A chance to take firm control of the AFC North evaporated in the snow in Cleveland two weeks ago, when Jameis Winston and the Browns provided a flash of light in an otherwise dark season by beating Pittsburgh 24-19.
A rematch looms on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium with stakes that feel plenty familiar.
Pittsburgh (9-3) can get closer to locking up the division with a win. The Browns (3-9) can give their stretch run a jolt and sweep their rivals for the first time since 1988 if they can replicate those three spirited hours inside a snow globe that ended with a rare moment of joy.
“Since what year?” said Cleveland wide receiver Elijah Moore when asked about the 36-year drought. “Yeah, we got to change that. We got to break these chains.”
Save for a stunning victory in the first round of the playoffs after the 2020 season, the Browns have felt a heavy burden when facing the Steelers.
Pittsburgh has been a hellish destination for most teams, but especially the Browns, who have lost their last 20 regular-season games on the Steelers’ home field. Cleveland’s last, non-playoff win at Acrisure Stadium came on Oct. 5, 2003 as quarterback Tim Couch led the Browns to a 33-13 rout.
