FantasyHQ+

FantasyHQ · Game Recap

NFL · Week 2 · September 18, 2023 · 12 min read

Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 2023 Week 2 Recap

Steelers defeat Browns 26–22 in Week 2

Amari Cooper led Fantasy Impact as Steelers prevailed in a 22–26 Week 2 finish.

Cleveland Browns 22 1–1
Final 22–26
Pittsburgh Steelers 26 1–1 Winner
Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
22–26
Halftime
Cleveland Browns 14–16 Pittsburgh Steelers
Top passer
Desmond Watson
FantasyHQ MVP
Amari Cooper
Game date
September 18, 2023

Top fantasy performers · Browns

  • Amari Cooper
    Amari Cooper 7 REC · 90 YDS +7.8 Fantasy Impact
  • Dav.Bell 3 REC · 27 YDS +2.5 Fantasy Impact
  • Jonathan Ford
    Jonathan Ford 17 CAR · 108 YDS +1.9 Fantasy Impact

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

  • Jaylen Warren
    Jaylen Warren 4 REC · 66 YDS +1.9 Fantasy Impact
  • George Pickens
    George Pickens 4 REC · 127 YDS · 1 TD -0.2 Fantasy Impact
  • Alton Robinson
    Alton Robinson 2 REC · 12 YDS -0.5 Fantasy Impact
View Browns vs Steelers box score View all 2023 NFL game recaps

Quick answer

Winner
Pittsburgh Steelers
Final score
Pittsburgh Steelers 26–22 Cleveland Browns
Halftime
Cleveland Browns 14–16 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP
Amari Cooper
Top passer
Desmond Watson
Biggest EPA play
(15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.…
Game date
2023-09-18

Game summary

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 26–22 on 2023-09-18. Amari Cooper posted a game-high +7.82 total EPA in the receiving.

The highest-scoring period was Q2 with 20 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

Q1Q2Q3Q4—T
Cleveland Browns31180022
Pittsburgh Steelers7937026

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

CLECleveland Browns
PITPittsburgh Steelers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

13 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

  1. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 15:00TD
    Alex Highsmith

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 75
    Score
    0-6

    (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.Highsmith (39-M.Fitzpatrick) at CLE 30. 56-A.Highsmith for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  2. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q1 14:51XP
    Chris Boswell

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CLE 15
    Score
    0-7

    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.

  3. CLECleveland Browns
    Q1 8:50FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 25
    Score
    3-7

    (8:50) 7-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.

  4. CLECleveland Browns
    Q2 14:09TD
    Jonathan Ford

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 3
    Score
    9-7

    (14:09) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short right to 34-J.Ford for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  5. CLECleveland Browns
    Q2 14:02Safety
    Jonathan Ford

    Points+2

    Yard line
    PIT 1
    Score
    11-7

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 34-J.Ford rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  6. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 9:14FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 34
    Score
    11-10

    (9:14) 9-C.Boswell 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.

  7. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q2 6:16TD
    George Pickens

    Points+6

    Yard line
    CLE 71
    Score
    11-16

    (6:16) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep middle to 14-G.Pickens for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson].

  8. CLECleveland Browns
    Q2 0:27FG
    Dustin Hopkins

    Points+3

    Yard line
    PIT 37
    Score
    14-16

    (:27) 7-D.Hopkins 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.

  9. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q3 11:51FG
    Chris Boswell

    Points+3

    Yard line
    CLE 31
    Score
    14-19

    (11:51) 9-C.Boswell 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.

  10. CLECleveland Browns
    Q3 10:05TD
    Pierre Strong Jr.

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 1
    Score
    20-19

    (10:05) 68-M.Dunn reported in as eligible. 20-P.Strong left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.

  11. CLECleveland Browns
    Q3 10:01Safety
    Desmond Watson

    Points+2

    Yard line
    PIT 2
    Score
    22-19

    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Watson rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.

  12. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 7:06TD
    T.J. Watt

    Points+6

    Yard line
    PIT 80
    Score
    22-25

    (7:06) 4-D.Watson sacked at CLE 13 for -7 yards (56-A.Highsmith). FUMBLES (56-A.Highsmith) [56-A.Highsmith], RECOVERED by PIT-90-T.Watt at CLE 16. 90-T.Watt for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

  13. PITPittsburgh Steelers
    Q4 6:58XP
    Chris Boswell

    Points+1

    Yard line
    CLE 15
    Score
    22-26

    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

  1. 1Amari CooperAmari Cooper · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +7.82 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.78 EPA/play
  2. 2Dav. Bell · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +2.55 total EPA · 3 snaps · +0.85 EPA/play
  3. 3Jaylen WarrenJaylen Warren · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +1.91 total EPA · 6 snaps · +0.32 EPA/play
  4. 4Jonathan FordJonathan Ford · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +1.88 total EPA · 17 snaps · +0.11 EPA/play
  5. 5Jonathan FordJonathan Ford · Cleveland Browns · Receiving · +0.77 total EPA · 4 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
  6. 6Pierre Strong Jr.Pierre Strong Jr. · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.63 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.31 EPA/play
  7. 7Elijah MooreElijah Moore · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.15 total EPA · 1 snaps · +0.15 EPA/play
  8. 8Nick ChubbNick Chubb · Cleveland Browns · Rushing · +0.06 total EPA · 11 snaps · +0.01 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

Amari Cooper

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Amari Cooper — CLE · Receiving

Amari Cooper posted the highest total EPA (+7.82) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Cleveland Browns. Across 10 counted snaps, they averaged +0.78 EPA per play.

Biggest single play (-7.77 EPA): Desmond Watson — (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.Highsmith (39-M.Fitzpatrick) at CLE 30. 56-A.Highsmith for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

Desmond Watson led all passers in efficiency for Cleveland Browns, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

  • Desmond WatsonDesmond Watson (Cleveland Browns) · 52 dropbacks · 42.3% completion · -7.5% CPOE · -0.33 EPA/play · -16.92 total EPA
  • Kenny PickettKenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 32 dropbacks · 46.9% completion · -15.3% CPOE · -0.42 EPA/play · -13.45 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

StatCleveland BrownsPittsburgh Steelers
Offensive EPA/play-0.216-0.273
Offensive success rate37.1%30.1%
Pass EPA/play-0.325-0.420
Rush EPA/play-0.065-0.344
Defensive EPA/play+0.273+0.216
Defensive success rate69.9%62.9%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, Cleveland Browns generated the better offensive EPA per play (-0.22 vs -0.27), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

  • Cleveland Browns: -0.22 EPA/play (11th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: -0.27 EPA/play (7th percentile vs. 2023 team-game averages)
  • Cleveland Browns: 15 drives, -22.71 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
  • Pittsburgh Steelers: 16 drives, -19.96 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

  • Alex HighsmithPittsburgh Steelers — Alex Highsmith (Q1 15:00)
  • Jonathan FordCleveland Browns — Jonathan Ford (Desmond Watson pass) (Q2 14:09)
  • George PickensPittsburgh Steelers — George Pickens (Kenny Pickett pass) (Q2 6:16)
  • Pierre Strong Jr.Cleveland Browns — Pierre Strong Jr. (Q3 10:05)
  • T.J. WattPittsburgh Steelers — T.J. Watt (Q4 7:06)

Field goals

  • Dustin HopkinsCleveland Browns — Dustin Hopkins (Q1 8:50)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q2 9:14)
  • Dustin HopkinsCleveland Browns — Dustin Hopkins (Q2 0:27)
  • Chris BoswellPittsburgh Steelers — Chris Boswell (Q3 11:51)
Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–3. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 75 (Q1 15:00); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q1 14:51) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the PIT 25 (Q1 8:50) — (8:50) 7-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez..

The second quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 11–9. Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 3 (Q2 14:09) — (14:09) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short right to 34-J.Ford for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the PIT 1 (Q2 14:02) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 34-J.Ford rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 34 (Q2 9:14) — (9:14) 9-C.Boswell 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CLE 71 (Q2 6:16) — (6:16) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep middle to 14-G.Pickens for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson].; Cleveland Browns connected on a field goal from the PIT 37 (Q2 0:27) — (:27) 7-D.Hopkins 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez..

The third quarter: Cleveland Browns won the period 8–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CLE 31 (Q3 11:51) — (11:51) 9-C.Boswell 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.; Cleveland Browns found the end zone from the PIT 1 (Q3 10:05) — (10:05) 68-M.Dunn reported in as eligible. 20-P.Strong left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.; Cleveland Browns registered a safety from the PIT 2 (Q3 10:01) — TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Watson rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..

The fourth quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–0. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the PIT 80 (Q4 7:06); Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CLE 15 (Q4 6:58) — 9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 7:06) — (7:06) 4-D.Watson sacked at CLE 13 for -7 yards (56-A.Highsmith). FUMBLES (56-A.Highsmith) [56-A.Highsmith], RECOVERED by PIT-90-T.Watt at CLE 16. 90-T.Watt for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -41.9% · EPA -7.21]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q3 11:07) — (11:07) (Shotgun) 68-M.Dunn reported in as eligible. 34-J.Ford right end to PIT 1 for 69 yards (39-M.Fitzpatrick). [WPA +19.3% · EPA +5.48]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q1 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.Highsmith (39-M.Fitzpatrick) at CLE 30. 56-A.Highsmith for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -18.7% · EPA -7.77]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 0:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass short right to 89-G.Olszewski to PIT 36 for -1 yards (21-D.Ward). FUMBLES (21-D.Ward), RECOVERED by CLE-22-G.Delpit at PIT 37. 22-G.Delpit to PIT 23 for 14 yards (88-P [WPA -17.2% · EPA -6.19]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 8:18) — (8:18) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass deep left to 8-E.Moore ran ob at CLE 19 for 16 yards. [WPA +15.2% · EPA +2.77]
Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

  • Cleveland Browns (Q1 15:00) — (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.Highsmith (39-M.Fitzpatrick) at CLE 30. 56-A.Highsmith for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -18.7% · EPA -7.77]
  • Cleveland Browns (Q4 7:06) — (7:06) 4-D.Watson sacked at CLE 13 for -7 yards (56-A.Highsmith). FUMBLES (56-A.Highsmith) [56-A.Highsmith], RECOVERED by PIT-90-T.Watt at CLE 16. 90-T.Watt for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -41.9% · EPA -7.21]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 0:22) — (:22) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass short right to 89-G.Olszewski to PIT 36 for -1 yards (21-D.Ward). FUMBLES (21-D.Ward), RECOVERED by CLE-22-G.Delpit at PIT 37. 22-G.Delpit to PIT 23 for 14 yards (88-P [WPA -17.2% · EPA -6.19]
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 6:16) — (6:16) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep middle to 14-G.Pickens for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson]. [WPA +14.1% · EPA +5.57]
Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

  1. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 15:00 · PIT 75 · Score 0-6
    (15:00) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short left intended for 88-H.Bryant INTERCEPTED by 56-A.Highsmith (39-M.Fitzpatrick) at CLE 30. 56-A.Highsmith for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 14:51 · CLE 15 · Score 0-7
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.
  3. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q1 8:50 · PIT 25 · Score 3-7
    (8:50) 7-D.Hopkins 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
  4. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q2 14:09 · PIT 3 · Score 9-7
    (14:09) (Shotgun) 4-D.Watson pass short right to 34-J.Ford for 3 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  5. Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q2 14:02 · PIT 1 · Score 11-7
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 34-J.Ford rushes left guard. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  6. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 9:14 · CLE 34 · Score 11-10
    (9:14) 9-C.Boswell 52 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.
  7. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q2 6:16 · CLE 71 · Score 11-16
    (6:16) (Shotgun) 8-K.Pickett pass deep middle to 14-G.Pickens for 71 yards, TOUCHDOWN [94-D.Tomlinson].
  8. Cleveland Browns FG (+3) — Q2 0:27 · PIT 37 · Score 14-16
    (:27) 7-D.Hopkins 55 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-47-C.Hughlett, Holder-13-C.Bojorquez.
  9. Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q3 11:51 · CLE 31 · Score 14-19
    (11:51) 9-C.Boswell 50 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.
  10. Cleveland Browns TD (+6) — Q3 10:05 · PIT 1 · Score 20-19
    (10:05) 68-M.Dunn reported in as eligible. 20-P.Strong left guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN.
  11. Cleveland Browns Safety (+2) — Q3 10:01 · PIT 2 · Score 22-19
    TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 4-D.Watson rushes right end. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 7:06 · PIT 80 · Score 22-25
    (7:06) 4-D.Watson sacked at CLE 13 for -7 yards (56-A.Highsmith). FUMBLES (56-A.Highsmith) [56-A.Highsmith], RECOVERED by PIT-90-T.Watt at CLE 16. 90-T.Watt for 16 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
  13. Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 6:58 · CLE 15 · Score 22-26
    9-C.Boswell extra point is GOOD, Center-46-C.Kuntz, Holder-6-P.Harvin.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
  • One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
  • Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
  • Desmond Watson (CLE) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.

Frequently asked questions

Who won Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2023-09-18?

The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Cleveland Browns 26-22 in Week 2, 2023.

What was the score by quarter in Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Q1: Cleveland Browns 3, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Q2: Cleveland Browns 11, Pittsburgh Steelers 9; Q3: Cleveland Browns 8, Pittsburgh Steelers 3; Q4: Cleveland Browns 0, Pittsburgh Steelers 7; Final: Cleveland Browns 22, Pittsburgh Steelers 26.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — A. Highsmith (Q1 15:00) Cleveland Browns touchdown — J. Ford (D. Watson pass) (Q2 14:09) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — G. Pickens (K. Pickett pass) (Q2 6:16) Cleveland Browns touchdown — P. Strong (Q3 10:05) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — T. Watt (Q4 7:06) Cleveland Browns field goal — D. Hopkins (Q1 8:50, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q2 9:14, 3 pts) Cleveland Browns field goal — D. Hopkins (Q2 0:27, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — C. Boswell (Q3 11:51, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Desmond Watson (Cleveland Browns), 42.3% completion, -7.5% CPOE, -0.33 EPA per dropback, -16.92 total passing EPA. Kenny Pickett (Pittsburgh Steelers), 46.9% completion, -15.3% CPOE, -0.42 EPA per dropback, -13.45 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Amari Cooper (Cleveland Browns) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +7.82 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 10 snaps.

Was Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers a close game?

Yes — the margin was 4 points. Pittsburgh Steelers won 26-22 in a game that stayed within one score into the fourth quarter.

Season records after this game

Cleveland Browns

Entered 1-0 Now 1-1 L

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 0-1 Now 1-1 W

FantasyHQ · fantasyhq.co

More 2023 game recaps

Week 2 · Sep 18, 2023

New Orleans Saints vs Carolina Panthers

Read full recap →

Week 2 · Sep 17, 2023

Washington Commanders vs Denver Broncos

Read full recap →

Week 2 · Sep 17, 2023

San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams

Read full recap →

Week 2 · Sep 17, 2023

Seattle Seahawks vs Detroit Lions

Read full recap →

Week 2 · Sep 17, 2023

New York Jets vs Dallas Cowboys

Read full recap →

Week 2 · Sep 17, 2023

New York Giants vs Arizona Cardinals

Read full recap →