Browns Close Out Home Slate Against Steelers With Future-and Draft Position-Looming Large
The Cleveland Browns will wrap up their 2025 home schedule this Sunday in a familiar setting against a familiar foe: the Pittsburgh Steelers. But while this matchup has traditionally carried weight-either in the standings or in pride-this year’s edition feels more like a quiet curtain call than a playoff prelude.
Let’s start with the obvious: this season hasn’t gone the way Cleveland hoped. With two games left, the Browns are staring down their ninth double-digit loss campaign in the 14-year tenure of Jimmy and Dee Haslam’s ownership. It’s a frustrating reality for a fanbase that’s seen more than its share of rebuilding years, and this one may sting a little more given the glimpses of promise that never quite materialized.
On the other side, the Steelers are once again in the playoff mix, poised to secure their 12th postseason berth under head coach Mike Tomlin. While Pittsburgh eyes January football, Cleveland is left to ponder what comes next-and who might still be around to see it.
Sunday’s game could mark the final home appearance for some long-tenured Browns veterans. Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller, and David Njoku all face uncertain futures in Cleveland, and while nothing is set in stone, the possibility of this being their last run in front of the home crowd adds a layer of emotion to an otherwise low-stakes game. And for those wondering-no, Deshaun Watson won’t be suiting up.
With the playoffs out of reach, the Browns’ focus quietly shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft. As it stands, Cleveland holds the No. 3 overall pick and enters the weekend with a 24.4% chance of landing the top selection. That’s a high-stakes number for a team that needs impact talent, and it makes these final two games more meaningful than they appear on the surface.
Of course, the Steelers would love nothing more than to complicate that. Not just by winning, but by doing what division rivals do best-making life harder for Cleveland in any way possible. And they might get some help from the schedule.
First, the Steelers will be without wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended two games for an altercation with a fan during last week’s win over the Lions. Metcalf leads Pittsburgh in receiving yards (850) and touchdowns (6), and his absence should ease the pressure on Cleveland’s secondary. That’s a small break for a defense that’s had its hands full all season.
Then there’s the wildcard scenario that could shake up Sunday’s lineup decisions. If the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, Pittsburgh would clinch the AFC North before even taking the field. That opens the door for Tomlin to rest key starters, knowing the Steelers would be locked into the No. 4 seed regardless of how they finish.
So, what would that mean for the Browns? Possibly an easier path to a win-but also a potential hit to their draft position. It’s the kind of ironic twist that only late-season football can deliver: a victory over your biggest rival that might cost you a shot at a franchise-altering draft pick.
Would the Steelers really rest their starters? That depends on how Saturday night plays out.
And even if they do, would that be enough for the Browns to capitalize? That’s the million-dollar question.
We’ll find out soon enough. But if Cleveland does manage to pull off a win-especially in a game where Pittsburgh takes its foot off the gas-don’t be surprised if Browns fans are left with mixed emotions. A win over the Steelers always feels good, but this one might come with a side of regret.
Because in a season like this, even victories can be bittersweet.