As the NFL’s regular season nears conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers stand nearly ready to claim the AFC North championship. Their division title could be confirmed before they even step onto the field for their Sunday game against the Cleveland Browns, contingent on the outcome of the Green Bay Packers against the Baltimore Ravens match.
Former Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, now with the Steelers, indicated that he will maintain his usual game preparation routines regardless of the Packers’ performance impacting his team’s standing. Pittsburgh, holding a 9-6 record, would capture its first AFC North crown since 2020 if Green Bay prevails over Baltimore. Should that occur, the upcoming contest against Cleveland, currently holding a 3-12 record, would hold no bearing on the Steelers’ division title status.
Rodgers commented on his approach, stating, "I’m preparing to play and excited about playing," underscoring his commitment to remain focused despite the potential early clinching scenario. The Steelers have demonstrated momentum in recent weeks, having secured three straight wins, thus extending their sequence to 19 consecutive winning seasons.
In terms of playoff seeding, Pittsburgh is projected most likely to claim the AFC’s fourth seed. The opportunity to improve their placement remains open but hinges on multiple results: the Steelers must defeat both Cleveland this week and Baltimore next week while hoping Jacksonville and Houston lose their remaining games.
Should the Steelers secure the AFC North, Rodgers would notch his ninth division title as a starting quarterback, positioning him tied with Joe Montana for the third-most in NFL history. Tom Brady leads with 19, followed by Peyton Manning with 12.
The Browns, albeit struggling this season, maintain individual competitive objectives. Defensive end Myles Garrett is chasing the league’s single-season sack record. He currently holds 22 sacks, requiring just one more to surpass the 22.5-mark set by Michael Strahan and fellow Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt.
Watt will be absent for a third consecutive contest as he continues recovery from surgery to address a partially collapsed lung.
Garrett has encountered Rodgers twice this season without recording a sack on him. Achieving the record while becoming the 52nd player responsible for sacking Rodgers would represent a significant personal and professional milestone for Garrett. The All-Pro expressed determination, noting the record’s legendary status and highlighting Rodgers’ formidable reputation.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski lauded Rodgers’ quick processing and execution under pressure. Rodgers has been pressured on only 21.9% of his dropbacks, the lowest in the league, and boasts the fastest release time in the NFL, averaging 2.63 seconds from snap to throw.
The Steelers face additional challenges with the suspension of star wide receiver DK Metcalf for the final two games following an altercation with a fan. Metcalf’s season stats reflect a downturn, with career lows in receiving yards and catches, yet his presence has historically created offensive opportunities for his teammates.
In Metcalf’s absence, newly signed veterans Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are expected to take on greater roles, supported by Rodgers’ distribution to eleven players who have caught touchdown passes this season, a league-high metric. Thielen emphasized the offense’s depth, highlighting versatility across tight ends, running backs, and wide receivers capable of diverse plays.
The Browns confront mounting injury setbacks. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders arrives already missing running back Quinshon Judkins, who suffered a season-ending leg injury last week. Tight end Harold Fannin, a leading rookie receiver with 70 catches and contributing multiple touchdowns last week, sustained a groin injury in practice and is likely a game-time decision.
Additionally, quarterback Dillon Gabriel sustained a shoulder injury during practice, prompting the potential elevation of Bailey Zappe from the practice squad as Sanders’ backup.
The Steelers’ running back unit, featuring Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell, ranks among the league’s most productive duos. Combined, they have totaled over 2,000 yards and 15 touchdowns. Pittsburgh’s offense operates without a definitive primary running back, reflecting a philosophy of shared responsibility valued by offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
Both players celebrate each other’s successes, and that team mindset resonates through Pittsburgh’s offense. This approach results in broad offensive distribution, as evidenced by the fact that eight different Steelers have surpassed 150 yards from scrimmage this season.
Contributions from AP Sports Writer Will Graves in Pittsburgh are noted.