Steelers vs. Browns in Week 17: Familiar Voices, Familiar Stakes, and a New-Look Cleveland Team
When the Pittsburgh Steelers take the field in Cleveland for their Week 17 showdown against the Browns, they’ll do so with a familiar broadcast crew calling the action. CBS is sending its top team-Jim Nantz on play-by-play, Tony Romo in the booth, and Tracy Wolfson on the sidelines-for what will be their fourth Steelers game this season.
And if you feel like you’ve been hearing this trio a lot lately, you’re not wrong. This will be the third time in four weeks that Nantz, Romo, and Wolfson have covered a Steelers game.
That kind of consistency on the broadcast side mirrors what Pittsburgh has been doing on the field in CBS matchups. The Steelers are 7-2 this season when their games are aired on the network, and they’ll look to keep that trend going in a critical AFC North battle.
Steelers Favored, But Browns Present a New Challenge
Pittsburgh heads into this one as a 4.5-point favorite, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The money line sits at -215, with the over/under set at a modest 34.5 points. That low total tells you everything you need to know about how oddsmakers expect this one to play out-physical, defensive, and likely decided in the trenches.
The Steelers already handled the Browns once this season, winning 23-9 back in Week 6. But this isn’t the same Cleveland team. There’s a new face under center, and while the growing pains have been evident, there’s also a different energy to how the Browns are operating.
Shedeur Sanders Era Begins in Cleveland
Since taking over the starting role, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has shown flashes of promise, along with the expected rookie struggles. The fifth-round pick has completed 92 of his 167 passes (55.1%) for 1,103 yards, six touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
The raw talent is there-Sanders has the arm strength and mobility to extend plays-but decision-making and ball security remain works in progress. Against a Pittsburgh defense that thrives on creating pressure and forcing turnovers, Sanders will need to grow up fast.
Injuries Stack Up for the Browns
The Browns will also be without rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who suffered a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in their recent loss to the Bills. Head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed the injury, and it’s a significant blow to a Cleveland offense that’s already leaning heavily on young talent. Judkins brought a physical edge to the ground game, and without him, the Browns will need to adjust their approach on early downs.
Myles Garrett Eyes Sack History
One player who won’t need to adjust anything is Myles Garrett. The All-Pro edge rusher is sitting at 22.0 sacks on the season and is just one shy of breaking the single-season record of 22.5, held jointly by Michael Strahan and T.J.
Watt. Garrett has been a force all year long, and with two games left, he’s got a real shot at standing alone atop the sack leaderboard.
Of course, Watt-who tied Strahan’s record back in 2021-is on the other sideline. That adds a little extra spice to an already heated rivalry. Two of the league’s premier pass rushers, both chasing greatness, both capable of wrecking a game plan on any snap.
What’s at Stake
With playoff positioning still very much in play, this game carries weight for both teams. The Steelers are trying to solidify their postseason standing, while the Browns are evaluating their future with a young quarterback and a banged-up roster. Expect a hard-hitting, emotionally charged game-just the way AFC North football is meant to be.
And with Nantz, Romo, and Wolfson on the call, fans can expect an expert breakdown of every big moment. From Romo’s predictive insights to Tracy’s on-the-ground updates, this crew knows how to elevate a game. But for Pittsburgh, the goal is simple: win, and keep the momentum rolling into January.