Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Prediction & Preview - 12/28/2025
Updated December 23, 2025
Updated December 23, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns will face off on Sunday that is important to both teams for very different reasons. Pittsburgh has a 9-6 record late in the season and enters this AFC North clash with the chance to secure a division title. Cleveland is 3-12 and is playing to help develop rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Before kickoff from Cleveland, continue reading to get my breakdown of this game, as well as my Steelers vs Browns prediction.
Pick: | Under 33.5 |
Confidence: | 3/5 |
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This game features two teams that have had two very different seasons. The Steelers have rebounded from a mediocre start to win three straight and control their own destiny in the AFC North. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been a catalyst, putting up solid numbers and displaying leadership in late-season victories. Pittsburgh’s defense has also shown improvement, with TJ Watt's return to the field after a lung issue being a big help.
The Browns have struggled throughout 2025. They’ve been eliminated from playoff contention, navigated injuries, and made a switch to rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders after deciding not to activate Deshaun Watson again this year. That decision shows a focus on the future rather than on short-term results. Cleveland’s defense still has talents like Myles Garrett, who is chasing the single-season sack record, but overall inconsistency has defined the Browns’ campaign despite some individual bright spots.
Aaron Rodgers has been central to the Steelers’ resurgence. Over the last three games, Rodgers has delivered over 770 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions, elevating Pittsburgh’s offensive efficiency and helping the Steelers in the playoff hunt.
On the opposite sideline, Cleveland quarterback Shedeur Sanders brings athleticism and potential, but his performance this season has been inconsistent compared to Rodgers. Sanders has six touchdown passes and eight interceptions. He has to take care of the ball for the Browns to hang with Pittsburgh in this contest.
Score Projection: Pittsburgh Steelers 20 – Cleveland Browns 13
Win Probability: Pittsburgh Steelers 67%, Cleveland Browns 33%
Pittsburgh will probably win this game on the road over a struggling Browns team. But I like the under as my best bet for this game more than I like betting on either side. Both pass rushes should make life miserable for the two quarterbacks in this game and we should see a defensive struggle in Northeast Ohio.
Jay Sanin is the GM and Head of Sports at ATS.io. He has been writing about sports gambling since 2013, handicapping tens of thousands of sporting events. He plays sides and totals aggressively across most sports and is more selective in player prop markets. He does his own modeling across most sports, and his family is jealous of how much time he spends on his precious spreadsheets.
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