Clear edgePIT
Pittsburgh Steelers
78.7PFM Team Score#17 NFL
VS
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns: PFM Team Comparison
PFM rates the Pittsburgh Steelers higher than the Cleveland Browns overall, with a clear advantage. The main reasons are the stronger coaching operation and the less unsettled quarterback situation.
Current PFM Team Scores
CLE
Cleveland Browns
72.8PFM Team Score#29 NFL
PFM JUDGMENT
Why PFM Rates the Pittsburgh Steelers Higher
The Pittsburgh Steelers have the stronger coaching operation under Mike McCarthy. The advantage shows up in preparation, adjustments and pressure situations. The Cleveland Browns are closest in explosiveness, where the teams remain essentially even.
Pittsburgh also brings the less unsettled quarterback situation. Pittsburgh adds the more dependable offense. That is enough to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead.
TEAM DNA COMPARISON
Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Across the Core Pillars
The farther a team reaches, the stronger the rating. Each category also calls out which team has the edge and the exact gap. Hover on desktop or tap on mobile to isolate one team.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
CLECleveland Browns
CLEVELAND’S BEST PUSHBACK
Explosiveness Is Cleveland’s Only Close Fight
Cleveland's big-play ability gives the team one place to push back. The Browns are only 0.7 points behind Pittsburgh in Explosiveness, but that is where Cleveland's case ends. Pittsburgh still has Aaron Rodgers at quarterback and the deeper roster, two advantages the Browns cannot match in this comparison.
COMPLETE COMPARISON
Where Each Team Has the Edge
PFM Team Score
PIT78.7
Pittsburgh Steelers 78.7CLE72.8
Cleveland Browns 72.8Overall NFL Rank
PIT#17
Pittsburgh Steelers #17CLE#29
Cleveland Browns #29QB Stability
PIT74.6
Pittsburgh Steelers 74.6CLE68.0
Cleveland Browns 68.0Roster Strength
PIT78.8
Pittsburgh Steelers 78.8CLE75.8
Cleveland Browns 75.8Coaching Direction
PIT83.4
Pittsburgh Steelers 83.4CLE73.0
Cleveland Browns 73.0Recent Performance
PIT79.3
Pittsburgh Steelers 79.3CLE75.7
Cleveland Browns 75.7Offense
PIT78.6
Pittsburgh Steelers 78.6CLE72.0
Cleveland Browns 72.0Defense
PIT83.2
Pittsburgh Steelers 83.2CLE81.1
Cleveland Browns 81.1Franchise Direction
PIT74.9
Pittsburgh Steelers 74.9CLE69.4
Cleveland Browns 69.4Explosiveness
PIT75.5
Pittsburgh Steelers 75.5CLE74.8
Cleveland Browns 74.8Conference Rank
PIT#9
Pittsburgh Steelers #9CLE#14
Cleveland Browns #14Division Rank
PIT#3
Pittsburgh Steelers #3CLE#4
Cleveland Browns #4Outlook
PITIn the Playoff MixCLEPlayoff Long Shot
Stronger outlook: Pittsburgh SteelersSCHEDULE CONTEXT
Which Team Has the Tougher Road?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Remaining schedule rank: #26
Toughest stretch: Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens
Strongest opponents: Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos
Next five difficulty: 76.3
View Pittsburgh Steelers Road AheadCleveland Browns
Remaining schedule rank: #28
Toughest stretch: Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts, Cincinnati Bengals
Strongest opponents: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans
Next five difficulty: 76.8
View Cleveland Browns Road AheadPittsburgh has the tougher Road Ahead at No. 26. The strongest opponents include Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos. Cleveland gains one meaningful schedule advantage, while Pittsburgh still owns the stronger football advantages elsewhere.
Explore Both Team Dashboards
Ratings and Schedule Freshness
PFM ratings updated October 13, 2026. Schedule data updated October 16, 2026.
How to Read This Comparison
PFM Team Score determines the overall order. The Team DNA comparison puts five core pillars on the same 0–100 scale, while the full rows show every current category.
PFM compares overall team strength rather than predicting one matchup. Road Ahead adds schedule context without changing PFM Team Score.
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams