Browns upset Steelers 13-6 to set up AFC North Showdown with Ravens
The Cleveland Browns pulled off a stunning 13-6 upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, setting the stage for a dramatic AFC North decider between the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers in Week 18. The victory, Cleveland’s fourth of the season, came against a Steelers team that needed a win to secure the division crown.
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Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders spearheaded the Browns’ offense, completing 17 of 23 passes for 186 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, earning plaudits for making the most of a limited receiving corps. The Browns’ scoring began midway through the first half with Sanders connecting on a 29-yard touchdown pass to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr., giving Cleveland an early 10-0 lead. Chris Boswell’s 44-yard field goal before halftime brought Pittsburgh closer, but the Browns’ red zone defense shut out the Steelers for the remainder of the game.
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Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers struggled throughout, finishing 21-of-39 for 168 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, and a 64.9 passer rating. Pittsburgh’s offense failed to convert on critical downs, going 3-for-15 on third downs and 0-for-3 on fourth downs. The team also gained only 291 total yards.
The win puts the Ravens in a favorable position for the AFC North crown. Baltimore must defeat Pittsburgh in Week 18 to secure the division title, while Cleveland’s upset gives the Ravens a lifeline despite their 8-8 record this season.
Key Takeaways from the Browns’ Victory
1. Pittsburgh’s offense disappears when it matters most
Rodgers and the Steelers struggled to find rhythm, with limited contributions from receivers in the absence of DK Metcalf. Their offense couldn’t capitalize on red-zone opportunities, putting the pressure squarely on the Ravens-Steelers showdown to determine the division winner.
2. Shedeur Sanders shines amid adversity
Despite limited weapons, Sanders showed poise under pressure, delivering a strong performance that may influence Cleveland’s quarterback decisions for 2026. His decision-making, however, remains an area for growth, highlighted by two late interceptions.
3. Myles Garrett falls short of record-breaking sack season
Cleveland contained Garrett effectively, preventing him from challenging the single-season sack record. Garrett recorded only one tackle on the day, leaving him just half a sack short of tying the record as Pittsburgh heads into their final regular-season game.
4. DK Metcalf’s absence proves costly for Pittsburgh
Without their star wide receiver, the Steelers’ passing game lacked explosiveness. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Adam Thielen, and Scotty Miller combined for just six receptions and 42 yards, underlining Pittsburgh’s struggles to generate big plays.
With the AFC North crown hanging in the balance, Week 18 promises a winner-takes-all clash between the Steelers and Ravens, while the Browns’ upset leaves Pittsburgh with little margin for error.
SportsLigue