Steelers Eye Division Title While Browns Try to Salvage a Tumultuous Season in Week 17 Showdown
With just two weeks left in the regular season, the AFC North is tightening up-and the Pittsburgh Steelers are right in the thick of it. Riding a three-game winning streak and sitting at 9-6, Pittsburgh is looking to lock up the division.
Standing in their way this week? A Cleveland Browns team that’s 3-12, battered by injuries, and searching for answers in a season that’s been anything but stable.
Let’s break down what to expect when these longtime rivals meet at Acrisure Stadium in Week 17.
Browns Limping Toward the Finish Line
There’s no sugarcoating it: 2025 has been a rough ride for the Browns. A revolving door at quarterback, an offense that hasn’t found its rhythm, and a growing list of injuries have all contributed to a season that’s veered off course.
At 3-12, Cleveland is well out of playoff contention. But with a shot to spoil Pittsburgh’s momentum and snap a losing streak, there’s still pride on the line.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski and his staff are already looking toward 2026, but this game offers a chance to evaluate young talent in a high-stakes divisional environment.
Quarterback Carousel Continues
The Browns’ offensive issues start under center. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has taken the reins for most of the season, and while he’s shown flashes-particularly with his mobility and ability to extend plays-consistency has been elusive. His current stat line tells the story: six touchdowns, eight interceptions, and a passing game that’s struggled to sustain drives.
The Browns are averaging just 16.4 points per game, ranking 31st in the league. That’s a tough number to overcome, especially in a division where every game feels like a slugfest.
Running Game Takes Another Hit
As if the quarterback situation wasn’t already enough of a challenge, Cleveland’s backfield took a major blow in Week 16. Rookie standout Quinshon Judkins, who had been a bright spot with 827 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, suffered a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle. He’s done for the season, and his absence leaves the Browns scrambling for answers in the run game.
That means increased responsibility for Raheim Sanders and others, but depth is thin, and the production just hasn’t been there. Against a Steelers defense that’s been heating up down the stretch, Cleveland’s ground game faces an uphill battle.
Defense Still Has Bite-Thanks to Garrett
On the other side of the ball, the Browns still have one of the league’s most dangerous pass rushers in Myles Garrett. Even in a down year for the team, Garrett has continued to disrupt opposing offenses, providing a rare bright spot on a defense that’s struggled to consistently change games.
But Garrett can’t do it alone. Injuries have thinned out the unit, and the defense hasn’t been able to carry the team through its offensive woes. The Browns will need a near-perfect performance on defense to contain a Steelers offense that’s found its groove.
Injury Report: Depth Being Tested
Cleveland’s injury list heading into Week 17 reads like a who’s who of key contributors. Guard Wyatt Teller, cornerback Denzel Ward, safety Rayshawn Jenkins, and defensive tackle Mason Graham are all dealing with various ailments. Tight end David Njoku missed practice with a knee injury, and veteran lineman Joel Bitonio was limited.
That’s a lot of talent either sidelined or playing at less than 100%, which could spell trouble against a Pittsburgh team with everything to play for.
Steelers Hitting Their Stride
While the Browns are looking to stop the bleeding, the Steelers are surging. Aaron Rodgers has found his rhythm late in the season, and Pittsburgh’s offense is averaging close to 28 points over the last three games. The run game, led by Jaylen Warren, has been especially effective, giving the Steelers a balanced attack that’s tough to defend.
Rodgers’ veteran presence has been a steadying force, and even with wide receiver D.K. Metcalf suspended for the second straight game following an altercation with a fan, Pittsburgh’s passing game hasn’t missed a beat. Expect Adam Thielen to see more targets as the Steelers look to keep the chains moving and control the tempo.
T.J. Watt Trending Up
On defense, the Steelers got a potentially huge boost this week as T.J. Watt returned to limited practice following a partially collapsed lung earlier this month.
His game-day status is still uncertain, but just having him back in the mix is an encouraging sign. Even if he doesn’t suit up, Pittsburgh’s defense has been playing with renewed energy, especially in the secondary.
With the playoffs looming, this unit is rounding into form at the right time.
What to Watch
This one has the feel of a classic late-season AFC North clash, but the stakes are very different for each team. For the Steelers, it’s about securing a division title and keeping momentum heading into January. For the Browns, it’s a chance to evaluate young talent and potentially play spoiler.
If Cleveland wants to keep this one close, they’ll need to limit turnovers, control the clock, and find some rhythm on offense-no small task given the injuries and inexperience. For Pittsburgh, the formula is simple: stay balanced on offense, pressure the quarterback, and take advantage of a banged-up Browns roster.
The Steelers are playing for something big. The Browns are playing for something to build on. Either way, expect a physical, emotional battle between two teams that know each other well.
And in the AFC North, that always means something.