Steelers legend James Harrison issued a bold prediction for Pittsburgh's Week 17 AFC North clincher against the Cleveland Browns, mocking Cleveland as 'Mutts' and expecting an easy win by stopping the run and confusing rookie QB Shedeur Sanders. This follows earlier coverage of key injuries testing both teams.
In the latest buildup to Sunday's 1 p.m. ET showdown at Huntington Bank Field—where the Steelers can secure the division with a win if the Ravens lose Saturday—former Pittsburgh star James Harrison dominated his 'Deebo and Joe' podcast with unfiltered optimism. The 14-year career Steeler, who lost to Cleveland just three times, declared: 'We’re gonna get up in there and kick the shit out of some dawgs,' labeling the Browns the 'Cleveland Mutts' lacking a 'clear bloodline.'
Harrison zeroed in on defensive keys: 'All we’ve gotta do is go out here and stop the run and confuse Shedeur [Sanders]... It’s gonna be easy sledding for us.' Sanders, in his sixth start, has sparked Cleveland's offense but struggled with eight interceptions in six games, 13 sacks in five starts, and a 31st-ranked scoring average under 17 points per game.
Browns beat writer Scott Petrak countered on 'The Terrible Podcast,' predicting an upset despite Pittsburgh's motivations. Cleveland rookie TE Harold Fannin Jr. (70 rec., 701 yds., 5 TDs) suffered a groin injury Friday but expects to play, crucial without David Njoku (knee).
Pittsburgh, fresh off three straight wins including Week 6 over Cleveland, misses WR DK Metcalf (suspension) and has LB T.J. Watt's status up in the air. Harrison dismissed DE Myles Garrett's sack record chase: 'He damn sure ain’t breaking the record this week,' crediting OL Dylan Cook.
Building on prior injury breakdowns, betting models project Pittsburgh covering the 3-point spread 60% of the time, with the 34.5 total leaning under based on recent Steelers road trends in Cleveland. Pittsburgh hasn't won here since 2021, heightening the stakes in this rivalry rematch.