Game story
In Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season on 2021-01-03, the Cleveland Browns took care of business against the Pittsburgh Steelers, pulling away with a 24–22 final that came down to the wire.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 20 combined points — the stretch that most shaped the final margin.
M. Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers) paced the passing game, with +9.09 total EPA, and -1.2% completion percentage over expected.
On the individual side, C. Claypool (Pittsburgh Steelers) delivered the top overall EPA impact at +9.51 — the clearest player-of-the-game signal on the analytics sheet.
The momentum swing (+14.2% win probability) landed in the third quarter when Pittsburgh Steelers changed the game: (10:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep left to 11-C.Claypool to CLE 36 for 41 yards (39-T.Mitchell).
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 0 | 6 | 3 | 13 | 0 | 22 |
| Cleveland Browns | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 24 |
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA) across passing, rushing, and receiving.
- 1 C. Claypool · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.51 total EPA · 12 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 2 Di. Johnson · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.42 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.36 EPA/play
- 3 M. Rudolph · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +9.09 total EPA · 43 snaps · +0.21 EPA/play
- 4 B. Mayfield · Cleveland Browns · Passing · +7.84 total EPA · 35 snaps · +0.22 EPA/play
- 5 J. Landry · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +4.71 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.79 EPA/play
- 6 K. Hodge · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.99 total EPA · 2 snaps · +2.00 EPA/play
- 7 N. Chubb · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +3.85 total EPA · 14 snaps · +0.27 EPA/play
- 8 A. Hooper · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +3.12 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.62 EPA/play
Player of the game
FantasyHQ analytics player-of-the-game pick based on total EPA and signature plays.
C. Claypool — PIT · Receiving
C. Claypool posted the highest total EPA (+9.51) in the game, making the biggest overall impact on Pittsburgh Steelers's efficiency. Across 12 counted snaps, they averaged +0.79 EPA per play.
The signature play (-5.40 EPA) came from Pittsburgh Steelers: (1:42) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass short left intended for 19-J.Smith-Schuster INTERCEPTED by 36-M.Stewart Jr. [50-J.Phillips] at 50. 36-M.Stewart Jr. to PIT 20 for 30 yards (24-B.Snell).
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal with the player named in official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Cleveland Browns — N. Chubb
- Cleveland Browns — A. Hooper (B. Mayfield pass)
- Cleveland Browns — J. Landry
- Pittsburgh Steelers — C. Claypool (M. Rudolph pass)
- Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Smith-Schuster (M. Rudolph pass)
Field goals
- Cleveland Browns — C. Parkey
- Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wright
- Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wright
- Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Wright
How it unfolded, quarter by quarter
A quarter-by-quarter recap built from live scoring plays and play descriptions.
The opening quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–0. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 47 (Q1 54:38) — (9:38) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the CLE 35 (Q1 54:29) — 2-C.Parkey kicks 65 yards from CLE 35 to end zone, Touchback..
The second quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 6–3. Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the PIT 5 (Q2 39:48) — (9:48) 2-C.Parkey 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 11 (Q2 34:14) — (4:14) 16-M.Wright 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 28 (Q2 31:12) — (1:12) 16-M.Wright 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry..
The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 7–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 28 (Q3 23:34) — (8:34) 16-M.Wright 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 2 (Q3 18:52) — (3:52) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 81-A.Hooper for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q3 18:48) — 2-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan..
The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 13–7. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 3 (Q4 15:00) — (15:00) 80-J.Landry left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns added 1 points from the PIT 15 (Q4 14:57) — 2-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 28 (Q4 10:13) — (10:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep right to 11-C.Claypool for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 10:07) — 16-M.Wright extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 2 (Q4 1:26) — (1:26) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most — the swings that decided the game.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 25:19) — (10:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep left to 11-C.Claypool to CLE 36 for 41 yards (39-T.Mitchell).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 1:23) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 2-M.Rudolph pass to 11-C.Claypool is incomplete. ATTEMPT FAILS.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 3:02) — (3:02) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep left to 18-Di.Johnson to CLE 10 for 47 yards (42-K.Joseph).
- Cleveland Browns (Q1 54:38) — (9:38) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 36:54) — (6:54) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep right to 18-Di.Johnson pushed ob at CLE 25 for 41 yards (34-R.Jackson).
Impact plays
Highest expected-points added snaps that flipped field position and scoring chances.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 16:42) — (1:42) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass short left intended for 19-J.Smith-Schuster INTERCEPTED by 36-M.Stewart Jr. [50-J.Phillips] at 50. 36-M.Stewart Jr. to PIT 20 for 30 yards (24-B.Snell).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 10:13) — (10:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep right to 11-C.Claypool for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 25:19) — (10:19) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep left to 11-C.Claypool to CLE 36 for 41 yards (39-T.Mitchell).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 36:54) — (6:54) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep right to 18-Di.Johnson pushed ob at CLE 25 for 41 yards (34-R.Jackson).
Quarterback report card
M.Rudolph led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- M.Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 43 dropbacks · 51.2% completion · -1.2% CPOE · +0.21 EPA/play · +9.09 total EPA
- B.Mayfield (Cleveland Browns) · 35 dropbacks · 48.6% completion · +1.1% CPOE · +0.22 EPA/play · +7.84 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency from FantasyHQ analytics.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cleveland Browns |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.099 | +0.104 |
| Offensive success rate | 39.0% | 50.6% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.135 | +0.224 |
| Rush EPA/play | +0.007 | +0.107 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.104 | -0.099 |
| Defensive success rate | 49.4% | 61.0% |
By the numbers
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers +0.10, Cleveland Browns +0.10) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
- Cleveland Browns: 10 drives, +8.20 total EPA, 4 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 9 drives, +8.14 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research, film review, and follow-up box score digging.
- Cleveland Browns leaves with the win and the better postgame narrative for Week-to-week momentum.
- One-score margin — fantasy managers should double-check garbage-time stats before drawing conclusions.
- C. Claypool (Pittsburgh Steelers) is the first name to pull up for highlight reels and prop-retrospective research.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with field position and full play-by-play context.
- Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q1 54:38 · PIT 47 · Score 0-6
(9:38) 24-N.Chubb right tackle for 47 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q1 54:29 · CLE 35 · Score 0-7
2-C.Parkey kicks 65 yards from CLE 35 to end zone, Touchback. - Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 39:48 · PIT 5 · Score 0-10
(9:48) 2-C.Parkey 23 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 34:14 · CLE 11 · Score 3-10
(4:14) 16-M.Wright 29 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 31:12 · CLE 28 · Score 6-10
(1:12) 16-M.Wright 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 23:34 · CLE 28 · Score 9-10
(8:34) 16-M.Wright 46 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 18:52 · PIT 2 · Score 9-16
(3:52) 6-B.Mayfield pass short left to 81-A.Hooper for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q3 18:48 · PIT 15 · Score 9-17
2-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan. - Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q4 15:00 · PIT 3 · Score 9-23
(15:00) 80-J.Landry left end for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cleveland Browns XP (+1) — Q4 14:57 · PIT 15 · Score 9-24
2-C.Parkey extra point is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-7-J.Gillan. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 10:13 · CLE 28 · Score 15-24
(10:13) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass deep right to 11-C.Claypool for 28 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 10:07 · CLE 15 · Score 16-24
16-M.Wright extra point is GOOD, Center-57-K.Canaday, Holder-4-J.Berry. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 1:26 · CLE 2 · Score 22-24
(1:26) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass short middle to 19-J.Smith-Schuster for 2 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
The Cleveland Browns beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-22 in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.
What was the final score of Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
The final score was Pittsburgh Steelers 22, Cleveland Browns 24 (PIT 22-24 CLE) in Week 17, 2020 on 2021-01-03.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Cleveland Browns 7; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 6, Cleveland Browns 3; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cleveland Browns 7; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 13, Cleveland Browns 7; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 22, Cleveland Browns 24.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
Cleveland Browns touchdown — N. Chubb (Q1 54:38) Cleveland Browns touchdown — A. Hooper (B. Mayfield pass) (Q3 18:52) Cleveland Browns touchdown — J. Landry (Q4 15:00) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — C. Claypool (M. Rudolph pass) (Q4 10:13) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Smith-Schuster (M. Rudolph pass) (Q4 1:26) Cleveland Browns field goal — C. Parkey (Q2 39:48, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — M. Wright (Q2 34:14, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — M. Wright (Q2 31:12, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — M. Wright (Q3 23:34, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
M. Rudolph (Pittsburgh Steelers), 51.2% completion, -1.2% CPOE, +0.21 EPA per dropback, +9.09 total passing EPA. B. Mayfield (Cleveland Browns), 48.6% completion, +1.1% CPOE, +0.22 EPA per dropback, +7.84 total passing EPA.
Who was the most impactful player in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns?
C. Claypool (Pittsburgh Steelers) led the game in total EPA with +9.51 on receiving plays. across 12 snaps. The top single-play swing was (-5.40 EPA): (1:42) (Shotgun) 2-M.Rudolph pass short left intended for 19-J.Smith-Schuster INTERCEPTED by 36-M.Stewart Jr. [50-J.Phillips] at 50. 36-M.Stewart Jr. to PIT 20 for 30 yards (24-B.S. The biggest win-probability swing was +14.2%.
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns a close game?
Yes — the margin was 2 points. Cleveland Browns won 24-22 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 12-3 Now 12-4 L
Cleveland Browns
Entered 10-5 Now 11-5 W
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