The Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland Browns Stadium as one of the fiercest rivalries in league annals is renewed for the first time since 1995.

The Steelers and Browns met at least twice a season from 1950-95, the rivalry forced into limbo when the Browns ceased operations in Cleveland and the franchise relocated to Baltimore to become the Ravens. As for this series (including playoffs), the Browns still own a 52-41 overall advantage in this setting. However, the Steelers have prevailed in the last six meetings dating back the clubs' second encounter in 1993, which includes a 29-9 triumph in the 1994 AFC Divisional Playoffs at Pittsburgh in the lone postseason encounter between these franchises. While the Steelers have prevailed in their last two visits to Cleveland (1994-95), they own a 13-33 road record in this rivalry from 1950-95.

Numbers: Steelers' offense has scored just 5 touchdowns in its last 7 games in '98, while the defense/special teams scored 4 touchdowns in those contests. The Steelers have committed 2 or more turnovers in 5 straight games dating back to '98, committing 15 turnovers in those contests. The Steelers allowed just 89 points in 7 wins (15 or fewer points in 6 of those contests) while giving up 214 points in 9 losses in '98. Since 1996 (including playoffs), the Steelers are 23-3 when limiting the opposition to 17 or fewer points (6-1 in '98), 7-19 when giving up more than 17 points (1-8 in '98). Including playoffs, Steelers' RB Jerome Bettis has rushed for 100 or more yards 39 times in his career (1993-98), 11 with the Rams (3-8) and 28 with the Steelers (21-7).

Things To Look For: A maniacal crowd will be awaiting Bill Cowher's club as the Browns return to the NFL against the franchise they wanted to face. And if QB Kordell Stewart and the Steelers' offense picks up where it left off last season, Chris Palmer's NFL head coaching debut will be successful. It will be up to Cleveland's defense to set the tone, which means finding a way to slow down Pittsburgh's ground game.

Etc.: The lone modern-day expansion team to win its first regular-season game were the 1961 Minnesota Vikings, who defeated the visiting Chicago Bears, 37-13, behind Hall of Fame QB Fran Tarkenton, who threw four touchdown passes and ran for another score in the victory (Sept. 17, 1961). The Steelers have lost five straight games dating back to '98. They are 34-17 vs. AFC Central teams under head coach Bill Cowher (including 1-0 in playoffs).