It has come to this. The Cleveland Browns are facing off with the Pittsburgh Steelers at home off the shores of Lake Erie in Week 17. The Browns only have 2026 NFL draft order rooting goals, Myles Garrett’s chase of the single-season sack record
, and a chance to play spoiler against their longstanding rival. Even the most draft-focused Cleveland fan cannot find themselves hoping out loud that their team loses to the Steelers.For one of the first times ever, Browns fans and “the NFL” might have the same
rooting interest. For the longest time, it has seemed like the league has been against Cleveland’s team, especially when playing Pittsburgh or the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 17, the NFL needs the Browns to beat the Steelers.
Why? To make Week 18 matter in the AFC North race.
Pittsburgh currently holds a two-game lead over Baltimore for the division, but the two teams play each other in Week 18. If the Steelers lose to the Browns and the Ravens can knock off the Green Bay Packers on the road in Week 17, the Week 18 matchup would decide the AFC North crown. A meaningful game that is likely destined for a primetime spot.
If Pittsburgh beats Cleveland or Baltimore loses to Green Bay, neither of the Week 18 matchups in the AFC North will matter. A big game that would have big ratings could hang in the balance.
To add intrigue to the Browns versus Steelers matchup, beyond Garrett’s record pursuit, is whether or not the NFL will suspend WR DK Metcalf for his actions in Week 16:
Many are speculating that Metcalf will not only miss Week 17 in Cleveland but could be suspended for multiple games for those actions. That it could be in the NFL’s ratings interest for the Steelers to lose in Week 17 only adds intrigue to their decision on Pittsburgh’s star receiver.
The NFL might finally be “on the Browns’ side” in Week 17, only if you believe in league-level conspiracies.
