RB Le'Veon Bell vs. RBs Ben Tate, Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell
Today's game features two of the best rushing attacks in the league. Steelers' running back Le'Veon Bell ranks second in the NFL with 688 yards of total offense, and his 460 rushing yards are the third-best in the league. Cleveland's 143.5 rushing yards per game ranks fourth in the NFL as the Browns utilize a running back by committee approach. Carries are split among Ben Tate (28-for-164 yards) and rookies Terrance West (54-for-235 yards) and Isaiah Crowell (33-for-160 yards). Each team will use the running game today to manage the clock and open up the passing game.
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NT Steve McLendon vs. C Alex Mack
One of the reasons for the Browns top-10 running game is because the offensive line is anchored by two-time Pro Bowler Alex Mack, who has established himself as one of the best players at his position. McLendon knows he has a tough task today and admitted last week that it's a big challenge lining up across from Mack, but he is focused on beating the guy across from him. The Steelers' 11th ranked rushing defense will have a tough challenge with the Browns offensive line, but McLendon and his teammates are looking forward to the battle in the trenches.
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WR Antonio Brown vs. WR Andrew Hawkins
Brown continues to have another productive year for the Steelers as he ranks in the top five in receptions (34, tied-fourth), receiving yards (511, fourth) and receiving touchdowns (five, tied-third). In week one against the Browns, he had five receptions for 116 yards and one touchdown. Hawkins has been a pleasant surprise for Cleveland as the fourth-year receiver leads the team with 24 receptions for 271 yards. In the season opener against the Steelers, Hawkins tied his career high with eight receptions and established a career high with 87 receiving yards.
