Published Dec 27, 1:49pm ET by
Paul Lebowitz - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 27, 1:49pm ET
Grok AI
Updated Dec 27, 1:53pm ET
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| Cleveland Browns | +3 (-110) |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | -3 (-110) |
The Steelers are a full two games ahead of the Ravens. But that's only part of the story. Baltimore has a tough Saturday night test in Green Bay with the Packers needing to win the game for a chance to win the NFC North.
If the Ravens lose, they're out. Period.
If the Ravens win and the Steelers lose to the Browns, then Week 18's Ravens-Steelers showdown in Pittsburgh will be for the AFC North title.
Obviously, that is what the NFL would prefer.
Needless to say, given their veteran core led by Aaron Rodgers and the possibility of T.J. Watt returning from a collapsed lung, it would behoove head coach Mike Tomlin and the team to sit them in advance of the Wild Card Round.
The Steelers took control of the division with a 3-game winning streak, including wins over the Ravens in Week 14 and the Lions in Week 16.
The win in Detroit was crucial as it was a back-and-forth affair with the Steelers coming out on top 29-24. Rodgers was fired up, clearly sensing that crunch time is approaching in what is likely to be his final season.
This will get yinz PUMPED. More greatness of Aaron Rodgers mic'd up against the Lions. 🤣😂#Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vrMBhs8bGr
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) December 24, 2025
Even if the Steelers have clinched the division, Tomlin does not dump games, so he should be expected to try and win. Still, if Pittsburgh sets foot on the field as AFC North champs, Rodgers should not be expected to play. The same is true for Cam Heyward.
Winning the division early also benefits them, as D.K. Metcalf's suspension will serve as little more than a veteran getting an admittedly costly rest.
ALSO SEE: Ravens vs Packers | Week 17 Odds & NFL Pick (Dec 27)
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Isaac Seumalo, G | INJURED |
| James Pierre, CB | INJURED |
| Jalen Ramsey, CB | INJURED |
| D.K. Metcalf, WR | SUSPENDED |
| Brandon Echols, CB | INJURED |
| T.J. Watt, LB | INJURED |
| Calvin Austin III, WR | INJURED |
If the Ravens win, the Browns will have what amounts to a playoff game for them as they try to damage the Steelers' hopes. Given the questions surrounding who among Cleveland's brain trust will return for 2026 and what they plan to do with Shedeur Sanders, Myles Garrett, and others, this could be the only meaningful game for this group of Browns players.
Shedeur remains perhaps the most polarizing player in recent memory. Some insist he can play. Others insist he's only on the regular roster and not a practice squad journeyman because he's Deion Sanders' kid.
Cleveland put a scare into the Bills in Week 16. Shedeur was 20 for 29 and 157 yards with 1 TD and 2 picks. He had a 64.9 passer rating. It's not great. But it's not horrific.
There's something to work with there if Shedeur stops being a prima donna and he has a coaching staff that wants him.
A compilation of #Browns QB Shedeur Sanders from today's game against the Bills: pic.twitter.com/jxG5fUjOS9
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 22, 2025
The Browns' defense is ranked 1st in the league in fewest defensive passing yards per game. They're 14th in defensive rushing yards per game. They're 9th in the NFL in sacks.
Feature back Quinshon Judkins is out for the season with a dislocated right ankle and fractured right fibula.
Suffice it to say that the Steelers do not want to put Rodgers out there against that defense in a meaningful game with the playoffs approaching.
| PLAYER | STATUS |
|---|---|
| Wyatt Teller, G | INJURED |
| Sam Kamara, DT | INJURED |
| Winston Reid, LB | INJURED |
| Myles Harden, CB | INJURED |
| Harold Fannin Jr., TE | INJURED |
| Dylan Sampson, RB | INJURED |
| David Njoku, TE | INJURED |
| Quinshon Judkins, RB | INJURED |
In Week 17 Steelers-Browns, people will be focusing on Shedeur Sanders as has been the norm since the QB was drafted. But the game could be somewhat important, again, contingent on Saturday night's result in the Ravens-Packers game.
Obviously, Pittsburgh will not go all out to win the game if they already know they're the division champs. But the point spread reflects that uncertainty with the Steelers favored on the road by 3. That will change based on the Ravens' result.
As of this writing, it is probably wiser to take the home underdog Browns. Considering how badly and inconsistently the Ravens have been and that QB Lamar Jackson is not expected to play, Green Bay should win. The odds will be updated repeatedly once the Ravens get underway.
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Pick
Cleveland Browns +3
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