Steelers vs. Browns Bold Predictions: Sorry, Myles Garrett

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers take on their eternal nemesis the Cleveland Browns in a pivotal Week 17 showdown. The AFC North crown is within reach for the Steelers. With one more victory or one more loss by then Baltimore Ravens, they will clinch their first division title since the 2020 campaign.

For the Steelers, it's business as usual. They control their destiny in a wide-open AFC. With one more win, they seal the division and their fourth consecutive victory.

To get that victory, the Steelers have to get impact performances from some unlikely players and situations. That's why these bold predictions might just come to pass when the Steelers and Browns battle in Week 17.

Dylan Cook Shuts Myles Garrett Down

The feel-good story of left tackle Dylan Cook is outmatched only by how well he's played since entering the lineup. Stepping in for an injured Andrus Peat, he's become the team's new starter at a crucial time.

He's held up phenomenally in two starts, and this next one will be the toughest challenge yet. Going against superstar edge rusher Myles Garrett as he hunts down the single-season sack record could be what ends Cook's impressive beginning.

There's also precedent for an overmatched and overlooked left tackle shutting him down. Former Steelers lineman Dan Moore Jr. earned himself a huge contract by keeping Garrett at bay for several seasons. Now, Cook is in a position to do the same.

Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (11) catches a pass during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

MVS Comes Alive

Someone has to step up without wide receiver DK Metcalf, and veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling is that player. He and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have years of chemistry to go off of, and they nearly connected for a huge play in Week 16.

That play connects in Week 17, with MVS playing as the new top wideout. The Steelers' offense is looking to evolve in the wake of injuries and player absences, and MVS can capitalize on the golden opportunity.

Shadeur Shastruggles

Credit to Browns rookie quarterback Shadeur Sanders. The fifth-round pick has started six games for Cleveland, and while the numbers aren't eye-popping, he's held his own playing for a very bad offensive team.

Those problems will only grow as the Steelers' defense improves. They continue to sack the quarterback at one of the best rates in the NFL, which should worry Sanders. The pocket won't be protected for long, and he could struggle trying to extend plays against a fearsome Steelers front seven. It will be a day when Sanders is sacked at least 3.5 times and turns the ball over 2 times.

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