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Former Steeler Makes Bold Playoff Prediction
USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently sit as the 5th seed in the AFC playoff picture but are very much so in the hunt for the AFC North - and are being hunted by others close behind in the playoff race.

One of those teams looking to climb back atop Pittsburgh in the rankings is the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers' rivals sit as the 6th seed in the AFC, with another divisional team, the Baltimore Ravens, riding high as the top seed in the conference. 

Former Steelers defender Joe Haden believes this is the year for the AFC North and has a bold prediction that not one, not two, but three teams from the division will make the postseason this year. 

"With my heart, it would be the Browns. With my brain, it'll be the Steelers because of Coach [Mike] Tomlin," Haden said during an appearance on Up & Adams. "I can't root against them. I can't go against them. He's my favorite coach I've ever had in my life. His coaching style is amazing. ... But I think both of them are going to make the playoffs, honestly." 

The Browns are about to start their fourth quarterback this season as Joe Flacco is set to make his Cleveland debut in Week 13. Still, with one of the best defenses in the league led by Myles Garret, who's competing with T.J. Watt for Defensive Player of the Year, they're believed to be a competitor for the playoffs. 

Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is looking to try to turn newfound offensive success into a run late in the season, hopefully carrying them to the top of the AFC North. 

Both teams are contenders for both the AFC North and AFC's top seed. And if Haden is correct, the postseason will feature three teams from the conference's top division. 

This article first appeared on FanNation All Steelers and was syndicated with permission.

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