The energy at Huntington Bank Field was weirdly tense for a matchup between a team trying to clinch a division and a squad with only three wins. But that's AFC North football. If you came looking for the Steelers and Browns game score from their latest December 28 showdown, the number is 13-6 in favor of Cleveland.
Yes, the Browns won.
It wasn't pretty. Honestly, it was a gritty, defensive slog that felt more like a 1970s tape than a 2025 NFL game. Mike Tomlin’s group had everything to play for—a win would have secured the AFC North crown right then and there. Instead, the Browns played spoiler in a way that’s going to haunt Pittsburgh fans until the next kickoff.
The Breakdown: How Cleveland Stunned Pittsburgh
Cleveland came out swinging early. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders looked surprisingly composed, leading two scoring drives right out of the gate. He found fellow rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a 28-yard touchdown that essentially became the difference-maker.
Fannin unfortunately got hurt on that play and didn't come back. Still, that 10-0 lead the Browns built in the first quarter felt like a mountain for a Steelers offense that just couldn't find its rhythm.
Why the Steelers Offense Stalled
Pittsburgh was missing a massive piece of their puzzle: DK Metcalf.
💡 You might also like: Jake Ehlinger Sign: The Real Story Behind the College GameDay Controversy
He was serving the first of a two-game suspension. Without him, Aaron Rodgers looked human. Very human. Rodgers finished with 168 passing yards and no touchdowns. He spent most of the afternoon checking down to Scotty Miller or trying to force-feed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but Denzel Ward was having none of it.
The Steelers' only points came from the leg of Chris Boswell. He knocked down two field goals in the second quarter to make it 10-6 at the half. Most people assumed the "Second Half Steelers" would show up and steamroll a 4-12 Browns team.
They didn't.
Key Stats and That Final Stand
The second half was a masterclass in frustration for Pittsburgh. They actually outgained the Browns in total yardage, 291 to 248, but yards don't win games—points do.
Cleveland’s defense, led by a relentless Myles Garrett (even if he didn't get the sack record he was chasing), kept Rodgers in a cage. The Steelers had a golden opportunity with 1:40 left in the game. Rodgers marched them down to the Cleveland 21-yard line. They were in the red zone. The stadium was holding its breath.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Nick Chubb: The Injury, The Recovery, and The Houston Twist
Rodgers took three straight shots at Valdes-Scantling in the end zone.
Incomplete.
Incomplete.
Incomplete.
Denzel Ward blanketed him every single time. On fourth-and-7, the ball hit the turf, and the Browns walked away with their first divisional win of the entire season.
Quick Box Score Glance:
- Final Score: Browns 13, Steelers 6
- Shedeur Sanders (CLE): 17/23, 186 Yds, 1 TD, 2 INT
- Aaron Rodgers (PIT): 21/39, 168 Yds, 0 TD, 0 INT
- Rushing Leader: Jaylen Warren (PIT) - 52 yards
- Receiving Leader: Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) - 81 yards (pre-injury)
The Bigger Picture: AFC North Chaos
This Steelers and Browns game score didn't just impact Cleveland's draft stock; it threw the entire AFC North into a blender. By losing this game, the Steelers failed to clinch the division.
Now, everything comes down to Week 18. Pittsburgh has to face the Baltimore Ravens in what is essentially a playoff game before the playoffs even start. Winner takes the North. Loser likely slides into a wildcard spot and loses home-field advantage.
👉 See also: Men's Sophie Cunningham Jersey: Why This Specific Kit is Selling Out Everywhere
The Browns, meanwhile, proved they aren't quite ready to lay down, even in a "lost" season. Kevin Stefanski notched his 100th game as a head coach with a win that reminded everyone why this rivalry is so bitter.
What to Watch for Next
If you're a Steelers fan, the focus shifts entirely to the health of the roster and the return of some offensive identity. Relying on 40-yard field goals isn't a sustainable way to win in January.
For the Browns, the Shedeur Sanders era has some legitimate sparks. If they can protect him and keep playmakers like Fannin healthy, the 2026 season might look a lot different than this one did.
Immediate Takeaways for Fans:
- Monitor the injury report: Darnell Washington left the game with a forearm injury; his status for the Ravens game is critical.
- Check the suspension list: DK Metcalf will still be out for the next game, so the Steelers have to find a way to get the ball to Pat Freiermuth more effectively.
- Watch the sack record: Myles Garrett is still half a sack away from the single-season record. He’ll be hunting against Cincinnati next week.
The division title is still within reach for Pittsburgh, but they’ve made the road significantly harder for themselves. Every mistake in Cleveland will be under the microscope this week in the film room.