Somehow, despite a subpar offense and rotten start, Pittsburgh Steelers stats show the team still has an opportunity to find their way to the AFC playoffs. Getting there will require the Steelers to beat a Browns team they already lost to in the regular season. Anyone making Browns vs Steelers betting picks will see both teams are in different places than the last time they met.
Cleveland will have quarterback Deshaun Watson under center, but he clearly isn’t the same player he was early in his career. Pittsburgh has been on a wild ride over the past few weeks.
The Steelers have won on dramatic, last-minute drives over the past two weeks. The pressure will be on rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett to keep the momentum going.
Matchup Information
NFL – Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Location of the game: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Time: Sunday, 8th January, 12:00 p.m CST
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Game Analysis
Cleveland Browns Performance Recap and Analysis
This year was always going to be a tough year for anyone interested in Cleveland Browns odds. Having a starting quarterback suspended for over half the season meant that Cleveland’s offense was going to struggle until Watson arrived. However, once Watson did suit up, the rust from not playing in over a year showed up in his NFL player stats.
During five starts, Watson has thrown for 872 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions. He’s also been sacked 13 times.
Watson has felt the pressure despite having one of the NFL’s best running back Nick Chubb behind him. More frustratingly for the Browns, NFL team stats show their defense has also struggled.
Cleveland allows 134.4 rushing yards per game, which ranks 25th in the league. The Browns have also allowed 22.1 points per game, which ranks 18th. Cleveland is 11th in the league in total yards allowed, allowing 331.1 per game.
Key Injuries
- WR Amari Cooper – Questionable (Hip)
- CB Denzel Ward – Questionable
- RB D’Ernest Johnson – Questionable
Betting Trends to Know
- Cleveland is 8-8 against the spread.
- The Browns have seen the total under in eight of their 16 games.
- Cleveland is 3-4 straight up on the road.
Pittsburgh Steelers Performance Recap and Analysis
Anyone making NFL picks would likely be surprised the Steelers are still in the playoff chase. Pittsburgh has been fighting an uphill battle all season since starting the season 2-6. Since linebacker T.J. Watt came off the NFL injury report, the Steelers have been able to lean on their defense to support Pickett.
Pittsburgh ranks seventh in the league in rushing yards allowed per game. The Steelers also rank 11th in points allowed at 20.8. Pittsburgh has also forced 21 takeaways, which ranks 11th in the league.
What the Steelers need to keep up in the NFL standings is a consistent performance from their offense.
Pittsburgh running back Najee Harris has looked better since season the season went along and has provided some punch. The Steelers receiving core hasn’t made a ton of plays but has done enough to keep Pittsburgh in games. Making Browns vs Steelers betting picks requires knowing if Pittsburgh can continue to make plays.
Key Injuries
- CB James Pierre – Questionable (concussion)
- WR Diontae Johnson – Questionable (hip)
- DT Larry Ogunjobi – Questionable
Betting Trends to Know
- Pittsburgh is 9-6-1 against the spread.
- The Steelers have seen the under hit in 10 of their 16 games.
- Pittsburgh is 3-4 at home this season.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Odds
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Picks
Picking Pittsburgh on the Moneyline feels right at this point on the NFL schedule. The Steelers haven’t played all that well the past few weeks but have done enough to squeak out wins against Baltimore and Las Vegas. While anyone making Browns vs Steelers betting picks will see Cleveland beat Pittsburgh earlier in the season, the Browns have little to play for.
This is a game on the NFL schedule that shouldn’t produce too many points. Cleveland has a strong running game that is capable of eating clock. Pittsburgh’s defense is comfortable having to dig in to help a struggling offense.
This is a game where people could feel comfortable picking Pittsburgh against the spread. The Steelers are less than a field-goal favorite at home. While this game could be ugly, Pittsburgh will end on the right side of it.
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Score Prediction
Pittsburgh 17, Cleveland 10.
NFL Pick: Steelers -2.5, under 40.
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