NFL Fans Are Convinced That One Week 17 Game Is Already “Rigged” Before The Two Teams Even Kick Off

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a huge game on Sunday, but they might not have a chance to win it.

Just a few weeks ago, Pittsburgh looked like it was losing its grip on the AFC North. The Baltimore Ravens came roaring back with the return of Lamar Jackson. Pittsburgh was sitting at .500 after a 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13.

Since then, they’ve gotten hot. The team has won three consecutive games and earned key wins over the Ravens and Detroit Lions. Pittsburgh needs to keep its winning streak going in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns. If they do so, the Steelers will clinch the AFC North for the first time since 2020.

However, it appears that everything is working against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers Have Been Chosen To Lose To Setup Up A Huge Matchup During The Final Week of The Season

Pittsburgh will be without DK Metcalf for the final two games due to his suspension. His assault on a Lions fan cost him games and $45 million in guarantees. That is just one big problem for them.

Another is that fans think the league wants them to lose to the Browns. It starts with the ref assignment and John Hussey, who has already called a loss for them. A post points out how Hussey’s crew is notorious for calling defensive pass interference. The Pittsburgh Steelers already rank number 5 in that area.

#PITvsCLE officiating crew cheat sheet

Divisional HOME teams are an NFL best 47-17 (74%) w' referee John Hussey since the start of 2016, including a 3-1 record in 2025

This will be the #Steelers second game w' Hussey in 2025, the previous a 31-28 Week 12 loss at Bears w' Mason… pic.twitter.com/zKP6rHWwh2

— nflrefstats (@nflrefstats1) December 28, 2025

On top of that, NFL fans believe that the league wants the Steelers to play for it all next week. Should they lose to the Browns, it sets up a huge matchup with the Ravens in Week 18.

“NFL is rigged…Put your WHOLE bankroll on browns ML today. NFL NEEDS my Steelers to play the Ravens next week on SNF to determine the last playoff spot. Just watch how many Penalties get called on the Steelers today, specifically D.P.I.,” one X account wrote.

NFL is rigged…

Put your WHOLE bankroll on browns ML today

NFL NEEDS my Steelers to play the ravens next week on SNF to determine the last playoff spot

Just watch how many Penalties get called on the Steelers today, specifically D.P.I.

— Boyer Bets (@boyerBets_) December 28, 2025

As of right now, the Steelers have a 93% chance of winning the AFC North.