As we’ve done in the past, below are the keys and my prediction of the Pittsburgh Steelers winning (or losing) today’s game. Three things that need to happen for the Steelers to end up on the right side of the score and vice versa in their Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns.

My Steelers prediction is at the bottom.

The Steelers Will Win If…
1. Defense Forces Sanders Mistakes

Shedeur Sanders has flashed this season and shouldn’t be taken lightly. But his game still runs hot and cold, and he’s prone to making too many errors. Sacks and turnovers. Cleveland has turned the ball over at least twice in each of its last five games. That’s not entirely on Sanders, but some of it certainly is.

Pittsburgh needs to stress the young players down the middle: Sanders and second-year center Luke Wypler. Force the issue and take advantage when Sanders doesn’t read the coverage right or forces a pass. Pittsburgh dropped too many interceptions last week and must capitalize this time. It’s a game where the Steelers could have three or more takeaways.

2. Special Teams Blocks A Punt

Cleveland punter Corey Bojorquez has a pair of punts blocked this year, including one just a few weeks ago against the Tennessee Titans. It doesn’t help that he’s punted more than anyone else this year, but two blocks in a season is notable.

Count on Danny Smith to be conjuring up schemes to get home a third time. Pittsburgh’s yet to block a kick or punt this year. Sunday would sure be a good time to change that. Maybe Jeremiah Moon and his size and length, who blocked one last year, gets free. Or maybe Ben Skowronek celebrates his Pro Bowl bid with a rush.

3. Run Game Fires Into 2nd Level

Cleveland boasts a formidable defensive line beyond just Myles Garrett. It’s an aggressive and upfield scheme that wants to make plays in the backfield. When they can, it’s disruptive. But when they can’t, runners get free into space. That’s the goal of Pittsburgh’s ground game. Break through the first level and into daylight. Maybe that means more power/gap runs to ear-hole linemen up the field and running off their hip.

However it’s achieved, break free and Pittsburgh’s running game can keep rolling.

The Steelers Will Lose If…
1. Browns’ Passing Game Wins Down The Numbers

The big difference between Pittsburgh’s first and upcoming second meeting with Cleveland is the Browns’ ability to push the ball downfield. Something Dillon Gabriel didn’t show in Week 6. Sanders can push the ball and likes connecting with fellow rookie WR Isaiah Bond, averaging more than 19 yards per reception. Remarkably, 25 percent of his receptions have gone for 20-plus yards this season.

Cleveland likes doing this down the middle with seam routes and skinny posts. Bond can’t be a threat to that area of the field, and Pittsburgh should play single-high to take those throws away.

2. Receivers Can’t Shake Browns Man Coverage

DK Metcalf’s absence presents a chance for others. But it also brings a challenge. Cleveland has veterans in the secondary and should get back top-end CB Denzel Ward from an injury. Pittsburgh’s receivers will have to shake their 1-on-1s. Even knowing the tight ends and running backs will be heavily involved in the offense, the wide receivers must step up, too, and win against man coverage.

3. Hostile Environment Proves Itself Again

Cleveland hasn’t been kind to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have lost their last three road games against the Browns. Pittsburgh hasn’t won in their place in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. The environment is challenging. The weather is going to be rainy and windy, and the Dawg Pound is always loud.

The Steelers have to slay that dragon. History doesn’t bode well, and Pittsburgh must overcome that.

Prediction

Steelers: 17
Browns: 13

Season Prediction Record

4-11