Steelers Need 23-Year History to Continue Against Browns in Week 8

The Pittsburgh Steelers  have one of the more interesting games of the Week 8 slate in the NFL, taking on the Cleveland Browns in what figures to be a very intriguing matchup that can go either way.

Cleveland and Pittsburgh have already met this season, with the Browns winning 27-24 out in Cleveland on Oct. 1. That was a game that the Steelers definitely would like back, with Aaron Rodgers throwing two interceptions. However, Rodgers was still decent in that one, throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns. 

Unfortunately, the Browns scored 21 points in the second quarter, and Pittsburgh could never find a way to hold a lead after tying it 24-24 before Cleveland kicked a field goal with 10 seconds remaining. As they meet again in Week 8, there's reason to believe that Pittsburgh is in a very good spot to win this game. 

One could also argue that this is a game the Steelers absolutely need, as they sit at 5-2, with a similar record to the Browns. 

However, because Cleveland beat them already, the Browns currently hold the tiebreaker, and that could play a factor in who wins the division come playoff time.

“The Browns and the Steelers are both 5-2 this season, tied atop the AFC North, with Cleveland holding the tiebreaker after a head-to-head win earlier this year. This has the chance to be a massive statement for the Browns, plain and simple. Despite the Browns' impressive record, SportsLine is bearish on their playoff chances. Cleveland's biggest win this season is by four points. But a second win over the Steelers, a 6-2 record and a 3-0 division record? The Browns would clearly be in a great spot.

“The Steelers can be in an even better spot with a win. They'd be 6-2 with a 2-1 record in the division and would wipe out the Browns' current head-to-head advantage. Oh, and did we mention the Browns haven't won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003? The Steelers would love to keep it that way,” Zachary Pereles of CBS wrote.

Perhaps more interesting than anything is the fact that the Browns haven't won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003. 

Considering that was 23 years ago now, that's almost insane to think about. When we also factor in how competitive the AFC North is year in and year out, numbers like that just never seem to make too much sense. 

Not that the Browns have found much success in that span, and the Steelers have certainly been a juggernaut throughout a lot of that, but to not beat the team for 23 years is extremely disappointing. 

That also shows the Browns will come into this knowing they have an uphill battle, so I'd expect them to be ready to play their best football.