The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats rivalry, often called the Turnpike Rivalry, is one of the NFL’s most storied and intense matchups. Dating back to 1950, these two AFC North teams have clashed 146 times, with the Steelers leading the series 81-63-1. The 2024 season brought two thrilling games between these rivals, packed with standout performances, game-changing plays, and moments that had fans on the edge of their seats. In this article, we’ll break down the player stats from both games in an easy-to-read format, highlighting key performers, critical moments, and what the numbers tell us about this fierce competition. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to football, this guide will make the stats simple and engaging.
The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry: A Quick Overview
Before diving into the stats, let’s set the stage. The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats are division rivals in the AFC North, meaning they face off twice each regular season. Their proximity—connected by the Ohio and Pennsylvania Turnpikes—adds fuel to the fire, as does the passionate fanbase split in places like Youngstown, Ohio, roughly halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. In 2024, the teams met in Week 12 (November 21) and Week 14 (December 8), splitting the season series with one win each. The Browns won a snowy 24-19 upset in Cleveland, while the Steelers answered with a 27-14 victory in Pittsburgh. Let’s unpack the player stats from these games, starting with the first matchup.
Week 12: Browns 24, Steelers 19 (November 21, 2024)
The first game of the 2024 season series was a primetime thriller at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, played under heavy snow that turned the field into a winter wonderland. The Browns, coming in with a 2-8 record, were underdogs against the 8-2 Steelers, but they pulled off a stunning upset, thanks to clutch plays and a dominant defensive performance. Here’s a look at the key player stats.
Browns’ Key Performers
-
Nick Chubb (Running Back): Chubb was the heart and soul of the Browns’ victory. In his first game against the Steelers since a devastating knee injury in 2023 at Acrisure Stadium, Chubb ran for 59 yards on 20 carries, scoring two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 57 seconds left. His 2-yard TD dive in the fourth quarter capped a 45-yard drive, showcasing his resilience and ability to power through tough conditions. Chubb’s performance was emotional, as teammate Myles Garrett noted, “It meant a lot to him… this speaks to the kind of resilience and the man that he is.”
-
Jameis Winston (Quarterback): Winston, the Browns’ starting QB after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury, completed 24 of 41 passes for 211 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. Despite the turnovers, Winston shone in the clutch, completing a 26-yard pass to Jerry Jeudy and a 15-yard third-down pass to Jeudy to set up Chubb’s winning score. His ability to throw in near-whiteout conditions was impressive, though a fumble and interception late in the game nearly cost the Browns.
-
Myles Garrett (Defensive End): Garrett was a force, recording three sacks in the first half alone, bringing his season total to 10. His strip-sack of Steelers QB Russell Wilson led to a Browns field goal, and his pressure disrupted Pittsburgh’s offense early. Garrett’s dominance earned him praise as he aimed to prove he’s the NFL’s top edge defender, saying, “I wanted to make it known that I’m No. 1.”
-
Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Jeudy caught seven passes for 94 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown in the first quarter that gave the Browns an early lead. His clutch catches in the fourth quarter, including a 5-yard grab on fourth-and-3, kept the game-winning drive alive.
-
Dustin Hopkins (Kicker): Hopkins made a 34-yard field goal in the second quarter but struggled in tough conditions, missing two kicks in a prior game. His field goal after Garrett’s strip-sack was crucial in building a 10-3 halftime lead.
Steelers’ Key Performers
-
Russell Wilson (Quarterback): Wilson threw for 158 yards, completing 17 of 28 passes with one touchdown and one fumble. He struggled early under Garrett’s pressure, including a strip-sack, but rallied in the fourth quarter with a 23-yard TD pass to Calvin Austin III to take a 19-18 lead. His Hail Mary attempt on the final play was knocked down by Browns safety Grant Delpit.
-
Calvin Austin III (Wide Receiver): Austin’s 23-yard touchdown catch in the fourth quarter was a highlight, giving the Steelers a brief lead. He finished with four catches for 59 yards, stepping up in the absence of leading receiver George Pickens, who was sidelined with a groin injury.
-
Najee Harris (Running Back): Harris ran for 88 yards on 17 carries, averaging over 5 yards per carry, and scored a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His explosive runs in the second half helped control the clock, but the Steelers couldn’t sustain their momentum.
-
Chris Boswell (Kicker): Boswell, typically reliable, missed a 58-yard field goal in the first quarter and made a 28-yard field goal in the third. The missed kick on the opening drive set a tough tone for Pittsburgh in the snowy conditions.
Game-Changing Moments
-
Garrett’s First-Half Dominance: Garrett’s three sacks, including a strip-sack, disrupted the Steelers’ rhythm and set up a Browns field goal.
-
Chubb’s Game-Winning Drive: Winston’s passes to Jeudy and Chubb’s 2-yard TD run with 57 seconds left sealed the upset. The Browns converted two fourth-down plays on this drive, showing grit in the snow.
-
Steelers’ Failed Fourth Downs: Pittsburgh went 0-for-2 on fourth-down attempts, including a 2-yard loss by Justin Fields in the first quarter and a 1-yard loss by Jaylen Warren in the third, halting drives.
Team Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Snapshot
|
Stat |
Browns |
Steelers |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
300 | 267 |
|
Passing Yards |
211 | 158 |
|
Rushing Yards |
89 | 109 |
|
Turnovers |
3 | 1 |
|
First Downs |
20 | 15 |
|
Time of Possession |
30:00 | 30:00 |
The Browns’ defense, led by Garrett, held the Steelers to 3.97 yards per carry and forced a fumble, while their offense capitalized on short fields. Despite three turnovers, Cleveland’s clutch plays in the fourth quarter secured the 24-19 win.
Week 14: Steelers 27, Browns 14 (December 8, 2024)
The rematch at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh saw the Steelers bounce back, improving to 10-3 while dropping the Browns to 3-10. Without George Pickens, Pittsburgh leaned on their defense and a balanced offense to exploit Cleveland’s mistakes. Here’s how the players performed.
Steelers’ Key Performers
-
Russell Wilson (Quarterback): Wilson threw for 158 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Pat Freiermuth and Van Jefferson. He completed 17 of 28 passes, avoiding the early pressure that plagued him in Week 12. His 10-yard TD pass to Jefferson and a later score to Freiermuth were pivotal in building a two-score lead.
-
Pat Freiermuth (Tight End): Freiermuth caught a touchdown pass in the fourth quarter, stumbling into the end zone for a key score. He finished with three receptions for 42 yards, stepping up as a reliable target without Pickens.
-
Cam Heyward (Defensive Tackle): Heyward recorded two sacks, anchoring a defense that pressured Winston into two interceptions. His presence helped limit Browns RB Nick Chubb to 48 yards on 15 carries.
-
Keeanu Benton (Defensive Tackle): Benton snagged his first career interception off a low Winston pass, returning it 11 yards to set up a Steelers touchdown. His play sparked Pittsburgh’s defense.
-
Najee Harris (Running Back): Harris ran for 71 yards on 14 carries, including a 1-yard touchdown in the second quarter. His steady output helped control the game’s pace.
Browns’ Key Performers
-
Jameis Winston (Quarterback): Winston completed 24 of 41 passes for 211 yards, throwing two touchdowns but also two interceptions. His 35-yard TD pass to Jerry Jeudy gave the Browns an early 7-0 lead, but turnovers, including Benton’s interception, proved costly. Winston later admitted, “I believe the Cleveland Browns beat the Cleveland Browns.”
-
Jerry Jeudy (Wide Receiver): Jeudy caught five passes for 76 yards, including a 35-yard touchdown. Despite his early impact, the Browns’ passing game stalled in the second half.
-
Nick Chubb (Running Back): Chubb managed 48 yards on 15 carries in his return to Pittsburgh, where he suffered his 2023 injury. He was held in check by the Steelers’ defense, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry.
-
Jerome Ford (Running Back): Ford provided a spark with a 56-yard kickoff return to open the second half, but he was stuffed for a 5-yard loss on a critical fourth-and-1, ending a promising drive.
-
Isaiah McGuire (Defensive End): McGuire forced a fumble late in the fourth quarter, giving the Browns a chance to rally, but Winston’s interception two plays later sealed their fate.
Game-Changing Moments
-
Benton’s Interception: Keeanu Benton’s first-quarter interception off Winston set up a Steelers touchdown, shifting momentum.
-
Fourth-Down Stop: Elandon Roberts stuffed Jerome Ford for a 5-yard loss on fourth-and-1, halting a Browns drive in the third quarter.
-
Wilson’s TD Passes: Wilson’s second-half touchdown passes to Jefferson and Freiermuth built a 20-7 lead, putting the game out of reach.
Team Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Snapshot
|
Stat |
Browns |
Steelers |
|---|---|---|
|
Total Yards |
300 | 267 |
|
Passing Yards |
211 | 158 |
|
Rushing Yards |
89 | 109 |
|
Turnovers |
3 | 1 |
|
First Downs |
20 | 15 |
|
Time of Possession |
30:00 | 30:00 |
The Steelers’ plus-11 turnover differential (compared to the Browns’ minus-5) was a key factor, with Pittsburgh capitalizing on Cleveland’s three turnovers. The Browns’ red-zone struggles (1-for-4) and Hopkins’ two missed field goals were decisive in their 27-14 loss.
Comparing the Two Games
Both games showcased the physical, turnover-heavy nature of the rivalry. The Browns’ Week 12 win relied on Garrett’s defensive dominance and Chubb’s clutch scoring, while the Steelers’ Week 14 victory highlighted their ability to exploit mistakes and lean on Wilson’s efficiency. Here’s a quick comparison of standout stats:
-
Quarterbacks: Winston threw for 211 yards in both games but had four total turnovers (two interceptions, two fumbles). Wilson was steadier, with 316 yards across both games, three touchdowns, and one fumble.
-
Running Backs: Chubb had 107 yards and two touchdowns across the two games, but his impact was greater in Week 12. Harris led the Steelers with 159 yards and two touchdowns, thriving in both games.
-
Defensive Stars: Garrett’s three sacks in Week 12 were unmatched, but Heyward and Benton stepped up for Pittsburgh in Week 14 with key plays.
-
Turnovers: The Browns had six turnovers across both games, compared to the Steelers’ two, highlighting Pittsburgh’s edge in ball security.
Why These Stats Matter
For fans, these stats tell the story of a rivalry where every play counts. The Browns’ Week 12 upset showed their potential to compete despite a 3-8 record, with Chubb and Garrett proving they can change games. The Steelers’ Week 14 response underscored their consistency, with a 10-3 record reflecting their ability to minimize mistakes and capitalize on opponents’ errors. For fantasy football players, performers like Jeudy, Harris, and Freiermuth offered reliable points, while kickers like Hopkins and Boswell struggled in tough conditions.
Historical Context
The Steelers have dominated the rivalry since 1994, winning 43 of 52 games, including a 26-7-1 record under coach Mike Tomlin. However, the Browns’ Week 12 win ended a five-game Pittsburgh winning streak and marked their first home victory over the Steelers since 2004. The 2024 split shows the rivalry remains competitive, with both teams showcasing young talent and veteran leadership.
What’s Next for the Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry?
As of August 30, 2025, the teams are gearing up for their next meeting on October 12, 2025, at Acrisure Stadium. The Browns, coming off a 3-10 season, will look to build on their Week 12 upset, while the Steelers aim to maintain their AFC North lead. Key players to watch include Chubb, who continues to defy odds post-injury, and Wilson, whose veteran presence stabilizes Pittsburgh’s offense.
Conclusion
The 2024 Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats were a microcosm of their historic rivalry: physical, emotional, and full of surprises. From Chubb’s triumphant return to Garrett’s sack-fueled dominance and Wilson’s clutch throws, the player stats tell a story of resilience, mistakes, and game-changing moments. Whether you’re rooting for the Black and Gold or the Orange and Brown, these games remind us why this rivalry captivates fans year after year. For more detailed stats, check out sites like ESPN, NFL.com, or Stathead.com, and stay tuned for the next chapter in this epic showdown.