Building on our initial preview, the Pittsburgh Steelers' quest for an AFC North clinch against the Cleveland Browns faces rainy weather, confirmed absences including T.J. Watt and DK Metcalf, and Myles Garrett's chase for the NFL sack record in Sunday's matchup at Huntington Bank Field.
The Steelers (9-6) can secure the division title and a playoff spot with a win over the eliminated Browns (3-12), regardless of the Ravens' Saturday result vs. the Packers—potentially allowing rest in Week 18.
New forecasts call for rain and possible thunderstorms post-4 p.m. ET (90% precipitation chance, winds to 24 mph), setting up a potentially low-scoring game. Coach Mike Tomlin addressed Garrett's 22 sacks and half-sack shy of tying the single-season record: 'You never wanna be on the wrong side of a record... absolutely not.'
Final injury updates from our prior report: Steelers rule out Calvin Austin III (hamstring), Isaac Seumalo (triceps), James Pierre (calf), and Brandin Echols (groin); Jalen Ramsey is cleared (illness). T.J. Watt (lung) misses his third game but eyes a return for playoffs, per Tom Pelissero. DK Metcalf remains suspended. Pittsburgh elevated CB D’Shawn Jamison and OL Jack Driscoll.
Browns updates: RB Quinshon Judkins out for season; TE Harold Fannin (groin) and QB Dillon Gabriel (shoulder) questionable. They elevated QB Bailey Zappe and TE Sal Cannella. Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders, in five non-division starts, averages 209 passing yards with six INTs and nine sacks.
Steelers keys: Lean on RB Jaylen Warren (143 yards last week), protect QB Aaron Rodgers from Cleveland's No. 3 pass rush (49 sacks), and contain Sanders. Pittsburgh's run defense has sharpened lately, per LB Payton Wilson.
Odds: Steelers -3.5 favorites (O/U 33.5); models predict 22-16 Pittsburgh win.