It’s Week 17, and the Cleveland Browns are staring down a familiar foe in the Pittsburgh Steelers - but this time, the stakes are anything but typical. For Cleveland, the playoff picture is out of reach.
What’s left on the table? Pride, the 2026 draft order, Myles Garrett’s push for sack history, and a shot to play spoiler against a division rival that’s haunted them for decades.
And let’s be honest - no Browns fan, no matter how invested in draft positioning, wants to see their team roll over for Pittsburgh.
In a rare twist, Browns fans and the broader NFL universe may actually be pulling in the same direction this week. That’s because a Cleveland win could inject some serious drama into the AFC North race heading into the final week of the regular season.
Here’s the setup: The Steelers are currently two games ahead of the Ravens in the division standings. But the two teams are set to face off in Week 18.
If Pittsburgh falls to Cleveland and Baltimore handles business against the Packers in Green Bay, that Week 18 showdown suddenly becomes a winner-take-all for the AFC North crown - and likely gets bumped to a primetime national audience. That’s the kind of late-season drama the league dreams about.
But if Pittsburgh takes care of business in Cleveland or if Baltimore slips up in Green Bay, the Week 18 matchups in the division lose their juice. No title on the line.
No drama. Just two teams playing out the string.
So yes, the NFL - always keeping one eye on the ratings - has a vested interest in seeing the Browns pull off the upset.
And there’s more spice to this rivalry clash. Myles Garrett is within striking distance of the single-season sack record, and he’ll be hunting every snap.
For a Browns team that’s out of the playoff picture, Garrett’s pursuit gives fans a reason to lock in. He’s been dominant all season, and a big performance against Pittsburgh would not only boost his record chase but also cement his Defensive Player of the Year credentials.
Then there’s the looming question of whether Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will be available after his actions in Week 16. The league is reportedly weighing a suspension, and if Metcalf is sidelined, it would be a significant blow to Pittsburgh’s offense heading into a must-win game. The timing couldn’t be more critical, and the league’s decision could have ripple effects across the AFC playoff landscape.
So while the Browns may not be playing for a postseason berth, they’re still playing for something - respect, records, and the chance to throw a wrench into their rival’s playoff plans. And for once, it feels like the rest of the NFL is right there with them, hoping they do just that.