Cleveland Browns-Pittsburgh Steelers: Pittsburgh Predicts A Mismatch

PITTSBURGH, PA - There are no sure things in sports, of course. Upsets happen all the time. But anyone expecting the Cleveland Browns to upset the Pittsburgh Steelers this NFL opening weekend is flying in the
face of all facts and logic.

Here are five things you should know about Sunday’s game:

1. Since the Browns were reincarnated as an NFL franchise in 1999, the Steelers have posted an 11-7 record in season openers. Three of those victories came against the Browns: a 43-0 drubbing in 1999, a 34-7
romp in 2007 and a 30-27 nail-biter in 2014.

2. Since the Browns returned to the NFL, they have a 1-17 record in season openers and have lost an NFL record 12 straight. Their only season opening victory since the team was resurrected occurred in 2004.
George W. Bush was president then.

3. Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has a 20-2 record against the Browns. He'll be trying to win his 11th game against the Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. He's currently tied with Derek Anderson for most QB wins at the 18-year-old stadium, and Anderson played for the Browns for five seasons.

4. The Browns’ number one draft pick, defensive end Myles Garrett, vowed to "chop down" Roethlisberger. But after suffering an ankle injury in practice this week, Garrett won't be chopping anything this weekend except perhaps some vegetables in his kitchen. He won't play Sunday.

5. As Browns fans nervously note on dawgpoundaily.com, since 2004, the Steelers' record when playing a rookie QB is 18-3. They have allowed an average of 174 yards passing in those games, while amassing 64 sacks and 21 interceptions. On Sunday, the Browns will start rookie DeShone Kizer at quarterback.

Photo: Eric Drost via Creative Commons.