The most underappreciated rivalry in each NFL division

AFC North: Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

We tend to forget the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers have the oldest rivalry in the AFC North. It might have something to do with the Browns going away for a few years, as the original Browns relocated in 1996 to become the Baltimore Ravens. It also has a lot to do with the Browns being one of the worst teams in football thus far in the 21st century.

Regardless, these two rivals have a ton of history. They have met 136 times on the gridiron with the Steelers holding the all-time series lead at 76-59-1. Though Pittsburgh has had more success in the Super Bowl era, this was a rivalry dominated by Cleveland in its early years. The Steelers were cannon fodder prior to former Browns linebacker Chuck Noll becoming their head coach.

Pittsburgh has had three coaches since Noll was hired, while Cleveland has had four head coaches in Baker Mayfield‘s first three years out of Oklahoma. Whether it was reluctantly joining the AFC along with the then-Baltimore Colts in 1970, or Myles Garrett hitting Mason Rudolph in the crown with his own helmet, this rivalry has never been afraid to get animus and petty along the way.

For the better part of the 21st century, the Steelers have had more formidable rivals in the division with the Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals, while Cleveland hates the former Browns and the former team Paul Brown created out of spite down in Cincinnati. With both teams vying for second place after Baltimore, things about to get even more heated when the Steelers play the Browns.