The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats share one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries, often dubbed the “Turnpike Rivalry” due to the proximity of the two cities along the Ohio and Pennsylvania Turnpikes. This matchup is more than just a game—it’s a clash of pride, history, and grit. Fans eagerly await each encounter, and player stats from these games tell the story of individual brilliance and team battles. In this article, we’ll break down the key player performances from their most recent games in the 2024 season, focusing on the stats that defined the outcomes. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the NFL, this guide is designed to be clear, engaging, and easy to follow.
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 most frequently played matchup in the AFC. Pittsburgh leads the series 82-64, with one tie, but Cleveland has had its moments of dominance, especially in the early years. The 2024 season saw two thrilling games between these teams, with the Browns pulling off an upset on November 21, 2024 (24-19) and the Steelers responding with a 27-14 victory on December 8, 2024. Let’s dive into the player stats from these games to see who stood out and why.
Game 1: Browns 24, Steelers 19 (November 21, 2024)
This snowy Thursday night game at Huntington Bank Field was a classic. The Browns, despite a 3-8 record, stunned the 8-2 Steelers in a gritty, turnover-filled battle. Here’s how the key players performed.
Cleveland Browns: Key Player Stats
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Jameis Winston (QB): Winston, stepping in after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury, was a difference-maker. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 219 yards, with no passing touchdowns but a crucial 6-yard rushing touchdown. His ability to manage the game in tough weather conditions was key, though he threw one interception that gave Pittsburgh a chance to stay in the game. Winston also found tight end David Njoku for a 2-point conversion, sealing the Browns’ lead late in the game.
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Nick Chubb (RB): Chubb was the heart of Cleveland’s offense, carrying the ball 20 times for 66 yards and scoring two touchdowns, including the game-winning 2-yard run with 57 seconds left. His 3.3 yards per carry average reflected the Steelers’ stout run defense, but Chubb’s physicality in the red zone was clutch.
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David Njoku (TE): Njoku proved why he’s one of the NFL’s best after-the-catch tight ends. He caught 5 passes for 74 yards and was a reliable target for Winston. His 2-point conversion catch was a pivotal moment.
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Dustin Hopkins (K): The kicker was perfect, hitting a 34-yard field goal and all three extra-point attempts, adding stability to Cleveland’s scoring efforts.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Player Stats
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Russell Wilson (QB): Wilson struggled in the snow, completing 21 of 34 passes for 238 yards with no touchdowns and a costly fumble on a sack. His inability to connect on a Hail Mary attempt in the final moments sealed Pittsburgh’s fate. Still, Wilson’s leadership kept the Steelers competitive.
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Chris Boswell (K): Boswell was a bright spot, hitting field goals from 48 and 28 yards, though he missed a 58-yard attempt early in the game. His 5 points accounted for nearly half of Pittsburgh’s total.
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George Pickens (WR): Pickens led the receiving corps with 4 catches for 68 yards, showing flashes of his big-play ability despite the tough conditions.
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DeShon Elliott (SS): On defense, Elliott was a standout, recovering a fumble by Browns’ receiver Cedric Tillman and making 6 tackles. His play helped keep Pittsburgh in the game despite offensive struggles.
Game 1 Takeaways
The Browns’ victory was a testament to their resilience. Winston’s dual-threat play and Chubb’s red-zone dominance outshone Pittsburgh’s efforts. The Steelers’ defense, led by Elliott, forced turnovers, but their offense couldn’t capitalize. Turnovers were a major storyline, with Cleveland’s minus-5 turnover differential hurting them less than Pittsburgh’s minus-1, thanks to timely scoring.
Game 2: Steelers 27, Browns 14 (December 8, 2024)
The rematch at Acrisure Stadium was a different story. The Steelers, now 10-3, bounced back with a commanding performance against the 3-10 Browns. Here’s a breakdown of the standout players.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Key Player Stats
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Russell Wilson (QB): Wilson redeemed himself, completing 16 of 24 passes for 185 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. His key throws included a 12-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens and a 22-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth. Wilson also scrambled for 15 yards, showing his veteran savvy.
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Najee Harris (RB): Harris powered the ground game with 22 carries for 88 yards and a touchdown. His 4.0 yards per carry average exploited Cleveland’s weaker run defense, which allowed 4.1 yards per rush attempt this season.
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George Pickens (WR): Pickens shined again, catching 5 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown. His ability to stretch the field opened up opportunities for the Steelers’ offense.
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T.J. Watt (LB): Watt was a menace, recording 1.5 sacks and 4 tackles. His pressure on Winston disrupted Cleveland’s rhythm, adding to his league-leading 17 career sacks against the Browns.
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Cam Heyward (DT): Heyward contributed 5 tackles and a half-sack, anchoring a defense that held Cleveland to 300 total yards and forced three turnovers.
Cleveland Browns: Key Player Stats
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Jameis Winston (QB): Winston struggled in this game, completing 19 of 31 passes for 204 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions. His lone touchdown pass was a 14-yard throw to Jerry Jeudy, but turnovers hurt Cleveland’s chances.
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Nick Chubb (RB): Chubb managed 15 carries for 55 yards, averaging 3.7 yards per carry. The Steelers’ defense, allowing just 3.97 yards per carry to running backs, limited his impact.
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Jerry Jeudy (WR): Jeudy was a bright spot, catching 6 passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. His chemistry with Winston showed promise, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Pittsburgh’s defense.
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Myles Garrett (DE): Garrett, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, was quiet, failing to record a sack or tackle for loss. The Steelers’ offensive line neutralized him effectively.
Game 2 Takeaways
The Steelers dominated with a balanced attack. Wilson’s efficient passing, Harris’s steady rushing, and a defense led by Watt and Heyward overwhelmed Cleveland. The Browns’ three turnovers, including Winston’s two interceptions, were costly, and their offense couldn’t keep pace. Pittsburgh’s plus-11 turnover differential for the season (second only to Buffalo) was a deciding factor.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Key Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a table summarizing the top performers’ stats from both games:
|
Player |
Team |
Game 1 Stats |
Game 2 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Jameis Winston (QB) |
Browns |
18/27, 219 yds, 6-yd rush TD, 1 INT |
19/31, 204 yds, 1 TD, 2 INTs |
|
Nick Chubb (RB) |
Browns |
20 car, 66 yds, 2 TDs |
15 car, 55 yds |
|
David Njoku (TE) |
Browns |
5 rec, 74 yds, 2-pt conv |
3 rec, 42 yds |
|
Jerry Jeudy (WR) |
Browns |
3 rec, 45 yds |
6 rec, 82 yds, 1 TD |
|
Russell Wilson (QB) |
Steelers |
21/34, 238 yds, 1 fumble |
16/24, 185 yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT |
|
Najee Harris (RB) |
Steelers |
12 car, 44 yds |
22 car, 88 yds, 1 TD |
|
George Pickens (WR) |
Steelers |
4 rec, 68 yds |
5 rec, 76 yds, 1 TD |
|
T.J. Watt (LB) |
Steelers |
3 tackles, 0.5 sacks |
4 tackles, 1.5 sacks |
|
Chris Boswell (K) |
Steelers |
2/3 FG, 5 pts |
2/2 FG, 9 pts |
What the Stats Tell Us
Offense
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Quarterbacks: Winston’s mobility gave Cleveland an edge in Game 1, but Wilson’s efficiency in Game 2 showed why Pittsburgh’s offense is more consistent. Both QBs threw interceptions, highlighting the pressure from both defenses.
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Running Backs: Chubb’s touchdown prowess was critical in Game 1, but Harris’s higher yardage in Game 2 reflected Pittsburgh’s better offensive line play.
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Receivers: Pickens and Jeudy were focal points for their teams, with Pickens having a slight edge due to his touchdown in Game 2. Njoku’s role as a safety valve for Cleveland was notable in Game 1.
Defense
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Steelers’ Dominance: Pittsburgh’s defense, led by Watt and Heyward, was relentless. Their ability to force turnovers (19 takeaways in 2024) and limit rushing yards (90.8 per game) was a game-changer.
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Browns’ Struggles: Garrett’s lack of impact in both games was surprising, given his elite status. Cleveland’s minus-5 turnover differential for the season hurt their chances, especially in Game 2.
Special Teams
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Boswell’s reliability kept Pittsburgh in games, while Hopkins was steady for Cleveland. The missed 58-yard attempt by Boswell in Game 1 was a rare blemish.
Why This Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats Rivalry Matters
The Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats rivalry is about more than stats. It’s about two blue-collar cities, passionate fanbases, and a history of iconic moments. From Chuck Noll’s Steelers turning the tide in the 1970s to Cleveland’s playoff upset in 2021 (48-37), these games are emotional rollercoasters. The 2024 season showed both teams’ strengths and weaknesses, with Pittsburgh’s consistency giving them the edge in the series.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season approaches, both teams face questions. Can Winston continue to lead Cleveland’s offense post-Watson? Will Chubb return to his pre-injury form? For Pittsburgh, Wilson’s veteran presence and Watt’s defensive dominance make them playoff contenders, but they’ll need to shore up their red-zone efficiency. The next Steelers-Browns matchup will likely be another battle of wills, with player stats telling the story of who rises to the occasion.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Match Player Stats were a microcosm of their rivalry: hard-fought, unpredictable, and full of standout performances. From Chubb’s clutch touchdowns to Watt’s sack mastery, the stats paint a picture of two teams giving their all. Whether you’re rooting for the Black and Gold or the Orange and Brown, these games remind us why the NFL is so captivating. Keep an eye on these players in 2025—they’re sure to deliver more unforgettable moments.