoring probability. The Steelers failed to score after either interception.

Cleveland’s defense therefore neutralized Sanders’ two most damaging mistakes.

Fumbles and Ball Security

Pittsburgh put the ball on the ground three times but recovered every fumble.

Warren fumbled during the opening possession, but Dylan Cook recovered. Rodgers later fumbled when Delpit sacked him, and Smith recovered before advancing the ball. Valdes-Scantling also fumbled after a reception but recovered it himself.

Although Pittsburgh officially committed no turnovers, the three fumbles show that the offense experienced several ball-security risks.

Special-Teams Stats

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland had the more reliable kicking performance, while Pittsburgh held the advantage in returns and directional punting.

Kicking

Szmyt made field goals from 50 and 33 yards, scoring seven points. Boswell converted from 44 and 40 yards but missed a 54-yard attempt that could have reduced Cleveland’s lead to one point.

Punting

Bojorquez averaged 57 yards per punt, while Waitman placed all five of his punts inside Cleveland’s 20.

Return Statistics

Miller recorded 34 punt-return yards, while Gainwell and Warren each returned a kickoff for 23 yards. Williams gained 25 yards on Cleveland’s only kickoff return.

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh created a return-yardage advantage but failed to convert it into touchdowns.

Top Cleveland Browns Performers

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats highlight seven Browns who made important contributions to the 13–6 victory.

1. Denzel Ward

Ward defended Pittsburgh’s fourth-down pass in the end zone with 21 seconds remaining. His coverage secured Cleveland’s victory despite a modest statistical line of one assisted tackle and one pass defensed.

2. Harold Fannin Jr.

Fannin caught two passes for 30 yards, including the game’s only touchdown. His 28-yard reception gave Cleveland a 10–0 lead before a groin injury ended his game.

3. Andre Szmyt

Szmyt scored seven points and converted every kick. He made field goals from 50 and 33 yards, with the final kick extending Cleveland’s lead to seven.

4. Carson Schwesinger

Schwesinger recorded nine tackles and played every defensive snap despite managing an injury. His consistency helped Cleveland prevent Pittsburgh from scoring a touchdown.

5. Shedeur Sanders

Sanders completed 73.9% of his passes for 186 yards and one touchdown. His two interceptions were costly, but his passing efficiency helped establish the winning lead.

6. Grant Delpit

Delpit finished with eight tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit and one forced fumble, contributing against both the run and pass.

7. Jerry Jeudy

Jeudy caught five of seven targets for a team-high 54 yards. All five receptions came during Cleveland’s productive first half.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland’s victory resulted from contributions across offense, defense and special teams.

Top Pittsburgh Steelers Performers

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats highlight six Steelers who made important contributions despite the 13–6 defeat.

1. Alex Highsmith

Highsmith recorded two sacks, two tackles for loss and four quarterback hits. His pressure helped Pittsburgh hold Cleveland to 52 second-half yards.

2. Jaylen Warren

Warren led all rushers with 64 yards on 12 carries, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt.

3. Pat Freiermuth

Freiermuth caught three passes for a game-high 63 yards. His late receptions helped Pittsburgh reach Cleveland’s 7-yard line.

4. Kyle Dugger

Dugger led Pittsburgh with eight tackles and intercepted Shedeur Sanders in the fourth quarter.

5. Jack Sawyer

Sawyer intercepted Sanders and returned the ball 27 yards to Cleveland’s 31, creating a valuable scoring opportunity.

6. Corliss Waitman

Waitman placed all five punts inside Cleveland’s 20, repeatedly forcing the Browns to start with poor field position.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh received strong defensive and special-teams performances but lacked enough offensive scoring.

Hidden-Impact Players the Traditional Box Score Can Miss

Myles Garrett

Garrett finished with one tackle, no sacks and one quarterback hit.

Those numbers do not fully capture every way an edge defender can influence an offense, but the official box score does not assign protection adjustments to individual players.

Garrett’s recorded production was limited, while Delpit and Wright accounted for Cleveland’s two sacks.

Denzel Ward

Ward’s final pass breakup mattered more than his total tackle count.

Defensive backs can play an excellent game without recording many traditional statistics when opposing quarterbacks avoid them or fail to complete passes into their coverage.

Cleveland’s Replacement Offensive Linemen

The Browns experienced multiple changes at right guard after Teller and Jenkins left.

Zinter entered at right guard after Teller and Jenkins left, completing Cleveland’s in-game offensive-line reshuffle.

Corliss Waitman

Punting receives less attention than offensive statistics, but Waitman’s five punts inside the 20 contributed directly to Cleveland’s poor second-half field position.

Editorial Player Grades

These grades are an editorial assessment based on production, situational impact and mistakes. They are not official NFL or team grades.

Biggest Turning Points

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats highlight several moments that decided Cleveland’s 13–6 victory.

Cleveland’s Fast Start

The Browns’ first two drives produced 127 yards, five first downs and 10 points. Those possessions accounted for nearly half of Cleveland’s total yardage.

Tillman and Fannin Created the Touchdown

Cedric Tillman’s 42-yard catch changed the field position before Harold Fannin Jr. scored on a 28-yard reception. It remained the game’s only touchdown.

Pittsburgh Wasted Two Interceptions

Jack Sawyer returned an interception to Cleveland’s 31, but Pittsburgh turned the ball over on downs. Kyle Dugger later intercepted Sanders, but the Steelers punted without scoring.

These missed opportunities were among the most important details in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats.

Boswell Missed a Critical Field Goal

Chris Boswell missed a 54-yard attempt with Pittsburgh trailing 10–6. A successful kick would have reduced Cleveland’s lead to one point.

Pittsburgh’s Late Four-and-Out

With 2:16 remaining, Pittsburgh failed to gain a yard on four pass attempts. Cleveland then took possession at the Steelers’ 20 and added a field goal.

Ward Sealed the Victory

Pittsburgh’s final drive reached Cleveland’s 7, but Denzel Ward defended the fourth-down pass that ended the comeback attempt.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland converted its early opportunities while Pittsburgh failed in the game’s most important moments.

Why the Cleveland Browns Won

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland won by performing better in the situations most closely connected to scoring.

Pittsburgh ran 15 more plays, gained 29 more yards and held the ball slightly longer. However, Cleveland built an early 10-point lead and repeatedly stopped the Steelers in crucial moments.

Cleveland Scored the Only Touchdown

Harold Fannin Jr.’s 28-yard touchdown reception created the game’s decisive scoring advantage.

The Browns Were More Efficient Through the Air

Cleveland gained 186 passing yards on 23 attempts, while Pittsburgh recorded 168 yards on 39 attempts. This passing difference was one of the clearest advantages in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats.

Cleveland Won on Key Downs

The Browns converted 36.4% of their third downs, compared with Pittsburgh’s 20%, and stopped all three Steelers fourth-down attempts.

The Defense Protected the Goal Line

Pittsburgh entered the red zone twice but did not score a touchdown. Cleveland also forced three consecutive incompletions after the Steelers reached the 7-yard line.

Special Teams Made a Difference

Andre Szmyt converted every kick, while Chris Boswell missed a fourth-quarter field goal.

Cleveland Survived Two Turnovers

Shedeur Sanders threw two interceptions, but Pittsburgh scored no points after either takeaway.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland converted its scoring opportunities and delivered the stronger situational performance.

Why Pittsburgh Lost Despite Winning the Yardage Battle

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh moved the ball but failed to finish its possessions.

Poor Situational Execution

Pittsburgh finished:

• 3-of-15 on third down
• 0-of-3 on fourth down
• 0-of-2 in the red zone
• 0-of-1 in goal-to-go situations

These failures outweighed its advantages in total yards and possession time.

Limited Passing Efficiency

Aaron Rodgers completed 21 passes, but Pittsburgh averaged only 3.9 net yards per passing play. Jonnu Smith gained 18 yards on five catches, while Valdes-Scantling, Miller and Thielen combined for only 60 yards on 21 targets.

Takeaways Produced No Points

Pittsburgh’s two interceptions led to a turnover on downs and a punt, reducing their impact on the result.

Rushing Success Did Not Produce a Touchdown

The Steelers averaged 5.5 yards per carry but failed to score on the ground. Their rushing success did not continue in scoring territory.

Injuries Limited the Offense

The absences of DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin III reduced Pittsburgh’s receiving depth and speed. Darnell Washington’s injury further limited formation and blocking options.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Pittsburgh’s yardage advantage was undermined by poor passing efficiency and missed scoring opportunities.

What the Result Meant for Both Teams

Cleveland’s victory improved its record to 4–12 and gave the Browns their first AFC North win of the 2025 season.

It also allowed Cleveland to split the regular-season series after Pittsburgh won the first meeting.

The Browns later defeated Cincinnati and completed the season with a 5–12 record.

For Pittsburgh, the loss prevented the Steelers from clinching the AFC North during Week 17. They fell to 9–7 and entered a winner-take-all Week 18 game against Baltimore.

Pittsburgh defeated the Ravens 26–24 on January 4, 2026, finished 10–7, won the AFC North and entered the playoffs as the AFC’s fourth seed.

The defeat in Cleveland therefore delayed Pittsburgh’s division title rather than eliminating its postseason opportunity.

2025 Browns–Steelers Season Series

Each team defended its home field.

Pittsburgh outscored Cleveland 29–22 across the two games, but Cleveland produced the stronger defensive performance in the second meeting.

The Browns reduced Pittsburgh from 23 points in the first matchup to six in the rematch.

Browns vs Steelers Rivalry History

The Browns and Steelers share one of professional football’s oldest divisional rivalries.

As of the 2026 offseason, Pittsburgh leads the all-time series, including playoff meetings, 83–65–1.

The rivalry is commonly associated with:

• Physical defensive play
• Strong pass rushing
• Cold-weather games
• Short geographic distance
• Important divisional consequences
• Close fourth-quarter finishes
• Intense home-field environments

The December 2025 contest followed that pattern. Neither offense reached 300 total yards, the teams combined for one touchdown and the result remained undecided until the final seconds.

Upcoming Browns vs Steelers Games in 2026

The first 2026 meeting will be played on Thursday Night Football in Cleveland.

The rematch will take place one month later in Pittsburgh during Cleveland’s three-game road stretch.

Scheduled dates, kickoff times and broadcasts remain subject to the NFL’s applicable scheduling procedures.

What Both Teams Must Improve Before the 2026 Meetings

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats reveal several areas both teams must address before their 2026 matchups.

Cleveland Needs Better Second-Half Offense

The Browns gained 210 yards before halftime but only 52 afterward. Cleveland cannot rely on its defense while producing just two second-half first downs.

Pittsburgh Must Finish Drives

The Steelers moved the ball but struggled on third down and in the red zone. Better execution and receiver availability will be important.

Takeaways Must Become Points

Pittsburgh forced two interceptions but scored no points afterward. Short fields must produce stronger results.

Cleveland Must Protect the Ball

The Browns survived two interceptions, but similar mistakes could be more costly in future meetings.

Health and Depth Will Matter

Both teams relied on replacements because of injuries. The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show how player availability can influence offensive and defensive performance.

Final Verdict

The latest Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers match player stats demonstrate why NFL games cannot be evaluated only through total yards, rushing averages or time of possession.

Pittsburgh moved the ball more often, controlled the rushing comparison and created two takeaways. However, the Steelers failed to score a touchdown, converted only 20% of their third downs and went 0-for-3 on fourth down.

Cleveland produced fewer total yards but made the most valuable plays. Sanders connected with Fannin for the only touchdown, Szmyt converted every kick and the Browns’ defense repeatedly stopped Pittsburgh in high-leverage situations.

Ward delivered the game-sealing pass breakup, but the victory was created by a complete defensive performance. Delpit and Wright recorded sacks, Schwesinger and Bush led the tackling production, and Cleveland prevented Pittsburgh from scoring after either interception.

The 13–6 result gave the Browns a meaningful rivalry victory and delayed Pittsburgh’s AFC North title celebration until Week 18. The two scheduled 2026 matchups will show whether Cleveland can repeat its defensive formula or Pittsburgh can convert its statistical advantages into touchdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the Browns vs Steelers halftime score?

Cleveland led Pittsburgh 10–6 at halftime. The Browns scored 10 points in the first quarter, while the Steelers answered with two field goals in the second quarter.

2. Which team had more total yards in the Browns vs Steelers game?

Pittsburgh recorded 291 total yards, compared with Cleveland’s 262. However, Cleveland averaged more yards per play and scored the game’s only touchdown.

3. Which team performed better on third down?

Cleveland converted four of 11 third-down attempts for a 36.4% success rate. Pittsburgh converted only three of 15 attempts, finishing at 20%.

4. What was the longest play in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats?

The longest offensive play was Shedeur Sanders’ 42-yard completion to Cedric Tillman in the first quarter. The play helped set up Cleveland’s only touchdown drive.

5. How many points were scored in the second half?

Only three points were scored after halftime. Andre Szmyt made a 33-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, while Pittsburgh was held scoreless in the second half.

This second-half scoring difference is one of the most notable details in the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats.

6. Did Myles Garrett record a sack against Pittsburgh?

No. Myles Garrett finished without a sack, although he recorded one quarterback hit and attracted additional blocking attention from Pittsburgh’s offense.

7. Which kicker scored the most points?

Cleveland kicker Andre Szmyt led the game with seven points. He made field goals from 50 and 33 yards and converted his only extra-point attempt.

8. Did either team score a red-zone touchdown?

No. Pittsburgh went 0-for-2 in the red zone, while Cleveland finished 0-for-1. The Browns’ only touchdown came on a 28-yard pass from outside the red zone.

9. Which team controlled time of possession?

Pittsburgh held the ball for 30 minutes and 39 seconds, while Cleveland possessed it for 29 minutes and 21 seconds. The Steelers’ slight possession advantage did not result in a touchdown.

10. What were the weather conditions for the Browns vs Steelers game?

The game was played in rain with a temperature of 45°F and winds of approximately 14 mph. The conditions contributed to a low-scoring contest in which defense, field position and kicking became especially important.

Overall, the Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats show that Cleveland handled the difficult conditions more effectively in the game’s decisive moments.

Evelyn

Evelyn is a business and technology writer at StartupEditor.com, where she covers startups, finance, insurance, legal topics, and emerging technologies. She specializes in creating in-depth, research-driven guides that help entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals understand complex business and financial topics. Through clear analysis and SEO-optimized content, Evelyn delivers practical insights, industry trends, and reliable information to a global audience.

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