The perfect scenario for how Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett sees Week 18 playing out is simple: a Browns win over the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday afternoon followed by a Pittsburgh Steelers win over the Cincinnati Bengals that night.
Even though Garrett has a chance to win the NFL sack title, his ranking spoils the Ravens’ AFC North division title hopes due to individual accomplishment.
“I mean, I’d rather upset them and ruin their playoff hopes,” Garrett said Thursday. “And if the sack title comes with that, great. I’m definitely going to do what I can to be disruptive and take (Lamar Jackson) out of the game as much as possible. If that comes with that, that’s outstanding. But ultimately at the end of the day, I want to win.
Garrett enters Week 18 tied with Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson with 14 bags over the season. He is the only player in NFL history to record at least 14 sacks in four consecutive seasons and has 102.5 in his seven-season career.
The Ravens, meanwhile, can win the AFC North for a second straight season if they beat the Browns on Saturday. If Garrett gets his wish and the 3-13 Browns pull off the upset, that opens the door for the Steelers to capture the division crown with a win.
While Garrett isn’t focused on the sack title, he is eyeing another NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, which he won last season.
Garrett said he feels he has a better year than 2023 when he recorded 14 sacks, four forced fumbles and 33 solo tackles.
“I feel like I faced a lot tougher odds this year, and the offenses did a lot to try to get me on top of the game and make it obvious,” Garrett said. “But I feel like the guys around me have really helped me grow as much as I have at this point. I just have to keep adding to what I did with this last game. But I couldn’t have done it without all the guys with me, the other 10.
Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II has emerged as the betting favorite for the award with Steelers linebacker TJ Watt – the 2021 winner – right behind him.
When asked why Garrett believes he is the best defensive player in the NFL right now, his answer is simple.
“Why? Go check the tape. That’s why.
