The Steelers get a rematch against the Browns this week, but it won’t be easy. Here’s what we should expect.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to the playoffs as the third seed in the AFC and will face their divisional rival, the Cleveland Browns, on Sunday Night Football. This game will definitely be one for the ages as this is perhaps Ben’s last hoorah for the Steelers, it is the Browns’ first time in the playoffs since 2002, and much more.
While anything can happen on any given Sunday, there are three things we should expect going into this heated matchup against the Browns.
The Browns will not be an easy opponent this time
Yes, the Steelers blew out the Browns the first time they faced each other (38-7) and almost beat them during Week 17 after resting a handful of their starters, but this time is different. The Steelers began to turn many heads after starting the season 11-0 and finishing 12-4. Going 1-3 to end the season is not exactly ideal, and despite them having their lone victory against the Indianapolis Colts, the Steelers have many asking questions about their true identity.
The Cleveland Browns have always been at the butt end of jokes across the NFL, but this time, it feels different. There is a possibility that the Browns will be without a portion of their roster due to Covid-19, but at the same time, Cleveland has a lot to play for. Baker Mayfield is trying to silence the critics; Kevin Stefanski, while not coaching this game due to Covid-19, can prove to the NFL that he is a legit coach and his team is ready for the challenge, and the Browns are on a mission to win their first playoff game since 1994. Expect this to be a hard-fought battle.