Steelers Edge Browns 21-17 in Wild Card Thriller, Advance to Divisional Round…Read More….
PITTSBURGH, PA – In a nail-biting Wild Card playoff matchup, the Pittsburgh Steelers held off the Cleveland Browns with a 21-17 victory at Acrisure Stadium on January 7, 2026. The win sends the Steelers into the Divisional Round, igniting hope for a deep postseason run.
From the opening kickoff, it was clear this would be a tightly contested game. The Steelers leaned heavily on their ground game, with Najee Harris powering through Cleveland’s defensive line for a total of 110 rushing yards and a critical touchdown in the third quarter. Harris’s performance helped establish a physical tone, wearing down a Browns defense that had been formidable throughout the regular season.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett was poised in the pocket, completing 22 of 34 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns. His 32-yard strike to George Pickens late in the fourth quarter proved decisive, giving the Steelers the lead in the final minutes. Pickens finished the night with 92 receiving yards and one touchdown, showcasing his ability to make clutch plays when the stakes were highest.
The Browns, however, did not go quietly. Quarterback Deshaun Watson orchestrated multiple scoring drives, connecting with Amari Cooper and David Bell to keep the game within reach. A late 45-yard touchdown pass narrowed the gap to just four points, sending the Acrisure Stadium crowd into a frenzy. Yet, the Steelers’ defense, anchored by superstar T.J. Watt, stepped up when it mattered most. Watt recorded two sacks and forced a pivotal fumble, thwarting Cleveland’s final drive and preserving the victory.
Turnovers were minimal on both sides, but Pittsburgh’s ability to capitalize on key moments made the difference. The offensive line, often overlooked, deserves credit for providing Pickett the protection needed to make timely throws while creating running lanes for Harris. Special teams also contributed, with crucial tackles and solid punting maintaining favorable field position throughout the game.
Head coach Mike Tomlin praised his team’s resilience post-game, highlighting the balance between offense and defense. “This is the type of win you remember as a team,” Tomlin said. “Our guys executed when it mattered, and everyone contributed. We’re focused now on the next challenge.”
Looking ahead, the Steelers will face a tough Divisional Round opponent, likely one of the top-seeded AFC teams. While questions remain about consistency in the passing game and depth at certain positions, Pittsburgh’s combination of a dynamic running attack, opportunistic defense, and home-field advantage makes them a formidable contender.
For fans, the night was a thrilling reminder of the Steelers’ playoff pedigree. The roar of the home crowd, the dramatic late-game touchdown, and the heroic defensive stands all contributed to a memorable postseason moment. As the team advances, expectations rise, but so does excitement, with the city of Pittsburgh rallying behind its squad.
In a game defined by grit, clutch performances, and strategic execution, the Steelers demonstrated why they are still very much a force in the AFC. With momentum on their side, the journey toward a potential Super Bowl run continues.
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