Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns are hoping that there are enough time and opportunities for them to make the playoffs. Set to battle on short rest, the Steelers and the Browns will give it their all when they face each other this Thursday. The Steelers and the Browns are +5000 and +12500 to win Super Bowl 54, respectively.
Without Ben Roethlisberger, who’s been replaced this season by a quarterback that lacks experience in Mason Rudolph, the Steelers have learned to lean more on its defense to win games. The good thing for the Steelers is that their defense is answering the call and delivering the goods. Such was the case in last Sunday’s 17-12 win at home over the Los Angeles Rams. The Steelers didn’t allow Jared Goff and company to score a touchdown. Goff was intercepted twice and got sacked four times for a loss of 25 yards. Todd Gurley and the Rams’ ground attack was held down to just 3.8 yards per carry. Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick was all over the place making plays and disturbing the peace of the Rams’ offense, as the Alabama product returned a fumble for a touchdown and made a game-saving pick. The Steelers are allowing just 16.7 points over their last three games — third-best in the NFL over that stretch — and their defense projects to continue impressing against Cleveland, which still has plenty of issues on its offense.
The Steelers are 3-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last five games overall.
Betting on the Cleveland Browns (3-6)
The Browns gave their frustrated fanbase something to cheer about on Sunday with a 19-16 home win over Jos Allen and the Buffalo Bills. The Browns still have yet to figure out their offense completely, but at times they unlock it, they look great. Take for example the 85-yard game-winning drive they put together in the Buffalo game which ended with Baker Mayfield finding Rishard Higgins for the go-ahead touchdown score. Mayfield finished with 238 passing yards and two touchdowns on 26-of-38 completions. He also avoided adding to his ample total of interceptions this season with a pick-less performance in that game. He will have to be extra careful against the Steelers, who will surely be bringing the pressure to the Browns’ pocket. The Browns’ defense also stepped up in the win over Buffalo, and its outlook should be a whole lot better for the Steelers matchup if running back James Conner fail to suit up again. Conner missed Week 10’s game against the Steelers due to a shoulder injury.
The Browns are 2-0 ATS in their last two games at home against Pittsburgh.
