The Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) travel to face the Cleveland Browns (3-12) in a Week 17 AFC North rivalry matchup on December 28, 2025, with the Steelers aiming to bolster their playoff positioning in a tight AFC wild-card race, while the Browns look to play spoiler and end a dismal season on a positive note at home. Pittsburgh has dominated the recent series, winning 10 of the last 11 meetings, but Cleveland’s defense could keep it close in what might be a low-scoring affair amid cold weather. Below is a fully detailed preview covering all aspects.
Venue Location
Huntington Bank Field (formerly Cleveland Browns Stadium), Cleveland, Ohio. This outdoor venue, home to the Cleveland Browns, seats approximately 67,895 fans and features a natural grass surface, known for its passionate crowd and challenging late-season weather conditions.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. CT / 10:00 a.m. PT).
Broadcast: CBS: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson (field reporter), streaming on Paramount+.
Weather Updates
Expect cold and potentially snowy conditions in Cleveland. Daytime highs will reach around 35-39°F, dropping to 23-30°F by kickoff, with a feels-like temperature in the low 20s due to wind chill. There’s a 14-20% chance of light rain showers or blowing snow, with winds at 13 mph and partly cloudy skies. The natural grass surface could become slick or frozen, favoring ball security, run-heavy strategies, and limiting deep passes—bundle up for fans, as December in Cleveland often brings variable winter weather with averages of 28-35°F and higher precipitation chances.
Injury Report
Both teams are managing late-season injuries, with the Steelers dealing with secondary concerns that could expose them to Cleveland’s passing game, while the Browns face questions in the trenches.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Defensive end Larry Ogunjobi (groin) is questionable. Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (knee) is limited and questionable. Wide receiver George Pickens (hamstring) is expected to play but limited. Linebacker Patrick Queen (undisclosed) is full participant. These issues could weaken the pass defense and receiving corps.
Cleveland Browns: Quarterback Deshaun Watson (undisclosed) is probable but monitor for any setbacks. Running back Nick Chubb (knee) is out for the season. Defensive end Myles Garrett (foot) is limited but expected to play. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (knee) is questionable. These absences strain the run game and pass rush.
Player Matchups
This AFC North finale could turn on the quarterback battle and trench warfare, with Pittsburgh’s run game testing Cleveland’s front in the cold.
PIT QB Russell Wilson vs. CLE S Grant Delpit: Wilson’s experience (over 3,000 passing yards) vs. Delpit’s coverage—Delpit must limit deep shots to Pickens.
CLE QB Jameis Winston (if starting) vs. PIT LB T.J. Watt: Winston’s arm vs. Watt’s pass rush (league-leading sacks)—Watt could force turnovers if Ogunjobi sits.
PIT RB Najee Harris vs. CLE DL Dalvin Tomlinson: Harris’s power (1,000+ yards) vs. Tomlinson’s gap-filling—cold favors Harris if the line holds.
CLE WR Amari Cooper vs. PIT CB Joey Porter Jr.: Cooper’s routes vs. Porter’s man coverage (if active)—potential for big plays if Porter is limited.
PIT WR George Pickens vs. CLE CB Denzel Ward: Pickens’ physicality vs. Ward’s agility—could open play-action.
These matchups favor Pittsburgh’s defense if healthy, but Cleveland’s home grit could keep it close.
Recent Team Forms
Pittsburgh Steelers (last 5 games): L-W-L-W-L. Recent losses include close defeats, but wins over division foes show form. Averaging 24 PPG in victories with a top-5 defense allowing under 18 PPG.
Cleveland Browns (last 5 games): L-L-L-L-L. On a five-game losing streak, with defensive breakdowns allowing 30+ PPG in losses—form highlights struggles across the board.
Series History
The Steelers lead the all-time series 83-64 in 148 meetings (including 3 playoffs), with Pittsburgh winning 10 of the last 11 and 31 of the last 39. Cleveland’s last win was in 2024 (hypothetical in previews). Games average moderate scoring, with Pittsburgh’s largest margin a historical note—recent tilts favor Steelers by double digits.
Betting Trends
Steelers: 8-7 ATS overall, 5-3 ATS on the road, 7-8 O/U with unders in cold games. Browns: 4-11 ATS overall, 2-5 ATS at home, 6-9 O/U trending under vs. AFC North foes. Game-Specific: Steelers 31-8 SU in last 39 vs. Browns; Browns 1-4 in last 5 games; unders in 5 of last 7 meetings; public on Browns +4.5 (rivalry factor), sharps on Steelers due to form.
STEELERS NOTES:
• STEELERS have .500+ record in 22 consecutive seasons, surpassing 1965- 85 Cowboys (21) for longest streak in NFL history. • HC MIKE TOMLIN is 11th HC all-time with 200 career wins, incl. playoffs & 3rd youngest to reach mark in NFL history. • QB AARON RODGERS completed 27 of 41 atts. (65.9 pct.) for 266 yards & TD in Week 16. Ranks 4th all-time in TD passes (526) & 5th in pass yards (65,812). Aims for his 4th in row with 65+ comp. pct., 220+ pass yards & TD pass. Has 60+ comp. pct., 100+ rating & TD pass in each of his 4 starts vs. division this season, incl. completing 21 of 30 atts. (70 pct.) for 235 yards & 2 TDs vs. 0 INTs with 115.3 rating in Week 6 meeting. • RB JAYLEN WARREN led team with 151 scrimmage yards (career-high 143 rush, 8 rec.) & had 2 rush TDs last week. Has TD in 4 of his past 5. Aims for his 4th in row on road with 60+ scrimmage yards & TD. Has 60+ scrimmage yards in each of his 4 games vs. division this season, incl. 63 scrimmage yards (52 rush, 11 rec.) in Week 6 meeting. • RB KENNETH GAINWELL had 5 catches & 128 scrimmage yards (78 rec., 50 rush) & rec. TD in Week 16. Aims for his 3rd in row with 125+ scrimmage yards. • LB T.J. WATT needs 2 sacks to tie HOFers Jared Allen (117) & DeMarcus Ware (117) for 3rd-most sacks in 1st 9 seasons since 1982. Has TFL in 5 of his past 6. Ranks 2nd with 136 TFL since 2017. Had 5 tackles, 2 PD & half sack in Week 6 meeting. • LB PATRICK QUEEN had 7 tackles in Week 16. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Cle. with 7+ tackles & PD. • DT CAMERON HEYWARD had 4 tackles & sack last week. Aims for his 3rd in row with sack. Had 6 tackles & 2 PD in last meeting at Cle. • S KYLE DUGGER had 7 tackles & 1st sack of season in Week 16.
BROWNS NOTES:
• QB SHEDEUR SANDERS (rookie) completed 20 of 29 atts. (69 pct.) for 157 yards & TD & had 49 rush yards in Week 16. Aims for his 4th in row at home with TD pass. • RB TRAYVEON WILLIAMS had 55 scrimmage yards (38 rec., 17 rush) last week. • RB RAHEIM SANDERS (rookie) had 46 scrimmage yards (42 rush, 4 rec.) in Week 16. • WR JERRY JEUDY had 5 catches for 43 yards in Week 6 meeting. Aims for his 4th in row vs. Pit. with 5+ receptions. • TE HAROLD FANNIN had TD catch & 1st-career rush TD last week. Leads rookies in catches (70), ranks tied-3rd in TD catches (5) & ranks 4th in rec. yards (701) in 2025. Has TD catch in 3 of his past 4. Has 5+ catches & 45+ rec. yards in 3 of his 4 games vs. division, incl. 7 catches for 81 yards in Week 6 meeting. • DE MYLES GARRETT had half sack in Week 16. Leads NFL with 22 sacks, tied 3rd-most in single season since 1982 (HOFer Jared Allen & Mark Gastineau). Aims for his 10th in row with half sack. Has sack in 3 of his past 4 vs. Pit. • DE ALEX WRIGHT had half sack last week. Had 6 tackles & TFL in Week 6 meeting. • DT SHELBY HARRIS has TFL in 2 of his past 3 at Huntington Bank Field. Had TFL in Week 6 meeting. • LB CARSON SCHWESINGER led team with 12 & had sack in Week 16. Leads rookies in tackles (137) & TFL (11) in 2025. Needs 11 tackles to surpass Jalen Pitre (147) for 6th-most tackles by rookie since 2000. Has 10+ tackles in 7 games, tied 5th-most by rookie since 2000. Aims for his 7th in row with 10+ tackles. Had 8 tackles & TFL in Week 6 meeting. • LB DEVIN BUSH had 9 tackles last week. Spent 1st 4 seasons with Pit. (2019- 22). Had 10 tackles & 2 TFL in Week 6 meeting. • S RONNIE HICKMAN had 6 tackles in Week 16. Had 8 tackles in Week 6 meeting. • S GRANT DELPIT had 4 tackles last week. Aims for his 6th in row vs. Pit. with 5+ tackles.
Game Odds
Pittsburgh Steelers – 3
Cleveland Browns 33.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
