QB Ben Roethlisberger
We haven’t seen Ben Roethlisberger just take over games as often this year as he has done in years past. However, that’s exactly what he did in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16. That’s to a Ben-led comeback drive by the Steelers, Mike Tomlin was able to rest some of his veterans in the final week of the season.
Coincidentally, Roethlisberger’s biggest win of the season (38-7 blowout) came against Cleveland in Week 6. However, he didn’t do much through the air in that contest (14 of 22 for 162 yards and a touchdown). He will be looking for a shot to improve on these numbers this Sunday.
As of Thursday, two cornerbacks showed up on the injury report for Cleveland and the Browns will be without pass rusher Olivier Vernon after he ruptured his Achilles against the Steelers last week. With an offense that is completely healthy, Roethlisberger holds the upper hand and is a threat to take over in this contest if he can get things going early.
The Browns aren’t without a few playmakers of their own as we have seen impressive stretches from players like Myles Garrett and Baker Mayfield. However, with Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Ben Roethlisberger all coming off a week of rest, we have to assume that these three guys are capable of wreaking havoc in a do-or-die game this Sunday.