4 biggest causes of concern Steelers vs. Browns in Week 18

Here are the Steelers causes for concern this week against the Browns

While the Steelers were tasked with taking on the Browns last week, their rematch this week is an entirely different beast. The team was lucky enough to have won the division and could rest some of their starters last week. This week changes that, as the Steelers will be all hands on a deck as a loss here means an early exit from the playoffs.

With all of that said, here are four causes for concern with the Steelers vs the Browns in week 18.

Looking ahead

The news broke early this week that the Browns had a COVID outbreak on their hands, and a litany of players and coaches have ended up on the reserve list because of this. With the team sure to be down some starters and the lack of practice reps likely limiting the rest of the team, the Browns have a clear disadvantage in this game. The issue becomes if the Steelers begin to look ahead as they have done in the playoffs before. If they do, it could easily turn the tables for them in this matchup.

Think back to when the Steelers played the Jaguars in 2018. The team wasn’t talking about their upcoming matchup. Instead, they were focused on a revenge game against the Patriots in the championship game. They ultimately lost that game 45-42. The team can’t do a similar thing this week against the Browns, as it could lead to a loss this week. Despite the struggles the Browns are facing, the Steelers need to take care of business today before they look ahead to the rest of the potential games in the playoffs.