The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into Week 17 with the AFC North title within reach - but they’ll have to try and clinch it without their defensive anchor, T.J. Watt.
Watt, who’s missed the past two games due to a lung injury, was officially ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. That news came down Friday afternoon, ending any speculation about a potential return after he rejoined practice earlier in the week.
For most teams, losing a player of Watt’s caliber - a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate and the emotional engine of the defense - would be a gut punch. But credit to Pittsburgh: they haven’t just survived without him, they’ve thrived. The Steelers rattled off back-to-back wins over two high-powered offenses in the Dolphins and Lions, putting themselves firmly in control of the division race.
Against Miami, the Steelers’ defense looked locked in from the opening whistle, stifling a unit known for its speed and explosiveness. Then in Week 16, they followed it up by neutralizing a Detroit offense that had been rolling. It wasn’t flashy, but it was effective - classic Steelers football: physical, disciplined, and opportunistic.
Now, they turn their attention to a Browns team that’s been searching for consistency on the offensive side of the ball all season. Cleveland has shown flashes, especially with Shedeur Sanders taking over under center, but overall, this is still an offense that’s struggled to find rhythm and sustain drives.
That said, divisional games rarely follow the script. Even with Cleveland’s offensive issues and Pittsburgh’s recent momentum, this matchup is likely to come down to execution in the trenches and which team can control the tempo early.
The Steelers will need another strong showing from their front seven, especially with Watt sidelined. Look for guys like Alex Highsmith and Cam Heyward to shoulder more of the load in terms of pass rush and leadership.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, and the stakes couldn’t be clearer: a win locks up the division.
Pittsburgh’s defense has already proven it can rise to the occasion without its biggest star. Now, they’ll need to do it one more time - against a division rival, with the AFC North crown on the line.