5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 17
1. Steelers vs. Browns
These bitter rivals come into this crucial matchup riding completely different waves of emotion. The Steelers have been buoyed by their big comeback victory over the Colts. That gives Mike Tomlin’s team a real chance to secure the No. 2 seed in the AFC with a win.
The Browns, in sharp contrast, come into this game on the heels of a deflating defeat to the lowly New York Jets. Cleveland desperately needs a win to end their lengthy playoff drought. A loss to the Steelers doesn’t eliminate them from the postseason entirely, but it requires too many things to go in their favor.
Despite last week’s results, there’s still a legitimate question as to who has the better quarterback heading into the finale. Baker Mayfield has been up and down all season long for Cleveland. The Browns will hope they see the good version of the former No. 1 overall pick on Sunday.
Ben Roethlisberger has been better on the whole, but he’s asked to do less by his coaching staff. The Browns will try to force him to beat him with throws down the field on Sunday. That puts his arm strength into greater question while also giving Cleveland’s pass rush a chance to wreak havoc.
Next. Baker Mayfield reacts to ugly loss to the Jets. dark
When this game is said and done, the team that runs the football best is going to emerge victorious absent a significant turnover disparity. That gives the Browns a real chance to win this game at the line of scrimmage. This game won’t be pretty, but fans of emotional action should tune in just the same.