Ben Roethlisberger played with a high ankle sprain as the Pittsburgh Steelers continued their dominance of the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers have now defeated the Browns in 15 of their last 16 meetings.The Steelers have also won eight of their last nine games to move a half-game ahead of Baltimore in the race for the AFC North title.

The game stayed close until the fourth quarter due to both teams making impressive goal line stands. McCoy scrambled for what appeared to be a touchdown on Cleveland's opening drive but the play was reviewed and called back. The Browns were unable to score from the Pittsburgh 1 yard line and had to settle for a field goal and an early 3-0 lead. The Browns would later return the favor by stopping Pittsburgh on 4th down at the Cleveland goal line early in the fourth quarter. Both teams consistently moved the ball but were unable to score in the 2nd and 3rd quarters.

Roethlisberger returned in the second half to pass for 280 yards and two touchdowns. Big Ben connected on 79-yard scoring strike to a member of Young Money (Antonio Brown) to lead the Steelers to a hard earned 14-3 victory.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy threw for 209 yards but was also intercepted twice. McCoy also took a severe hit from Steeler linebacker James Harrison. The hit resulted in a penalty flag and will most likely result in a future monetary fine for Harrison.

During halftime it did not look like Roethlisberger would return from the high ankle sprain suffered in the first half. Big Ben limped noticeably through every play in the second half but still completed 8 of 12 passes.

The Steelers will now travel to play San Francisco and will need to keep winning to keep pace with Baltimore. The Ravens play the winless Colts this week but a slip up at San Diego or Cincinnati would give the Steelers a chance to take the AFC North Title.