Second time is a charm for the Steelers when playing the Browns

Since 2001, the Pittsburgh Steelers have played the Cleveland Browns 28 times, and have won 25 of those games. It doesn't get more lopsided in terms of two divisional foes in the modern NFL era.

What might be even more surprising is how the Steelers have dominated the second matchup of the season between the two AFC North teams. Since 2006, the Steelers are 7-1 in the second yearly matchup against the Cleveland Browns. In those seven victories, the Steelers have an average margin of victory of 16.7 points.

The Steelers traveled to Cleveland Saturday and are preparing for their second game vs. the Browns Sunday. Despite their average victory margin being more than two touchdowns in their second matchup against the Browns, the Steelers are actually underdogs according to the Las Vegas gambling books.

The line on this game has moved since the Browns were first announced as 2.0 point favorites to win, but most books still see the Browns as either a 1.0- or 1.5-point favorite to win this AFC North showdown in Cleveland.

Putting aside the margin-of-victory stat for the Steelers against the Browns in their second matchup of the season, the Browns haven't beaten the Steelers as favorites heading into a game in 25 years. The last time the Browns were favored at home was in 2013 when they were favored at home by two points and lost 27-11.

For Steeler Nation, these are some feel-good statistics about your favorite team's chances to win their fourth game of the season Sunday and continuing their dominance over the Cleveland Browns. But even though it's no guarantee, history says the Steelers should leave Cleveland victorious.