Writers’ Picks: Steelers Week 17 matchup vs. Cleveland Browns

The Still Curtain provides their last edition of predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 regular season against the Cleveland Browns.

This one is for all the marbles. Possibly finishing the year with the best prediction record of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2020 season is causing a stress level like no other. Also feeling the stress this week is the Cleveland Browns who are hoping for a playoff seat.

After a drought since 2002, the Steelers have the perfect chance to spoil a seemingly everlasting dream for the Browns and their fans. It will be tough to accomplish as QB Ben Roethlisberger and others are set to rest since this is a meaningless game for Pittsburgh.

Perhaps, Cleveland will be a bit more motivated for themselves, as they also seek to avenge the loss they took to Pittsburgh earlier in the season. A demolishing 38-7 beat down that flustered a four-game winning streak the Browns were then on; the spotlight is focused on them.

The odds don’t appear as so and our team at Still Curtain may align with, but can the Steelers prolong the inevitable postseason fate of the Browns?

Writer’s Recap

Having to look back to our week 15 predictions, it was a game that caught everyone off guard. Before taking a break during the holidays amid their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, every contributing writer fell short in choosing the Steelers to beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now with the regular-season closing in on its finale of the 2020 regular season, our predictions are also coming to a close. A year from the Black & Gold that exhilarated for months then came to an unexpected stop for perfection, and we cherished every moment. One will be crowned here, but all in all, it was for the enjoyment as a group to our readers that simply loves Pittsburgh Steelers football.

Still Curtain’s 2020 Records

Christian Brown (5-0)

Andrew Falce (11-3)

Eric Hassel (11-3)

Ed Hunt (10-4)

Tommy Jaggi (11-3)

Brandon Kring (10-4)

Austin Lloyd (3-2)

Jordan Newman (12-2)

Ryan Pawloski (10-4)

Casey Sadekoski (10-4)

Alec Silverman (3-2)

Week seventeen predictions vs. Browns

”Watt finishes the game with a sack, FF to add to his 2020 DPOY campaign.” – Christian Brown (PIT 21-17)

”Rudolph leads the Steelers reserves to a close game. That said, the Browns rushing attack is too hard to beat.” – Andrew Falce (CLE 31-28)

“As Coach Tomlin likes to say, ‘the standard is the standard’. That will be put to the test against the Browns. Despite resting several key starters, the Steelers find a way to ring in the new year with a win.” – Eric Hassel (PIT 20-17)

”The Steelers are resting Ben Roethlisberger and I don’t think Mason Rudolph has enough to win.” – Ed Hunt (CLE 20-10)

“The Steelers offense caught fire in the second half against the Colts last week, but something tells me they could quickly cool down with Mason Rudolph taking the reigns at quarterback this week. The Browns are on a bit of a hot streak and they need this game more than Pittsburgh does. With Mike Tomlin choosing to rest a handful of starters, including Team MVP T.J. Watt, I think Cleveland takes control in this game.” – Tommy Jaggi (CLE 27-17)

”The Steelers are likely going to rest quite a few players and the Browns are fighting for a playoff spot. The Browns win a close one.” –Brandon Kring (CLE 26-23)

”Not much to break down here. The Steelers have already acquired what they wanted, and as a result has pulled multiple starters. Meanwhile, Cleveland has a lot to play for, and on their own turf. This is an easy pick for the week.” – Austin Lloyd (CLE 27-13)

”The Steelers still have much of their defense that can still pose a serious threat to anybody, despite the names ruled out. However, the Browns are returning their WR corps from COVID & are going to take advantage of a Pittsburgh offense without Ben Roethlisberger.” – Jordan Newman (CLE 24-20)

”It should be a closer game than many expect as the Steelers seem to have no reason to compete in this game. The Browns have been losing some players due to covid protocols so it might make this game closer than it should be. Its Cleveland so don’t be surprised if the Steelers find a way to win this one.” – Ryan Pawloski (CLE 23-17)(OT)

”With multiple of the Steelers biggest stars out of the game resting for the playoffs one would think that the Steelers are going to lose. Thanks to the browns covid situation I think the playing field is evened out.” – Casey Sadekoski (PIT 24-17)

”With the Steelers resting the majority of their star talent and the Browns needing a win to get in, it could get ugly. I think the Steelers will finish the season 12-4, losing to the Browns.” – Alec Silverman (CLE 30-21)