Dawgs By Nature
The AFC North continues to be one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, where every single matchup truly matters. There is a long-standing history between these teams, but no opponent has stirred up stronger emotions for Cleveland Browns fans than the Pittsburgh Steelers. Players from both teams often comment on just how much these games mean to them.
But with the changing landscape of the division over the years, it’s worth asking: is Pittsburgh still the Browns’ biggest rival, or has another team taken that spot?
Many fans argue that the Baltimore Ravens are Cleveland’s biggest rival, given the Browns’ relocation to Baltimore in 1996 and the controversy with Art Modell. The Ravens’ success over the following decades feels especially bitter for fans in Cleveland. It could be argued that in recent decades, there are more reasons to feel distasteful towards the Ravens than the Steelers.
Then there’s Cincinnati. The Browns have had some exciting performances when facing the Bengals in the Joe Burrow era. Given Cincinnati’s recent success with Burrow and their trip to the Super Bowl in the 2021-22 season, there is an argument to be made that matching up against this team might mean even more.
Despite all of that, it still feels like Pittsburgh is Cleveland’s biggest rival. The Browns’ lone playoff win in the 21st century against the Steelers, and the emotion and intensity between those two teams, still tops the list.
Let me know what you think in the comments – Is the Steelers rivalry still the Browns’ biggest, or has it lost some of its edge?
