Shedeur Sanders and the Cleveland Browns defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Week 17 matchup, a result that did more than just shake up the AFC North standings.
The Browns’ win kept their own playoff hopes alive while also preventing the Baltimore Ravens from being eliminated, effectively extending Baltimore’s postseason path.
That outcome quickly led Ravens fans and analysts to credit Shedeur Sanders for indirectly keeping their playoff chances intact, turning the Week 17 result into a pivotal moment in the AFC playoff race.
Shedeur Sanders Triggers a Ravens Moment That Came Full Circle
Baltimore’s response to Shedeur Sanders came through a single image that carried multiple meanings. The Ravens shared a photo of Kyle Hamilton performing Shedeur’s celebration, a quiet acknowledgment that followed the Week 17 outcome that reshaped the playoff picture.
In the post, they added the caption, “Perfect timing,” suggesting how the game had favored them. While the post looked lighthearted, it also pointed back to an earlier chapter between the two sides.
Shedeur’s NFL introduction came against Baltimore, his very first game at the professional level. On his opening drive, that debut stalled when Kyle Hamilton recorded a sack, then immediately used Shedeur’s own celebration in a clear moment of gamesmanship. Baltimore went on to win that matchup, setting an early tone in Shedeur’s career.
Weeks later, the numbers told a different story. One Week 17 win, one altered playoff scenario, and one indirect assist later, it was Shedeur who helped keep Baltimore’s season alive. The same player once mocked by the Ravens ended up influencing their postseason fate.
How The Browns Reacted
The Cleveland Browns did not let Baltimore’s viral post go unanswered. Shortly after the Ravens shared the image that sparked debate across NFL social media, the Browns responded directly on X with a sharp message: “don’t think we did this for you 😒.” The reply instantly reframed the conversation, making it clear that Cleveland viewed the Week 17 result through its own competitive lens.
The Browns’ reaction emphasized intent rather than coincidence. Their win was about protecting their own postseason path, not assisting a division rival fighting to stay alive. By responding publicly, Cleveland leaned into the rivalry and reminded fans that outcomes with playoff implications can still carry personal motivations.
The tone of the post matched how the moment unfolded online. What began as a Ravens acknowledgment quickly turned into a back and forth exchange between two AFC teams with history. The Browns’ message resonated with fans who saw it as confidence, clarity, and a refusal to share credit for a result they earned on the field.
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