Three things the Steelers must do to lock up the AFC North on Sunday

1. Win the Trenches and Force Sanders to Beat You

This game starts up front. Cleveland’s offensive line is badly damaged, and Pittsburgh still has the depth and talent to take advantage even without T.J. Watt. With Highsmith healthy, Herbig back, Sawyer coming on, and the full D-line rotation available, the Steelers must dominate the line of scrimmage, shut down the run, and put the game on rookie QB Shedeur Sanders.

If Pittsburgh controls the front, they create third-and-longs, rushed decisions, and turnover chances — the exact situations that usually decide tight AFC North games.

2. Control Tempo with the Run Game and Smart, Fast Passing

The Steelers can’t get into a drop-back passing contest with Cleveland’s No. 1 pass defense and Myles Garrett. They need to set the tone with the run game that showed real life in Detroit, then build off it with quick throws, screens, and play-action.

Running the ball keeps Garrett from pinning his ears back, while the fast passing game gets the ball out before pressure arrives and keeps Pittsburgh in manageable down-and-distance situations. When the Steelers stay on schedule, Rodgers can be efficient, the offense can hold the ball, and Cleveland’s defense is forced to play long drives instead of hunting splash plays.

3. Win the Moments That Decide Close Games

This game will come down to a handful of plays. Pittsburgh must cash in when they get into the red zone, where Cleveland’s defense has been more vulnerable, and consistently get off the field on third down.

Defensively, the Steelers need to take advantage of a rookie quarterback by turning pressure into turnovers and short fields. Offensively, Rodgers has to protect the football and convert third-and-managables to keep drives alive. Win those small, high-leverage moments, and Pittsburgh puts itself in position to pull away late.