NFL Wild Card PFF ReFocused: Cleveland Browns 48, Pittsburgh Steelers 37

Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb (24) celebrates with quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) after scoring a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the fourth quarter of an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Browns started the night on fire and never burned out. Baker Mayfield & Co. went up 28-0 in the first quarter and cruised to a 48-37 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers to earn a trip to Kansas City to take on the Chiefs in the divisional round.

Editor's note: All of PFF's grades and advanced stats from this game will be finalized and made available to ELITE subscribers within 24 hours of the final whistle. 

Story of the Game

Mayfield completed 21-of-34 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns and took zero sacks in a near-perfect outing for the former No. 1 overall pick. He earned a 90.0-plus PFF grade on first review despite logging zero big-time throws. He was consistent with his ball location down the football field, didn’t crumble under pressure from the Steelers’ front seven and avoided costly mistakes.

Jarvis Landry led the team in receiving with five receptions for 92 yards and a score. Running back Nick Chubb and tight end Austin Hooper also found the end zone and combined for 135 receiving yards.

While the Steelers’ offense racked up yardage and points in garbage time, Ben Roethlisberger’s four interceptions proved too costly to bring the team back from the early deficit. He completed 47-of-68 passes for 501 yards, four touchdowns and the four picks in what could be the 38-year-old quarterback’s last NFL game if he decides to retire this offseason.

Rookie Watch

Browns first-round rookie offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. earned a 70.0-plus PFF grade on first review and allowed just two pressures in the game.

Steelers rookie wideout Chase Claypool was impressive despite the losing effort. He caught five passes for 59 yards and two touchdowns.

ELITE subscribers can view player grades, advanced statistics, positional snap counts and more in Premium Stats 2.0.

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