The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns will face off on Sunday that is important to both teams for very different reasons. Pittsburgh has a 9-6 record late in the season and enters this AFC North clash with the chance to secure a division title. Cleveland is 3-12 and is playing to help develop rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Before kickoff from Cleveland, continue reading to get my breakdown of this game, as well as my Steelers vs Browns prediction.
Our Steelers vs Browns Pick
| Pick: | |
| Confidence: | 3/5 |
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
- Date & Time: Sunday, December 28, 2025, 1:00 PM
- Venue: Huntington Bank Field, Cleveland, OH
- Broadcast: CBS
Key Storylines
This game features two teams that have had two very different seasons. The Steelers have rebounded from a mediocre start to win three straight and control their own destiny in the AFC North. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a catalyst, putting up solid numbers and displaying leadership in late-season victories. Pittsburgh’s defense has also shown improvement, with TJ Watt’s return to the field after a lung issue being a big help.
The Browns have struggled throughout 2025. They’ve been eliminated from playoff contention, navigated injuries, and made a switch to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders after deciding not to activate Deshaun Watson again this year. That decision shows a focus on the future rather than on short-term results. Cleveland’s defense still has talents like Myles Garrett, who is chasing the single-season sack record, but overall inconsistency has defined the Browns’ campaign despite some individual bright spots.
Quarterback Play
Aaron Rodgers has been central to the Steelers’ resurgence. Over the last three games, Rodgers has delivered over 770 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions, elevating Pittsburgh’s offensive efficiency and helping the Steelers in the playoff hunt.
On the opposite sideline, Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders brings athleticism and potential, but his performance this season has been inconsistent compared to Rodgers. Sanders has six touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He has to take care of the ball for the Browns to hang with Pittsburgh in this contest.
Betting Trends & H2H
- Pittsburgh defeated Cleveland 23-9 in their first meeting this season.
- Cleveland is 6-9 against the spread going into this contest.
- Pittsburgh is 8-7 against the spread so far this year.
- The Browns have gone over the total in 8 of their first 15 games.
- Pittsburgh is 8-6-1 in the over/under market going into this AFC North matchup.
Steelers vs Browns Model Projection
Final Thoughts
