Steelers at Browns, Week 17 will remain in the 1:00 p.m. ET time slot

If you are like me, you fear flex scheduling. I have to admit my circumstance is not normal. I am fortunate enough to get all Pittsburgh Steelers games thanks to NFL Sunday Ticket, but late games typically mean an extremely late night as the co-editor of this fine establishment.

With the NFL always keeping Week 17’s prime time slot open and available for the best matchup possible, I always hope the Steelers remain at 1 p.m. ET. Again, I realize many fans don’t get to watch the Steelers every week, but I have to admit I was happy when I saw the Steelers vs. Browns game in Week 17 was remaining in the 1:00 p.m. window of game action.

After the Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16, it locked up the AFC North division, and it made the Week 17 game mean less. After losing to the New York Jets in Week 16, the Browns are now needing to win in Week 17 to get into the playoffs, and they might be doing so against a Steelers team who is resting some of their starter in preparation for the AFC Playoffs.

With the AFC Playoff picture anything but settled, there will be a lot on the line in Week 17, just not for the Steelers. Will the Indianapolis Colts or Tennessee Titans win the AFC South? Will the Baltimore Ravens scratch and claw their way back into the playoffs after their midseason lull? Will the Miami Dolphins be able to win out and get into the postseason?

A lot of interesting matchups, and many of those will be decided in the early slot of games this upcoming Sunday. How will the Steelers handle playing their starters in Week 17? At this point, no one knows, but Mike Tomlin will likely address his plans in his weekly press conference Tuesday.

With that said, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the regular season finale in Cleveland.