In moments of desperation in the AFC North, no one can argue that ‘the enemy of my enemy is my friend’ holds true. When it comes to the bitter rivalry between the Steelers and Browns, these moments are incredibly rare, but the Black and Gold may need an assist from Cleveland in Week 18.
After the Steelers dropped to 10-6 on the season and the Ravens improved to 11-5 on Christmas Day, Pittsburgh’s last hope for the divisional crown now rests with the Browns.
If the Browns can defeat the Ravens next week and the Steelers secure a victory against the Bengals, the Steelers will be crowned AFC North champions in 2024.
Steelers fans may recall a similar situation from the 2018 season when the Browns were once again tasked with saving Pittsburgh’s postseason and divisional aspirations. Rookie Baker Mayfield was challenged with taking down rookie Lamar Jackson, but Cleveland ultimately fell short in a defeat to Baltimore.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are hopeful that the outcome between the two AFC North divisional rivals will be different in 2024, but as it stands right now, a wild card spot seems more likely for the Black and Gold.
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