Steelers-Browns NFL Week 2: 5 Things To Know

PITTSBURGH, PA — One thing Steelers fans can be optimistic about as Monday night's game against the Cleveland Browns approaches: They can't possibly play any worse than they did in last week's 30-7 trouncing at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers.

But recall that beating came with two Steelers stars, defensive lineman Cam Heyward and wide receiver Dionate Johnson. Neither will play against the Browns, as both will miss extended periods with injuries suffered during the 49ers game.

Gulp. Anyway, here are five things to know about the game:

1. The Browns are no pushovers. Last week, they dominated the Cincinnati Bengals, the AFC North's reigning division champion, by a 20-3 score.

2. The Browns defeated the Steelers in an AFC Wild Card game in 2020, but have not won a regular season game at Acrisure Stadium (formerly Heinz Field) in 20 years.

3. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt can become the team's all-time sack leader with a sack. He currently is tied with James Harrison at 80.5.

4. With Heyward out, expect to see more of rookie defensive end Keeanu Benton. With Johnson out, expect to see more of wide receivers Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III.

5. If the Steelers lose, their record would be 0-2 and that would be very disconcerting. Under Mike Tomlin, the team has never made the playoffs after starting the season 0-2.

• Where: Acrisure Stadium
• When: Monday, 8:15 p.m.
• Forecast: Clear skies, temperatures in the mid-60s.
• Favored: Browns by by 2.5, according to oddsshark.com.
• Series history: Steelers lead the series 80-62-1.
• Last meeting: Jan. 8, 2023. Steelers won 28-14.
• Series streak: Steelers won the past meeting.
• TV: ABC and ESPN+ with Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters.
• Radio: WDVE-FM with Bill Hillgrove, Craig Wolfley and Max Starks.