The last time the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers met, all hell broke loose. That was not that long ago, so expect a volatile atmosphere at Heinz Field when these two teams face each other in a crucial matchup.
Granted that it was against the lowly Miami Dolphins, the Browns still look like they are trending in the right direction after taking down the Fins at home last Sunday, 41-17. That’s now three wins in a row for the Browns, who are averaging 21.2 points per game this season but has upped that to 27.0 over their last three games. That stretch includes the Browns’ 21-7 home win over the Steelers in Week 11 in which Baker Mayfield tossed two touchdowns with no interceptions before finishing with 193 passing yards on 17-of-32 completions. It wasn’t a particularly efficient performance, but he’s on a groove of late, as he continues to improve his chemistry with his talented receivers. Against the Dolphins, Mayfield went 24 for 34 for 327 passing yards and three touchdowns with an interception.
The Browns are 2-0-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last three games.
Betting on the Pittsburgh Steelers (5-6)
The rematch with the Browns may have the Steelers featuring another starting quarterback. Instead of Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh are reportedly entertaining the idea of starting Devlin Hodges instead. Hodges stepped in for Rudolph in Week 12 when the latter was pulled out midway the Steelers’ meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals. Hodges went 5 for 11 for 118 yards and a touchdown to spark the Steelers and lead them to a 16-10 road win. Whichever quarterback starts for the Steelers, he won’t have James Conner as a target. The pass-catching running back is still dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the Bengals game. If he can’t go, the Steelers will use a running back by committee approach with Benny Snell likely to lead it. Also, Juju Smith-Schuster’s status is currently up in the air. He missed Week 12 with a concussion. Look for James Washington to be the Steelers’ top downfield option if JSS gets ruled out again. Washington had 49 receiving yards on three catches against the Browns.
The Steelers are 2-1-1 ATS in their last four games overall.
