With the Baltimore Ravens on a bye, the Steelers knew going into Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns knowing that no matter what happened, they would still maintain a lead in the AFC North standings.
But they also wanted to make sure they enacted some form of revenge on the Browns for handing them their only loss in a four-game stretch of AFC North games.
The Steelers accomplished that, handling the Browns, 27-14, here Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, completely shutting down Cleveland's offense and giving them a win over all three of their AFC North opponents this season.
Game action photos from the Steelers' Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns at Acrisure Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (84) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end/fullback Connor Heyward (83) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Isaac Seumalo (73) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44), Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Miles Killebrew (28) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88), Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers center Zach Frazier (54) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Preston Smith (91) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11), Pittsburgh Steelers tight end MyCole Pruitt (81), and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) \during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) and Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Williams (18) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Van Jefferson (11) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Terrible Towels during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (80) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51), Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Cory Trice Jr. (27), Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (56) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A fan during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers long snapper Christian Kuntz (46) and Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. (31) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee (23) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) and Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Arron Anastasia / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller (13) and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ben Skowronek (15) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
A general view during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The 2024 Hall of Honor nominees were recognized at halftime during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense huddles during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Fans during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell (9) and Pittsburgh Steelers punter Corliss Waitman (8) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The offense huddles during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during a regular season game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Steelers defeated the Browns 27-14. (Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers)
The win, which improved the Steelers' record to 10-3, pushes their lead to two games over idle Baltimore (8-5) in the AFC North standings.
It also helped erase some of the memories of a 24-19 loss to the Browns Nov. 21 in Cleveland and avenged the Steelers' lone loss in the past two months.
With leading receiver George Pickens sidelined with a hamstring injury that cropped up on Friday, the Steelers were forced to look elsewhere for their offensive output.
They also needed the defense to step up and make some big plays.
The defense did that, intercepting Jameis Winston twice, sacking him three times and helping set the offense up for some early scores early when it was struggling to find its footing without Pickens.
"I appreciate the defense providing some short fields and splash in order to get us going as a team. It is a team game in that way," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
On Cleveland's opening possession, T.J. Watt had a tackle for a 5-yard loss on a running play and Alex Highsmith, returning from a three-game absence due to an ankle injury, had a sack to force a Cleveland punt from inside its own 10.
Calvin Austin III returned the punt 11 yards to the Cleveland 36, though the Steelers would wind up settling for a 30-yard Chris Boswell field goal and a 3-0 lead.
Cleveland, however, answered, as Winston scrambled to his left and threw across his body to Jerry Jeudy for a 35-yard touchdown pass – the longest allowed by the Steelers this season.
The two teams traded punts after that until early in the second quarter, after another change of possessions, nose tackle Keeanu Benton sniffed out an attempted first-down screen by Cleveland and intercepted Winston, returning the ball to the 11 yards to the Browns' 31. It was the first interception of Benton's career.
It also seemed to energize not only the crowd, but the Steelers.
"Definitely, especially having a big man get an interception," said Benton. "We are an energy-feeding group. I think we got energy out of that."
The interception set up Najee Harris for a 1-yard touchdown run for a 10-7 Steelers' lead.
"Sometimes when you're struggling a little bit to gain some traction, the short field will get you going," Tomlin said. "I can't say enough about that play. (Benton) is a young guy that's evolving and evolving in a big way. I just think that play is an example of it."
The defense forced a quick three-and-out by Cleveland and the offense finally put together an extended drive, with Jaylen Warren and Harris leading the way.
The Steelers drove from their own 19 to the Cleveland 36, but Mike Williams was called for offensive pass interference on first down, pushing the Steelers back. They eventually settled for a 54-yard Boswell field goal and a 13-7 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first half.
The Browns drove to the Pittsburgh 20 in the waning moments of the first half, but DeShon Elliott broke up a third-down pass intended for tight end David Njoku on third down inside the 5, and Dustin Hopkins missed a 38-yard field goal attempt to keep the score at 13-7.
The Browns got a big kick return into Pittsburgh territory to open the second half, but Hopkins missed another field goal, this one from 43 yards, and the Steelers continued with their 13-7 advantage.
"I expect him to make those. He expects to make them," said Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski of the missed field goals. "We're going to keep fighting in those scenarios. Obviously we need to come through in those situations. We've got to score 7s, and if we settle for field goals, obviously we gotta make them."
They took advantage of the Cleveland field goal miss to mount a second touchdown drive as Wilson capped off an 8-play, 67-yard possession with a 10-yard pass to Van Jefferson that pushed the Steelers' advantage to 20-7 midway through the third quarter.
On Cleveland's next possession, the Browns faced a fourth-and-1 at midfield. Elandon Roberts shot through the line of scrimmage to drop Jerome Ford for a 5-yard loss to turn the ball over on downs.
Five plays later, Wilson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth down the seam to give the Steelers a 27-7 lead with just under 4 minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The Browns added a 15-yard touchdown pass from Winston to tight end David Njoku with just under 8 minutes remaining to cut into the lead and make it 27-14.
Ben Skowronek fell on a muffed punt by Cleveland's Kadarius Toney with just under three minutes remaining at the Browns' 20 to help seal the win.
Wilson completed 15 of 26 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns, while Elliott had 13 tackles and Patrick Queen 10 for the Steelers. Cam Heyward had two sacks for the Steelers.
