Browns open at TB; host Steelers in finale

Associated Press

For the first time since 1999, the Browns will open the season on the road.

The Browns will play their first game on Sept. 12 in Tampa Bay, snapping an 11-year home streak that began when Cleveland returned to the NFL as an expansion franchise. They’ll finish the season at home on Jan. 2 against the rival Steelers, the last of three straight AFC North games after a visit to Cincinnati on Dec. 19 and a home game against Baltimore on Dec. 26.

Cleveland does not have a prime-time TV game for the first time since 2007 but will play the defending Super Bowl champions for the third straight year. They’ll visit the New Orleans Saints on Oct. 24.

Steelers

The Steelers play Atlanta and Baltimore at home and Tennessee and Tampa Bay on the road the first four weeks of the regular season, a period that could cover any suspension for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The Falcons, Titans and Buccaneers did not make the playoffs last season.

The Steelers could learn todaywhether Roethlisberger will be suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy and, if so, how long he will be out.

The NFL has not said when any Roethlisberger disciplinary action will be announced.