Pittsburgh, PA — The Pittsburgh Steelers had a golden opportunity to clinch the AFC North title in Week 17, needing only to defeat the struggling Cleveland Browns at home. Instead, they walked away with a shocking 13-6 upset loss that has thrown the division race wide open.
The defeat, combined with the Baltimore Ravens’ victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, means the AFC North crown will be decided in a do-or-die Week 18 matchup. The Steelers (9-7) will host the Ravens (8-8) at Acrisure Stadium, with the winner capturing the division and the loser going home empty-handed — eliminated from playoff contention entirely.
Offensive Struggles Doom Pittsburgh
The Steelers entered the game riding a three-game winning streak, but their offense sputtered against Cleveland’s aggressive defense. Pittsburgh managed just 291 total yards and converted only 3 of 15 third-down attempts — a dismal 20% success rate that proved costly throughout the afternoon.
The absence of suspended star wide receiver DK Metcalf was felt immediately. Metcalf, who was suspended by the NFL after throwing a punch at a fan in Detroit during Week 16, left a massive void in the Steelers’ passing attack that quarterback Aaron Rodgers could not overcome.
Rodgers, who had been in excellent form during the winning streak, was held to just 168 passing yards and was sacked twice by a Browns defense that brought consistent pressure all game long.
Rodgers Remains Confident Despite Setback
Despite the frustrating loss, Rodgers expressed unwavering confidence in his team’s ability to bounce back in the season finale.
“I have full confidence we’ll go home and win next week,” Rodgers said after the game, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most dramatic regular-season finales in recent AFC North history.
Browns Defense Steps Up in Upset Win
The Browns (4-12) entered the game having lost four straight and sitting in last place in the division, with their anemic offense largely to blame for the disappointing season. But on this day, Cleveland’s defense rose to the occasion.
Young quarterback Shedeur Sanders showed poise and accuracy, completing 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards and a touchdown. While he did throw two interceptions, the Browns’ defense prevented the Steelers from capitalizing on either turnover — a critical factor in preserving the upset victory.
Linebacker Devin Bush anchored the defensive effort with a team-high 5 solo tackles and 4 assists, consistently disrupting Pittsburgh’s offensive rhythm.
Winner Takes All in Week 18
What was supposed to be a coronation for the Steelers has instead become a high-stakes elimination game. When Pittsburgh and Baltimore meet next week, the margin for error will be zero. One team will celebrate a division title and playoff berth; the other will watch the postseason from home.
For the Steelers, the loss serves as a harsh reminder that in the NFL, no game can be taken for granted — no matter the opponent’s record. Now, they’ll need to regroup quickly and deliver their best performance when it matters most.
The AFC North will be decided under the lights at Acrisure Stadium in Week 18.
