Three keys to Browns upsetting Steelers in Week 17

The Cleveland Browns surprisingly have a lot to play for with just two regular season games remaining.

While the Browns only have three wins, they can play spoiler against their rival Pittsburgh Steelers, forcing them to a deciding Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers have everything to play for, which bodes well for the evaluation of rookie fifth-round pick Shedeur Sanders. A good showing for the polarizing quarterback in a victory for the Browns would force Cleveland’s brass to make some difficult decisions for next season.

These are three keys to the Browns pulling off another upset.

1. It all starts with Sanders

Sanders has done what the Browns have asked of him during his limited action as the team’s starting quarterback.

Last week, Sanders saw criticism for throwing mostly checkdowns in a loss against the Buffalo Bills. However, the Browns had emphasized increasing his completion percentage during the week leading up to that game. It’s clear their young quarterback listened.

If Sanders can beat Cleveland’s biggest rival, he will likely slide the Browns down the draft order. That could make it harder for Browns general manager Andrew Berry to draft another rookie quarterback to replace Sanders.

Pittsburgh’s defense has played better over the last few weeks, but they are not considered an elite unit.

2. Run the ball (by committee)

The Steelers will still be without T.J. Watt for this matchup, which bodes well for the Browns.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees have an opportunity to deploy a balanced gameplan, even without standout rookie running back Quinshon Judkins available for the remainder of the season.

Sanders has been Cleveland’s leading rusher over the past three games. The Browns have had an impossible time running the football.

But last week against the Bills, when Judkins went down, the Browns actually found their first bit of success. Raheim “Rocket” Sanders had 11 carries for 42 yards. Trayveon Williams added three carries for 17 yards and added four catches for another 38 yards as a receiver.

Dylan Sampson is questionable coming into this matchup, but the Browns can help their rookie quarterback by running the ball efficiently.

3. Chasing history – and a legendary quarterback

Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has only been sacked 25 times this season. At 42 years old, the Steelers prefer Rodgers to get rid of the football quickly.

On the other hand, Myles Garrett only needs one sack for the single season record. Garrett should be aiming to get after Rodgers in the first half with rain in the forecast. This would allow him to play the rest of the game without that pressure and Cleveland’s defense can then focus on stopping the run and completing an upset.