Steelers 2020 Breakdown: Week 6 and 17, Browns

HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- In Week 6 the Steelers start their AFC North divisional play when the Browns come to Heinz Field. The next time these two rivals meet up after Week 6 won't be until the regular season finale in Week 17. Time to look at the sordid history between these two teams.

MATCHUP

Opponent: Browns
2019 Record: 6-10
Overall History (W/L):  74-59-1, for Steelers
Last 4 Games: 2-1-1, for Steelers
Opening Line: Week 6: Steelers (-3.5) / Week 17: Browns (-1)
Date: Sunday, Oct. 18 / Sunday, Jan. 3
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Pittsburgh, Week 6 / Cleveland, Week 17

OUTGOING PLAYERS/ FREE-AGENT LOSSES

LB Joe Schobert 
LB Christian Kirksey
OG Eric Kush 
TE Demetrius Harris
CB T.J. Carrie
S Damarious Randall

RETIREMENTS

N/A

FREE-AGENT ADDITIONS

QB Case Keenum
RT Jack Conklin
TE Austin Hooper
S Karl Joseph
DL Andrew Billings
CB Kevin Johnson
S Andrew Sendejo
C Evan Browns
CB Donovan Olumba
WR JoJo Natson
LB B.J. Goodson
EDGE Adrian Clayborn

PLAYERS VIA TRADE

FB Andy Janovich (via trade with the Broncos)

2020 NFL DRAFT CLASS

Round 1: T Jedrick Wills Jr.
Round 2: S Grant Delpit
Round 3: DT Jordan Elliott
Round 3: LB Jacob Phillips
Round 4: TE Harrison Bryant
Round 5: C Nick Harris
Round 6: WR Donovan Peoples-Jones 

OVERVIEW

There was a time when the Browns appeared on the Steelers' schedule and it was a virtual cake walk. Chalk up two wins and move on to the next game. But after decades of turmoil, the Browns pose a different threat to the Steelers. Baker Mayfield and company have proven they are capable of beating any team in the NFL, as well as losing to any team.

But the recent history between these two teams goes much deeper than just Pittsburgh and Cleveland. No one can forget the craziness which took place in Cleveland on Thursday Night Football last year which ended in Myles Garrett using Mason Rudolph's helmet as a weapon against him.

To say there is bad blood between these two teams is certainly an understatement.

But there is more to this matchup than just the angst between the teams and their fan bases. How exactly did the Browns go from preseason Super Bowl favorites to finishing with just six wins?

The first glaring statistic pertains to turnovers. The Browns had 28 turnovers in 2019, with 21 of those coming from the arm of Mayfield. Their -8 turnover/takeaway ratio had them ranked 25th in the league last season.

But there's more.

The high-powered offense of Mayfield, Nick Chubb, Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry were only able to average 20.9 points per game, ranking 21st. The Browns' defense was equally disappointing. As a collective group they allowed 24.6 points per game, ranking 19th in the NFL.

Some Cleveland fans will point to coaching and organizational dysfunction as a reason for an under-achieving season, but players have to perform and they didn't last year. Regardless of the failed 2019 campaign, you can't ignore the potential which resides on the Browns' roster.

PREDICTION

Predicting two games so far apart is never an easy task. However, I am up to the challenge. I love the Steelers in Week 6 at home, but see things going a different direction in Week 17, but not for the reason you might think. With the new playoff format I can see more playoff spots solidified later in the season, meaning there will be more reason to rest players in games which don't matter. I see that happening for the Steelers in Week 17.

Week 6: Steelers, 33-24
Week 17: Browns, 24-20

Be sure to check out the other 2020 regular season breakdowns:

Week 1 - at the Giants

Week 2 - vs. the Broncos

Week 3 - vs. the Texans

Week 4 - at the Titans

Week 5 - vs. the Eagles