Week 17 predictions for the Cleveland Browns' AFC North showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers
No matter what the records are, when the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers get together, it doesn't matter what the records are. This matchup always comes with a little extra rivalry huice, especially with the game being played in Cleveland this time around.
Browns fans will always root for a win over their most hated rival. Doing so likely comes at a cost, though, of losing out on a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Another backdrop on this game is what it means for the Steelers too.
A Baltimore Ravens loss to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night would render this game useless to Pittsburgh. The AFC North crown will be theirs. Should the Ravens win, though, Pittsburgh won't want to push its luck and leave the title up for grabs against Baltimore next week.
The Steelers have been one of the best rushing teams in the NFL in recent weeks, averaging 133 yards per game, and 5.3 yards per attempt on the ground over the last three weeks. Conversely, the Browns rushing defense has been one of the worst in the league in recent weeks, surrendering 113.7 yards per game over the last three games.
Something has to give there. But stopping the run will be pivotal for Cleveland, especially if they hope to give Myles Garrett opportunities to get after whoever starts at quarterback (ironically, it may end up being Mason Rudolph) and establish a new single-season sack record.
Can Garrett get there in a Browns upset win, nonetheless? Our predictions are in:
Anthony Moeglin Prediction
The home finale is (finally) here! The Cleveland Browns get their chance at their hated rival the Pittsburgh Steelers who, again, heading in a very different direction with a chance to lock up an AFC North title with a win (or a Ravens loss on Saturday night)
For the Browns, it's all about Myles Garrett setting the single-season sack record and whether or not Shedeur Sanders can solidify the starting job in 2026. Last week the Browns saw some positives from their offense, but the defense was a major bummer and cost the Browns a chance at a very nice win.
Sunday, I think that Cleveland gets off the mat. The Steelers are rolling at the back half of this year and Aaron Rodgers is playing vintage football. This is such a spot for a Steelers loss, especially if they have nothing to play for Sunday.
Shedeur is going to play his best football game and the Browns defense is going to show up and do just enough. Myles will get the sack record and the Browns will close their home schedule with a very fun win.
Browns 27, Steelers 13
Spencer German's Prediction
So much of this matchup depends on what happens with the Ravens on Saturday. If Baltimore wins, the Steelers still have something to play at 1 pm in Cleveland. If the Ravens lose, well, I'd expect the Steelers to rest a number of starters, including QB Aaron Rodgers.
Either way, I think we're in for a bit of a slog. Pittsburgh is running the football very well right now, and stopping the run on defense. How effective can the Browns run game be against that unit and without Quinshin Judkins is a major question I have, and this game may be decided by which team can run the football better. Given how Cleveland's defense has played of late, that probably favors the Steelers, even if Rodgers and other key starters sit.
A Browns win would hurt their status in the NFL Draft order. Shedeur Sanders may be poised to make it happen, but I think his efforts will fall just short. Myles Garrett gets the sack record, but the Browns drop to 3-13.
Steelers 20, Browns 17