Week 17 of the season has the Pittsburgh Steelers enjoying a new lease on life. After falling to a 6-6 record after a blowout against the Buffalo Bills four games ago, things have turned around for the better. Pittsburgh is enjoying a three-game winning streak, and it has a shot at locking up the AFC North division crown. They have a tough game against a feisty Cleveland Browns team this Sunday.
With a win this week, the Steelers would secure the crown of the division title. It's something they haven't achieved since 2020. Gaining that would be terrific, especially with the Baltimore Ravens barely hanging onto playoff hopes. Securing a win this week is vital, as Pittsburgh would hate to put its season on the line next week against Baltimore. It could lead to devastating results.
Most predictions favor the Steelers in this road game.
They are the better team, and they can take advantage of the Browns' young quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. Don't be shocked if the offense shows signs of struggle, especially with DK Metcalf out due to his suspension. This could become a tricky game, but for the sake of their playoff desires, the black and gold better win this battle.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Week 17 Still Curtain predictions provide hope to secure AFC North
"After a great stretch of wins, this feels like a comedown game against the Browns. Assuming the Ravens win, this also sets up a crucial Week 18 game against the Ravens. We are overdue for a dud and for the fanbase to flip back to ravenous." - Andrew Falce (Browns 20-17)
"Pittsburgh simply needs to handle business against the Browns. Without Quinshon Judkins, the Browns' offense is going to struggle against an improved rush defense from the Steelers. Hopefully, they can keep Myles Garrett away from Rodgers in the process, too." - Jacob Harrison (Steelers 27-17)
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"The Steelers may already know their playoff fate by the time this game takes place, but that won't change their approach. They don't want to lose momentum heading into the playoffs, so locking down one more victory over the Browns before potentially sitting veterans like Aaron Rodgers, Cam Heyward, and Jalen Ramsey will be important. It will be closer than it should be, but I think Pittsburgh takes this one and locks in their AFC North title." - Shayne Kubas (Steelers 21-17)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers have a tough task ahead of them without DK Metcalf going against a Hungry Brown’s defense willing to risk everything to see Myles Garrett happy. Aaron Rodgers delivers the only way he can. Kenneth Gainwell leads Pittsburgh in receiving yards and to glory." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 20-16)
"The Pittsburgh Steelers are on a roll, and they've got more to play for than Cleveland in a meaningless Week 17 game for the Browns. Still, this match-up always feels like a slug fest, and points won't come as easily for Mike Tomlin's team this week." - Tommy Jaggi (Steelers 20-13)
Final prediction: Steelers 23, Browns 19
There is no pressure facing Cleveland going into this game. It has all the tools that could lead to a classic Mike Tomlin failure, as we've witnessed throughout his tenure as their head coach. With that being said, this should be a relatively easy win for Pittsburgh to secure. They cannot afford to lose this game against the struggling Browns, as it may push the division title to next week.
Losing this game and playing in a winner-take-all matchup against Baltimore would spell disaster. That would lead to a playoff-like atmosphere in Week 18, which most know, would be a bad look for the Steelers. Take care of business in Cleveland this week, and you can rest players in the final game of the season. The Browns will want to play spoiler, and it has led to prediction scores being tight.
Aaron Rodgers and the offense have shown signs of positivity in recent weeks, but they have been inconsistent throughout the campaign. It could mean they are due for an off game. Even if they show signs of struggle, their defense should be able to force a turnover or two, setting up their offense to succeed.
Don't expect this match-up to produce great results, but they must win even if it turns into a rock fight.
Pittsburgh's defense should be able to torment Cleveland's quarterback no matter which defensive players are out of the lineup. It should result in some turnovers, and the Browns will be without rookie sensation Quinshon Judkins. Pick the Steelers to win a tight game as turnovers sink Cleveland this time around. Hopefully, heading into the New Year holiday, they will have the AFC North crown.