NFL Predictions: Brown vs. Steelers Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Wednesday, 07 December 2011 20:20

We’ll preview Thursday’s NFL game between the Browns and the Steelers with predictions on the final score.

The Thursday NFL game between the Cleveland Browns (4-8) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) has a start time of 8:20 PM ET and will be shown live on the NFL Network channel.  The Browns vs. Steelers game is one of the toughest of the week to make betting predictions on, but we hope that our preview will help our readers get on the right side of the point spread.

Pittsburgh opened up as an 11-point home favorite for Thursday’s clash but has been quickly bet up to -14.  The total at Legends Sportsbook currently sits at 38.5 after being bet down a point from its opener of 39.5.  Pittsburgh won 41-9 in Cleveland most recently, but this will be the first of 2 head-to-head meetings between the AFC North rivals this season.  The Steelers have won outright in 9 of the last 10 matchups but have only covered the point spread in 3 of the last 7 games.  The over has been a winning play recently, bringing in the money in 3 of the last 4 clashes.

Cleveland has lost 5 of their last 6 games and seems to be falling apart a bit after starting out at 3-3.  The Steelers have won 7 of their last 8 and they’ll put their strong 5-1 record at home on the line against a Browns’ squad that is just 1-4 when having to leave Cleveland to play this year.  The Browns have quarterback Colt McCoy (knee) and running back Peyton Hillis (hip) listed as probable to play, while the Steelers are expected to be without linebacker LaMarr Woodley (hamstring), who is currently listed as doubtful.

Browns’ Offense vs. Steelers’ Defense:

Cleveland averages only 14.6 points per game this season and has been unable to run or pass the ball that effectively.  Their rushing attack has taken a step in the right direction recently, but quarterback Colt McCoy (2524 yards, 57.7%, 14 TD, 9 INT) hasn’t been able to consistently find his targets.  The Steelers again have one of the NFL’s best defenses and are allowing 16.2 points per game while being stout against the run.  It appears that the Browns are likely to be outrushed by a decent amount of yardage, and they’ve put up a high of 12 points in their last 3 games when the other team outgains them by 100 or more yards on the ground.

Steelers’ Offense vs. Browns’ Defense:

Pittsburgh dealt with some shoddy offensive line play earlier in the season but has since rebounded to put up averages of 22.3 points on 256.1 rushing and 111.8 rushing yards per game.  The Steelers seem to be improving in recent games, but they still are not anywhere close to an elite unit on this side of the ball.  The good news for Pittsburgh is that the Browns allow 151.2 rushing yards a game, making it more likely that the Steelers move the ball effectively without forcing quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (3246 yards, 63.7%, 19 TD, 10 INT) to carry the load.

Browns vs. Steelers Predictions:

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The Steelers can put up some points when they have their rushing attack working, and I see that being a realistic probability on Thursday.  In addition to possessing an offense that should move the ball well, Pittsburgh should also be set up with good field position throughout since Cleveland will find it difficult to gain first downs.  This looks like a one-sided blowout for the home team, and my predictions will call for a bet on the Steelers to easily cover the 14-point spread.

Browns 10

Steelers 31