Depending on what happens on Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers could have their biggest game of the season in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. It is a win-and-get-in scenario for Mike Tomlin and his team. Pittsburgh hasn’t won in Cleveland since 2021, but now would be a great time to snap that streak. It’s time to show the Browns why they are the little brothers in the AFC North. 

5. Next Man Up

Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Adam Thielen (16) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

The Steelers will be without D.K. Metcalf’s services on Sunday due to his dust-up with a deranged Lions fan. Pittsburgh lives off the next man up mentality. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, Scotty Miller, and even Roman Wilson will have to step up and deliver for Aaron Rodgers on Sunday. There’s no time to cry about Metcalf. If the Steelers can’t beat the 3-12 Browns without him, they don’t deserve the playoff spot. 

4. Don’t Get Cooked By Shedeur Sanders

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) on the sidelines against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Shedeur Sanders is learning that life isn’t easy in the NFL, especially for a Browns quarterback. In five games this season, he has thrown six touchdowns and eight interceptions while being sacked 15 times. Don’t be his get-right game. The kid can spin it if he’s not sitting on his wallet all game. Get to him early and often and force him to make mistakes. The Steelers’ defense didn’t force any turnovers last week. Get a couple this week. 

3. Get Hands On Myles Garrett

Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) is introduced prior to a game against the Buffalo Bills at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Browns superstar Myles Garrett is one sack away from breaking the single-season record that is shared by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan. It’s okay to come to terms with the fact that he is going to do it. He can have his silly little record. The Steelers have dreams of getting hats and t-shirts after the game to celebrate clinching the AFC North title. Don’t let Garrett control the game and get out of the mistake by the lake with a win. 

2. Keep Leaning On The Running Backs

Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) is congratulated by running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) is congratulated by running back Kenneth Gainwell (14) after scoring a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

Kenneth Gainwell and Jaylen Warren are on another level right now. They walked the Detroit Lions down last week behind a depleted offensive line that played a magnificent game. Keep feeding them and don’t stop until the job is done. If the Steelers can run the ball well, everything will fall into place for Rodgers. Both running backs deserve double-digit touches through a mix of handoffs and passes. It will open up everything else. 

1. Handle Business

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, center, next to quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) walk off the field after 29-24 win over Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, center, next to quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) walk off the field after 29-24 win over Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025

This game will be the Browns’ Super Bowl. If they can make life harder for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, they would love to do it. Don’t let them. Pittsburgh has always had a knack for playing down to inferior teams, but they can’t afford it this week. There is too much on the line to blow a game to a team with three wins. Handle business and play Steelers football. Walk into their trap and take it over. Don’t get caught up in the junk. Just win. 

End Of My Steelers Rant

Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Dec 15, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks on in the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh is entering Week 18 on a three-game win streak while the Browns are on a four-game losing skid. The Steelers will be without T.J. Watt and D.K. Metcalf, but that is no excuse. Aaron Rodgers is 4-0 in his career against the Browns, and he would like to remain perfect against them. James Pierre should be back in the secondary. This is a gigantic game for the Steelers that they can’t let slip through their fingers.