Game Preview of Pittsburgh Steelers @ Cleveland Browns. Week 17 of 2025 NFL Season
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.
| Date | Opponent | Result | ATS | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-12-21 | vs BUF | L 20-23 | L -10.5 | o41.5 |
| 2025-12-14 | @ CHI | L 3-31 | L 7.5 | u38.5 |
| 2025-12-07 | vs TEN | L 29-31 | W +4.5 | o33.5 |
| 2025-11-30 | vs SF | L 8-26 | L -5.5 | u35.5 |
| 2025-11-23 | @ LV | W 24-10 | W +3.0 | u35.5 |
| 2025-11-16 | vs BAL | L 16-23 | L -7.5 | o37.5 |
| 2025-11-09 | @ NYJ | L 20-27 | L -1.5 | o37.5 |
| 2025-10-26 | @ NE | L 13-32 | L 7.0 | o40.5 |
| 2025-10-19 | vs MIA | W 31-6 | W +2.5 | o34.5 |
| 2025-10-12 | @ PIT | L 9-23 | L 5.5 | u37.5 |
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.
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Points | 186 | #29 | 263 | #14 | |
| Total Points Per Game | 16.9 | #29 | 23.9 | #20 | |
| Total Touchdowns | 18 | #29 | 28 | #15 | |
| Passing Touchdowns | 10 | #31 | 19 | #21 | |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 8 | #21 | 8 | #11 | |
| Other Touchdowns | 0 | #30 | 1 | #21 | |
| Total Kicking Points | 66 | #29 | 89 | #10 | |
| Total Two Point Conversions | 0 | #25 | 2 | #10 | |
| Kick Extra Points | 18 | #26 | 23 | #20 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Passing Yards | 1800 | #31 | 2846 | #3 | |
| Net Passing Yards Per Game | 164 | #31 | 259 | #2 | |
| Passer Rating | 69.4 | #32 | 91.1 | #19 | |
| Passing Attempts | 380 | #11 | 432 | #32 | |
| Completions | 217 | #25 | 278 | #2 | |
| Completion Percentage | 57.1 | #32 | 64.4 | #15 | |
| Passing 1st downs | 86 | #32 | 136 | #25 | |
| Passing 1st Down % | 48.3 | #31 | 56.2 | #17 | |
| Longest Pass | 66 | #12 | 81 | #3 | |
| Passing Fumbles Lost | 3 | #10 | 5 | #3 | |
| Receiving Targets | 359 | #14 | 410 | #2 | |
| Receptions | 217 | #25 | 278 | #31 | |
| Receiving Yards After Catch | 1064 | #23 | 1450 | #29 | |
| YAC Average | 4.9 | #19 | 5.2 | #20 |
| Statistic | Offense | Rank | Defense | Rank | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 1044 | #28 | 1163 | #14 | |
| Rushing Yards Per Game | 94.9 | #28 | 106 | #18 | |
| Rushing Attempts | 274 | #25 | 280 | #11 | |
| Yards Per Rush Attempt | 3.8 | #28 | 4.2 | #15 | |
| Rushing 1st downs | 66 | #24 | 86 | #26 | |
| 20+ Yard Rushing Plays | 6 | #17 | 4 | #24 | |
| Long Rushing | 46 | #19 | 37 | #27 | |
| Rushing Fumbles | 6 | #17 | 4 | #24 | |
| Rushing Fumbles Lost | 0 | #28 | 4 | #2 |