The Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2) travel to Cleveland to play the Browns (2-8). Our Steelers vs Browns prediction is for favorite Pittsburgh to cover the 3.5-point spread and win the game.
First-place Pittsburgh is fresh off its huge win over Baltimore in Week 11. They have a 1.5-game lead in the AFC North and are in the driver’s seat to win the division.
Cleveland lost 35-14 to New Orleans. They are in last place in the division and are vying for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Head-to-head, Pittsburgh leads 81-63-1.
Offshore Odds: Pittsburgh is a Road Favorite
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelers | -3.5 (-112) | -195 | O 36 (-115) |
| Browns | +3.5 (-108) | +170 | U 36 (-105) |
Steelers Face a Thursday Night Trap Game
This game has all the makings of a prototypical “trap game,” meaning one in which a team is supposed to win and is expected to win but goes into hostile territory and is upset by a weaker opponent.
It’s easy to expect a letdown after an emotionally and physically draining win over a tough rival like Baltimore. Head coach Mike Tomlin will understand that and take steps to avoid it.
Steelers running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren should gobble yards on the ground against Cleveland’s 24th-ranked rush defense. This portends a classic Pittsburgh game plan in which they establish the run and Russell Wilson takes deep shots downfield.
Pittsburgh is second in the NFL in takeaway differential at +11. Cleveland is -5.
Pittsburgh’s best-case scenario is to blow Cleveland out early and rest their key players. They will have 10 days before their next game in Cincinnati giving them much of Thanksgiving week to recuperate and recharge for the last month of the regular season.
With Kansas City losing in Week 11, the Steelers can still secure home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and possibly a ticket to Super Bowl LIX.
Reeling Cleveland Plays Out the String
The Browns’ most pressing question is if owner Jimmy Haslam III will clean house and fire the entire football operations crew and coaching staff.
Since Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles tear and Jameis Winston taking over at quarterback, their offensive production has improved, but the win-loss results have not.
Their schedule is unfavorable with Pittsburgh, Denver, Pittsburgh again, Kansas City, Cincinnati, Miami, and Baltimore.
There is a real possibility of players making “business decisions,” checking out and looking out for personal interests.
Steelers vs Browns Prediction: Pittsburgh Will Maintain Its Focus
Tomlin will ensure the players know the risk of a trap game and how it can hurt them. Team records aside, rivalry games can be tough. Still, Cleveland was just blown out by a struggling Saints team. It’s difficult to envision them making this game a contest.
The point spread is a light 3.5 and Pittsburgh should cover it easily.
-
Tags:
Leave a Comment