One of the most anticipated matchups this Sunday in Week 17 of the NFL is the Pittsburgh Steelers, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, visiting the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field, with rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders at the helm for Cleveland.
Aaron Rodgers Heaps Praise on Shedeur Sanders
Although the Browns and Sanders no longer have a playoff shot, Sanders strives to prove he’s Cleveland’s future. Meanwhile, a Steelers win or a Ravens loss would secure Pittsburgh’s postseason spot.
At Friday’s press conference, Rodgers expressed excitement about facing Browns rookie Sanders, noting that he has followed the young QB’s progress since college.
For the experienced Steelers QB, Sanders is “playing well,” though some Browns fans complain about his drop in confidence after recent poor decisions. However, analysts and other fans argue that Sanders has improved despite the Browns’ makeshift offensive line and limited offensive options.
🔥 Shedeur vs Aaron. Playing Against Coach Prime, Now #12 💛
“I’ve followed #12’s career. I was pulling for him. It was a tough draft slide, but he’s been patient, worked on his craft, and been playing pretty good” https://t.co/xMQfqqBOpf pic.twitter.com/0TgweTpqzQ
— JaKi 🇺🇸 (@JaKiTruth) December 26, 2025
“I’ve followed #12’s career. I was pulling for him. It was a tough draft slide, but he’s been patient, worked on his craft, and been playing pretty good,” said Rodgers about Sanders.
Sanders, who ranks No. 44 in the PFSN QB Impact metric with an F grade, will make his sixth start as the Browns QB when the Steelers visit on Sunday. He is certainly more confident after receiving praise from Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin, who highlighted Sanders’s progress and connections, particularly with other rookies on the Browns roster.
Even with a 1-4 record in his five NFL games so far as the Browns’ starting QB, Sanders is building a journey that could define the QB1 position next season. In the first regular-season matchup, however, the Steelers won 23-9 in October, when Cleveland started Dillon Gabriel, who completed 52 passes for 221 yards, which was considered one of the best performances by a Browns QB in 2025.
Rodgers May Have a Favorable Matchup Against the Browns
One win will qualify the Steelers for the playoffs, so starting Rodgers faces increased attention heading into this weekend’s big matchup. In Week 6, he completed 21 of 35 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Although he avoided interceptions and sacks, his performance was ultimately overshadowed by Gabriel, who started for Cleveland in that game.
MORE: 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Joe Burrow, Myles Garrett Change Teams in Trade-Filled Chaos
The key to success lies in the winning strategy used in Week 17, when veteran Steelers QB Rodgers escaped pressure by quickly throwing to his receivers and advancing down the field. Maintaining this coverage will be essential to prevent quick responses from the Browns’ defense.
