The Cleveland Browns are back in the playoffs. They qualified for the first time since 2002 by surviving a late Pittsburgh rally for a 24-22 win over the Steelers, who rested quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and several other starters for the postseason.
The Browns nearly blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter but stopped Pittsburgh’s 2-point conversion attempt and then recovered an onside kick to hold on.
Cleveland's reward is another matchup with the AFC North champion Steelers next Sunday night in Pittsburgh. Nick Chubb ran for 108 yards and a TD and Baker Mayfield threw a TD pass for Cleveland.
Cleveland returned to the NFL in 1999 and made the playoffs in 2002. It didn't return until this season. The NFL’s two longest playoff droughts were snapped on Sunday with the advancements of Tampa Bay and Cleveland, both 11-5, to the post--season.