As Week 17 of the NFL season unfolds, the Cleveland Browns are set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers at Huntington Bank Field for an intense AFC North clash. The game is critical for the Steelers, who enter the matchup with a 9-6 record and on a three-game winning streak, having recently defeated notable teams like Baltimore, Miami, and Detroit. A victory today against the Browns would not only extend their winning streak to four games but also secure a playoff berth and clinch the AFC North division title.
The Steelers, however, will face some challenges as they look to maintain their momentum. Star linebacker T.J. Watt is sidelined for the third straight game due to a collapsed lung he sustained earlier this month during a medical procedure. Additionally, wide receiver DK Metcalf is unavailable after receiving a two-game suspension following an altercation with a fan during last week’s game.
Meanwhile, the Browns, currently struggling with a 3-12 record, are at the bottom of the NFL standings and come into this game having lost four consecutive matchups. Their last win came in late November against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, there is a flicker of hope as linebacker Myles Garrett has the opportunity to set a new NFL record for the most sacks in a single season. He currently stands at 22 sacks, just half a sack away from breaking the record held by Michael Strahan and fellow Steeler T.J. Watt.
Kickoff for this highly anticipated game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. at Huntington Bank Field. For fans looking to stream the game, it will be available in select markets on the Paramount+ app, and out-of-market viewers can tune in through NFL’s subscription service, NFL+. Additionally, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube and Hulu + Live TV will also provide streaming options for those unable to access the game via traditional cable.
For viewers looking to catch the action on cable, the game will be broadcast on KDKA-TV in the Pittsburgh area, with play-by-play commentary from Jim Nantz and analysis by Tony Romo. A large portion of the United States will be able to watch the game live on CBS, according to coverage maps.
In terms of betting odds, the Steelers enter this crucial matchup as 3-point favorites, reflecting their recent strong performance despite the absences in their lineup due to injuries. Additional key players missing for Pittsburgh include cornerback James Pierre, guard Isaac Seumalo, wide receiver Calvin Austin III, and cornerback Brandin Echols. Conversely, the Browns will be without linebacker Winston Reid, tight end David Njoku, and rookie running back Quinshon Judkins due to injury complications.
As both teams prepare for their respective final games of the season, the Browns will look to end their losing streak against the Bengals in Week 18, while the Steelers will conclude their regular season against the Baltimore Ravens, with the date and time yet to be determined. This match-up promises to deliver exciting football as Pittsburgh vies for a playoff spot and Cleveland looks for a much-needed win.