#1: Steelers sweep the Browns
The Steelers just went 3-3 in AFC North play, splitting games with each of their rivals. By final scores, their most convincing of the three wins was against Cleveland, and their most convincing of the three losses was against…Cleveland?
Oh, wait a minute! Pittsburgh’s first matchup with the Browns was before quarterback Deshaun Watson had returned, and they instead had Jacoby Brissett starting, so splitting those games like that makes total sense—except it doesn’t. The game in which the Steelers lost 29-17 had Brissett while their 28-14 win had Watson.
So, especially when considering that the Browns are tied with the Jets for worst team (by record) to beat the Steelers this season, and the fact that they finished their run as the undisputed worst team in the division, Pittsburgh had no reason to fall to them.
However, a good portion of that blame could fall on Mitch Trubisky headlining an offense that would struggle to develop any shred of an identity until later in the year. We could also mention the impact of T.J. Watt’s aforementioned injury.
Now, with Kenny Pickett wasting no time to find a rhythm over weeks of starting experience, the offense feels much more capable. Also, Watt’s return brought a much-needed fire back to the defensive side. Those forces combined to completely overwhelm Cleveland in the Week 18 rematch (along with the desire for a playoff appearance).
If the Steelers can manage to keep those first two things around for when the Browns eventually pop up on the 2023-24 season calendar, both meetings between the bitter rivals should land nowhere other than in the former’s win column.