Today, it all comes down to this in the AFC North: first place is on the line when the 5-2 Browns visit the 5-2 Steelers. This isn’t just any regular season showdown, though. The Browns have a chance to do something they haven’t pulled off in an incredible 35 years, and believe me, everyone’s watching to see if they can finally break the streak.
More Than Three Decades Waiting for a Sweep
Think about that for a second: 1988. That’s the last time the Browns swept the Steelers in the regular season. Back then, they snagged a 23-9 victory in Week 5, then came home to Cleveland and thumped the Steelers 27-7 in Week 12. They almost did it again in 1989, absolutely obliterating Pittsburgh 51-0 in the season opener. But the Steelers bounced back big time, taking the Week 6 rematch 17-7. Fast forward to today, and the Browns are still haunted by a staggering 22-game regular-season losing streak when they play in Pittsburgh. Sure, they got a huge 48-37 win in the 2020 wild-card round there, which was awesome, but that wasn’t a regular season sweep, was it?
First Place and Bragging Rights on the Line
So, what’s really at stake today? Everything. Not only is it a shot at first place in the AFC North for both these 5-2 squads, but for the Browns, it’s a chance to finally put that 1988 monkey off their back. Imagine ending a 22-game regular-season losing streak in Pittsburgh AND completing a sweep they haven’t done in over three decades. This isn’t just about the standings, it’s about history, about bragging rights, and about finally getting one over a long-time rival in their own backyard. This game is gonna be absolutely wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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