NFLGame PreviewsPIT VS CLE Preview Week17 28-DEC-2025

Game Preview of Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns. Week 17 of 2025 NFL Season

PIT logo

PIT

9-6-0
@
28DEC25
01:00pm
CLE logo

CLE

3-12-0
Huntington Bank Field

Game Preview

The Steelers head to Cleveland in Week 17 with the AFC North title on the line. A win would clinch the division and secure a home playoff game. But Pittsburgh has struggled in Cleveland, losing five of their last six trips there. This game kicks off Sunday at 1:00 PM ET at Huntington Bank Field.

Cleveland, at 3, 12, is already out of playoff contention. However, they’ll play the role of spoiler behind rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. He’s shown flashes but faces a tough test against a Steelers defense that thrives on confusing young QBs. With key injuries in the Browns’ backfield, Sanders may have to carry more of the load than he’s ready for.

The Steelers come in with a surging run game, led by Jaylen Warren. Their offensive identity has shifted toward ball control and physicality. On defense, Pittsburgh will look to pressure Sanders and force turnovers. T.J. Watt's status is still in question, and his availability could swing how aggressive they can be.

This matchup pits a playoff-hungry team against a prideful home underdog. With a low total set at 34.5 points and a spread of Steelers -3.0, oddsmakers expect a tight, physical game.

Current Season Form

PIT logo

PIT

Away
Record:9-6-0
ATS:8-6-1
O/U:9-6-0
CLE logo

CLE

Home
Record:3-12-0
ATS:6-9-0
O/U:8-7-0

Head-to-Head Summary

Record:
3-2Winner logo
ATS:3-2-0
O/U:2-3-0

Past Results

DateOpponentResultATSO/U
2025-12-21vs BUFL 20-23L -10.5o41.5
2025-12-14@ CHIL 3-31L 7.5u38.5
2025-12-07vs TENL 29-31W +4.5o33.5
2025-11-30vs SFL 8-26L -5.5u35.5
2025-11-23@ LVW 24-10W +3.0u35.5
2025-11-16vs BALL 16-23L -7.5o37.5
2025-11-09@ NYJL 20-27L -1.5o37.5
2025-10-26@ NEL 13-32L 7.0o40.5
2025-10-19vs MIAW 31-6W +2.5o34.5
2025-10-12@ PITL 9-23L 5.5u37.5

Key Insights

  • Steelers force turnovers at a top-tier rate (86th percentile) and face a rookie QB prone to holding the ball.
  • Cleveland ranks near the bottom in third-down conversion (34.3%), which could stall drives if the run game falters.
  • Pittsburgh boasts elite red-zone efficiency, scoring TDs on 63.6% of trips (94th percentile).
  • Steelers operate slowly, ranking in the 6th percentile in plays per minute, which often leads to fewer possessions.
  • Cleveland’s pass rush is elite, ranking in the 97th percentile in sack rate. They’ll test Pittsburgh’s improving O-line.
  • Browns’ offense struggles on long drives, converting just 65% (3rd percentile), limiting comeback potential.

Betting Insights

  • Steelers -3.0 (-115) offers value if T.J. Watt plays, given their defensive edge vs. a rookie QB.
  • Under 34.5 points (-112) is in play with two slow-paced, run-heavy teams and several offensive injuries.
  • Jaylen Warren Anytime TD (+180) is a strong dart; he’s part of a red-hot ground game that just ran for 230 yards.
  • Shedeur Sanders Under 184.5 Passing Yards (-120) leans under against a disguised-pressure defense built to confuse rookies.
  • Jerry Jeudy Under 27.5 Receiving Yards (-118) is worth a look with the Browns’ passing game expected to stay short and safe.

Final Summary

This game sets up as a classic AFC North grinder. The Steelers have more to play for, but road trips to Cleveland have tripped them up before. With a rookie QB under center for the Browns and injuries in the backfield, Pittsburgh’s defense has the upper hand, especially if Watt suits up.

The Browns will rely on pride, home crowd energy, and Myles Garrett to keep this close. But their offensive flaws, especially on third down and in long drives, make it hard to trust them for four quarters.

The spread of Steelers -3.0 shows respect for Cleveland’s spoiler potential, but Pittsburgh’s run game and playoff focus give them the edge. The low total of 34.5 reflects the expected pace and style. If you're betting this one, consider props tied to the ground game and turnovers.

Expect a tough, physical matchup with postseason implications, and not many fireworks.

Statistical Battle Boards

Viewing: CLE Offense vs PIT Defense
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Total Points186#29263#14PIT advantage
Total Points Per Game16.9#2923.9#20PIT advantage
Total Touchdowns18#2928#15PIT advantage
Passing Touchdowns10#3119#21PIT advantage
Rushing Touchdowns8#218#11PIT advantage
Other Touchdowns0#301#21PIT advantage
Total Kicking Points66#2989#10PIT advantage
Total Two Point Conversions0#252#10PIT advantage
Kick Extra Points18#2623#20PIT advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Net Passing Yards1800#312846#3PIT advantage
Net Passing Yards Per Game164#31259#2PIT advantage
Passer Rating69.4#3291.1#19PIT advantage
Passing Attempts380#11432#32CLE advantage
Completions217#25278#2PIT advantage
Completion Percentage57.1#3264.4#15PIT advantage
Passing 1st downs86#32136#25PIT advantage
Passing 1st Down %48.3#3156.2#17PIT advantage
Longest Pass66#1281#3PIT advantage
Passing Fumbles Lost3#105#3PIT advantage
Receiving Targets359#14410#2PIT advantage
Receptions217#25278#31CLE advantage
Receiving Yards After Catch1064#231450#29CLE advantage
YAC Average4.9#195.2#20CLE advantage
Offense team logoOffense
Defense team logoDefense
StatisticOffenseRankDefenseRankAdvantage
Rushing Yards1044#281163#14PIT advantage
Rushing Yards Per Game94.9#28106#18PIT advantage
Rushing Attempts274#25280#11PIT advantage
Yards Per Rush Attempt3.8#284.2#15PIT advantage
Rushing 1st downs66#2486#26CLE advantage
20+ Yard Rushing Plays6#174#24CLE advantage
Long Rushing46#1937#27CLE advantage
Rushing Fumbles6#174#24CLE advantage
Rushing Fumbles Lost0#284#2PIT advantage