The Pittsburgh Steelers head into Week 17 with a chance to clinch the AFC North against the Cleveland Browns, but injuries and a suspension will test their depth. T.J. Watt remains sidelined with a lung issue, while DK Metcalf serves a two-game suspension. National media largely favors Pittsburgh in the matchup at Huntington Bank Field.
Pittsburgh enters the game at 9-6, holding a two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. A win over Cleveland or a Ravens loss or tie to the Green Bay Packers on Saturday would secure the division title for the Steelers, potentially making Sunday's contest meaningless for seeding.
The Steelers released their final injury report Friday, ruling out edge rusher T.J. Watt (lung), wide receiver Calvin Austin III (hamstring), cornerback James Pierre (calf), and cornerback Brandin Echols (groin). Free safety Jalen Ramsey (illness) and guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) are questionable. Watt, recovering from a partially collapsed lung after surgery, returned to limited practice this week but "was never gonna play this week," according to insider Mark Kaboly on 93.7 The Fan. Kaboly added that Watt might return "if necessary" against the Ravens in Week 18 but looks to need time to regain strength, potentially not until January 13.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf's two-game suspension, upheld after an appeal for his incident with a fan in Detroit, leaves Pittsburgh short-handed. Former offensive lineman Max Starks expressed confidence in quarterback Aaron Rodgers, saying on SiriusXM NFL Radio, "I think the Steelers’ offense will be okay without [Metcalf], just because of what Aaron Rodgers is as a professional quarterback." Rodgers has distributed passes to 15 different targets this season, with running back Kenneth Gainwell leading in receptions at 62.
The Browns, at 3-12, have their own issues. Tight end David Njoku (knee) is out, while running back Dylan Sampson (hand), guard Wyatt Teller (calf), tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin), and others are questionable. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has thrown eight interceptions in six games.
National media picks heavily favor Pittsburgh, with 16 of 18 analysts selecting the Steelers, including predictions like 24-10 from Adam Rank of NFL Network. The computer model at SportsLine projects Pittsburgh covering the -3 spread nearly 60% of the time, citing Cleveland's 0-4 record in recent games.
Key matchups include Steelers left tackle Dylan Cook against Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who needs one sack for the NFL record. Garrett downplayed facing backup Mason Rudolph if Rodgers rests, stating, "whether I get it against him, I get it against Aaron, it makes no difference to me."
Despite the absences, edge rusher Nick Herbig returns from a hamstring injury, providing a boost with 7.5 sacks this season, half a sack behind Watt's team lead. The Steelers aim to extend their three-game winning streak while managing health for the playoffs.