It’s time for another absolutely pivotal game against the Steelers. When the 4-6 Browns host 3-7 Pittsburgh on Sunday, it will be more than a traditional rivalry game. The season will truly be on the line for both teams. Just like it was for the playoff game last January. And just like it was back on October 5, when the 1-3 Browns shocked and awed the 2-2 Steelers at Hines Field. Cowher’s crew is just 1-4 since that day, the only win coming against dreadful Arizona.

Mark my words, the loser of this game will not return to the playoffs. While they won’t be mathematically eliminated, they will be emotionally deflated and ill-prepared to put together the string of victories it would take to sneak in the post-season’s back door.

The winner may very well be the favorite, if not the front-runner, to win the pitifully weak AFC North. The Bengals and Ravens are both 5-5. At this point, Cincy looks stronger, but they play four of their last six games on the road, where they are 1-3 this year, having lost to three losing teams. The Ravens have serious quarterback issues.

As well as they played last week, if the Browns can follow up by sweeping the Steelers for the first time in 15 years, they’ll be primed to make a run at what looks like the most challenging schedule of any of these four teams. The team finished strong last season, and they’ll have the memory how to ride that momentum. I’m betting that it would come down to the season finale at Namesake Stadium.

But the 2003 Browns’ buzzword has been “inconsistent.” It wouldn’t surprise me to see them lay an egg at home, then lose to Seattle, St. Louis, and Denver, making the last two division games meaningless.

So I’m not going out on any ledges. I’m hopeful, optimistic, and encouraged by this team’s potential, if not their productivity.

And, yes, I know this is kind of a bland post, but I promised myself not to mention Willie or KJ, so that’s what’s left for now.

Oh yeah, congrats to Kelly Holcomb for winning {Memphis-based NFL Sponsor} Express Player of the Week honors for his outstanding game last week. How ironic that the offense — so highly touted before the season started — may just now be hitting its stride without its number one back, receiver, and lineman.