The Browns, coming off the devastating loss on Sunday to the New York Jets, host the Steelers, who survived their first game with an overtime victory over the Bengals only to follow it with a dud in a home-opening loss to the New England Patriots.
Here are some numbers to watch for Thursday’s game:
79-61-1
That is the all-time record for the series, including postseason games, with the Steelers holding the edge. Since the Browns returned in 1999, the edge is far greater for the Steelers 38–9-1. The Browns dominated the 1950s and 1960s. The Steelers dominated in the 2000s and 2010s.
-4.5
The Browns are favored to win the game, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
228
Nick Chubb is second in the NFL after two weeks in rushing, just eight yards behind Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, who leads with 236 yards. Chubb will be the Browns player to watch all season.
2
Minkah Fitzpatrick has two interceptions in the first two games for the Steelers. The safety has been their best player this season.
7
The Steelers are fourth in the NFL in sacks. Their issue is they recorded seven sacks in the first game against the Bengals and none last week against the Patriots. The Browns have five sacks.
3-5
The AFC North’s record through two weeks isn’t great. The Bengals, the defending AFC champs, are 0-2. The Ravens, like the Steelers and Browns, are 1-1. And like the Browns, the Ravens blew a big lead last week.
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