The Cleveland Browns may be sitting at 3-12, but don’t let the record fool you - they’re not packing it in just yet. With a Week 17 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on deck, there’s still plenty of fire left in the Dawg Pound, especially when it comes to playing spoiler against a division rival.
Cornerback Denzel Ward made it clear: the Browns are coming with purpose.
“Man, it sounds like it’s an amazing opportunity that we have,” Ward said. “We’re still playing for something, so we plan to ruin their hopes of getting into the playoffs. That’s what we’re gonna go in there and try to do to the best way we can.”
That’s not just talk. For Cleveland, this is about pride, payback, and a chance to throw a wrench into Pittsburgh’s postseason plans.
And while the Browns are out of the playoff picture themselves, the chance to derail the Steelers’ hopes? That’s motivation enough.
Now, depending on how Saturday’s game between the Packers and Ravens shakes out, this AFC North clash could have varying levels of significance. If Baltimore falls to Green Bay, Pittsburgh locks up the division before even stepping on the field Sunday. But if the Ravens take care of business, then the Steelers will need to beat Cleveland to keep control of their own fate heading into a potential Week 18 showdown with Baltimore for the division crown.
Either way, the Browns are treating this game like a playoff of their own - one where they get to play the role of spoiler, and maybe get a little revenge along the way.
Adding to the intrigue, the Steelers will be without their top wideout, DK Metcalf, after the league upheld his suspension for the final two games of the regular season. That’s a significant blow for Pittsburgh.
Metcalf has been the go-to guy all year, racking up 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 59 catches. His big-play ability has been a consistent threat, and his absence changes the dynamic of this matchup.
Just look back at their Week 6 meeting. Metcalf torched the Browns for 95 yards and a touchdown on just four receptions. Without him, Pittsburgh’s offense loses a major weapon - and Cleveland’s defense knows it.
For a Browns team that’s endured a tough season, this is a chance to end the year on a high note. They can’t make the playoffs, but they can make sure Pittsburgh’s road to the postseason gets a whole lot bumpier.
And for players like Ward, that’s more than enough reason to show up with intensity. Rivalry games always carry extra weight, but when you have the chance to knock your division foe down a peg - especially when they’ve got everything to lose - it’s personal.
So while the standings might suggest this is just another late-season game between a team out of contention and one fighting for a spot, don’t be fooled. The Browns are coming to play. And if they have their way, they’ll be walking off the field Sunday with the last laugh - and maybe a little momentum heading into what comes next.