The AFC North rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers is set to take center stage this Sunday, December 28, 2025, as both teams square off at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland. While the Browns’ final home game of the season may not carry playoff implications for the hosts, there’s no shortage of drama, storylines, and high stakes for both teams and their fans.
Mother Nature, it seems, has decided to play a starring role. With a 70 percent chance of rain and winds gusting up to 28 miles per hour, Sunday’s weather could turn the field into a veritable slip-and-slide, raising serious concerns about ball security and field conditions. AccuWeather’s forecast has both teams bracing for a soggy, unpredictable afternoon. As Zac Jackson of AkronJackson noted, “There’s a 70 pct chance of rain and that winds will be around 20 MPH gusting to 28 MPH for Sunday’s Browns - Steelers game in Cleveland.”
For the Steelers, the stakes are clear: a win clinches the AFC North title, barring a Saturday night upset by the Baltimore Ravens over the Green Bay Packers. If the Ravens stumble, Pittsburgh could lock up the division before even taking the field, potentially changing the game plan and playing time for key starters like veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Steelers come into the contest with a 9-6 record, and their playoff seeding could hinge on the outcome.
On the flip side, the Browns, at 3-12, are staring down a top-two pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if they lose their final two games, with a shot at the No. 1 overall pick if things break right elsewhere. But don’t think for a second that Cleveland plans to roll over for their bitter rivals. Despite a tough season, the Browns’ defense has been a bright spot, ranking fifth in defensive EPA/play and second in defensive success rate. At home, they’re giving up just 19.8 points per game, a testament to their grit and determination.
“The Browns’ defense is one of the best in the league when playing at home,” wrote Blake Krass in his game preview. “Cleveland is giving up just 19.8 PPG at home this season. Overall, Cleveland ranks fifth in the NFL in defensive EPA/play and second in defensive success rate.”
One of the most compelling personal storylines belongs to Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, who sits just one sack shy of 23 on the season—a mark that would set the all-time NFL single-season record. However, the weather, combined with the Steelers’ quick-release passing game and the absence of top receivers D.K. Metcalf (suspension) and Calvin Austin III (hamstring), could make Garrett’s quest for history a tall order. According to Next Gen Stats, Aaron Rodgers leads all NFL starters with an average time to throw of just 2.63 seconds, and Pittsburgh’s 5.5 percent sack margin on drop-backs is the 11th-best in the league. Rodgers, now 42, is known for his veteran savvy and quick decision-making—he’ll be looking to avoid any unnecessary hits, especially with the postseason looming.
“When it comes to avoiding sacks, Rodgers is among the best in the business. For starters, he’s 42 years old and would rather not take hits at this point in his career,” observed one report. The Steelers’ offensive line and Rodgers’ quick release might just be the biggest obstacles between Garrett and his place in the record books.
Injuries are a major subplot on both sidelines. The Steelers have 13 players on the injury report, including Rodgers (wrist), T.J. Watt (lung, out), Calvin Austin III (hamstring, out), and Jalen Ramsey (illness, questionable). On the Browns’ side, quarterback Dillon Gabriel (left shoulder) and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) are questionable, while tight end David Njoku is out with a knee injury. The Browns elevated quarterback Bailey Zappe and tight end Sal Cannella to the active roster on Saturday, with rookie Shedeur Sanders set to start under center. If Gabriel is unavailable, Zappe will serve as Sanders’ backup.
Sanders, who took over as starter in Week 5, has shown flashes of promise. The SportsLine Projection Model expects Sanders to go over 17.5 pass completions, a mark he’s surpassed in four of his five starts. With star rookie running back Quinshon Judkins out for the season, the Browns’ offense may lean more on Sanders’ arm, especially if the weather doesn’t completely shut down the passing game. However, the forecasted rain and wind could make life tough for both quarterbacks and their receivers.
For fantasy football managers, this game is a minefield. Fannin’s groin injury and the adverse weather conditions make him a risky play, while running backs Dylan Sampson (hand, calf) and Raheim Sanders are both in the mix for touches. Sampson has missed the last two games and was limited in practice, while Sanders stepped up with 11 carries in the second half against Buffalo last week. With Judkins sidelined, the Browns’ backfield remains a question mark for fantasy lineups.
Betting lines reflect the uncertainty and the defensive prowess on display. The Steelers are 3.5-point favorites, with the total set at 33.5 points. Pittsburgh boasts an 8-7 record against the spread this season, while Cleveland is 6-9 ATS. The Steelers have won six of the past nine meetings between these teams and are 15-4 ATS in their last 19 games against AFC North opponents. The total has gone over in five of Cleveland’s last six home games and in four of Pittsburgh’s last five road games. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a 22-16 Steelers victory, with Pittsburgh covering the spread 53 percent of the time and the over hitting 54 percent of the time.
As for recent form, the Browns are coming off a spirited effort against the Buffalo Bills, losing by just three points. Despite a rough season, Cleveland has proven they can compete with top teams, especially at home. The Steelers, meanwhile, eked out a win over the Detroit Lions in Week 16 and have their eyes firmly set on the division crown.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. With so much at stake—from playoff implications to individual records and future draft positioning—this Week 17 clash promises plenty of intrigue, regardless of the scoreboard. Will the Browns play spoiler and give their fans something to cheer about in the finale, or will the Steelers weather the storm and punch their ticket to the postseason in style? All eyes will be on Cleveland as the drama unfolds—a fitting end to another wild AFC North season.
