Coming into Sunday, it was simple for the Pittsburgh Steelers to win and clinch the AFC North title.
However, straightforward objectives are sometimes easier said than done, as the Cleveland Browns defeated the Steelers in a low-scoring affair, 13-6.
Both quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Shedeur Sanders, struggled mightily to get any offense going, as both defenses played well. The Browns' defense stood out, completely shutting down Rodgers and the Steelers.
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Even though Cleveland has been one of the best defenses in the league this season, holding a team to only two field goals when they have had the opportunity to punch their ticket to the playoffs and a division title is extremely impressive.
With the loss by Pittsburgh, it sets up a Week 18 winner-take-all matchup for the AFC North next week against the Baltimore Ravens, who just defeated the Green Bay Packers on Saturday behind a four-touchdown performance from Derrick Henry.
The Steelers won the first meeting in Week 14, edging out Baltimore on the road, but the final matchup between the two will take place in Pittsburgh.
Although the home-field advantage will be in the Steelers' favor, they have some problems to address, such as finding an offensive rhythm with their free-agent acquisition, D.K. Metcalf, serving a suspension. Shortly after the loss, head coach Mike Tomlin confirmed to the media that the 6'7" 300-pound tight end suffered a broken arm on Sunday.
The Browns' defense will hope to shine in their last game, against another divisional opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, as defensive end Myles Garrett is still seeking the NFL record for sacks in a single season, still needs just one to break it.
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