Steelers' Playoff Fate Hangs in Balance as They Head to Cleveland

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the cusp of clinching the AFC North division title and a playoff spot, but their fate depends on a Ravens loss in Green Bay on Saturday night. A Steelers win in Cleveland this Sunday would secure the division crown, regardless of their performance in their final two games. Coach Mike Tomlin has urged his team to focus on the 'must-win' mindset, shrugging off the pressure of potentially being eliminated from playoff contention. The team received a boost with the return of T.J. Watt from a two-week injury layoff, although his status remains uncertain until Friday or Saturday. The Steelers will be without their top wide receiver, DK Metcalf, who serves a two-game suspension for grabbing a fan in the stands. Calvin Austin III, their second-leading receiver, also sat out Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. This opens up opportunities for other receivers, including Kenneth Gainwell, Pat Freiermuth, and Jaylen Warren. The Browns, led by rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, will be looking to capitalize on the Steelers' weaknesses. Sanders has shown promise, leading the Browns to a close defeat against the Bills last week. The Browns' defense will face a challenge in containing Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has a history of performing well against the Browns. Meanwhile, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is on the cusp of breaking the single-season sack record, held by T.J. Watt and Michael Strahan. A Steelers win would prevent Garrett from achieving this milestone, at least for now. The Steelers' defense will be looking to replicate their performance from last week, when they held the Lions to a narrow victory.