When the clock struck November, the Pittsburgh Steelers 2022 NFL season looked dead in the water. Pittsburgh wrapped up October with a 2-6 record and a gaping hole at quarterback. Mitch Trubisky failed to get the job done while rookie, Kenny Pickett struggled with adjusting to the pro game.
Fast forward to the present tense. Since Pittsburgh's Week 9 bye, they are a different football team. It hasn't looked pretty, but in their past eight games, Pittsburgh is 6-2, riding a three-game winning streak into a pivotal Week 18 home matchup with the Cleveland Browns in the season finale.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) dives for the endzone in the Steelers 29-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3. | Steelers.com
Here we are. With an 8-8 record, Pittsburgh has a legit chance to qualify for an AFC Playoff berth. Here’s how they can pull off what at one time appeared impossible. You can bet on the Steelers and Browns while getting a generous welcome bonus when you sign up today using the Caesars Ohio promo code.
Steelers' AFC Playoff Clinching Scenarios
There are two open playoff berths vacant in the AFC. One of them will belong to the AFC South Champion, which will be either the Tennessee Titans or the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The other berth will qualify for the No. 7 seed in the AFC. There are four teams sitting with an 8-8 record that can clinch it in Week 18:
- New England Patriots: The Patriots can clinch the No. 7 seed with a win over the Buffalo Bills or if both the Dolphins and Steelers, while the Jaguars win.
- Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins can punch their ticket to the playoffs with a win over the New York Jets and a Patriots loss.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers can advance to the AFC Playoffs with a victory over the Browns and losses by the Dolphins and Patriots.
- Jacksonville Jaguars: In the unlikely event that the Jaguars lose to the Titans and let the AFC South crown slip away to a Joshua Dobbs-led team, Jacksonville would still be alive. They can get into the playoffs if all three of the Patriots, Steelers, and Dolphins lose.
As you can see from the above scenarios, there is a clear path to the postseason for the Steelers.
Of the above teams, the Steelers and the Jaguars are two of the hottest teams in the second half of the NFL season. Assuming the Jags take care of business, there is a case to be made that the Dolphins and Bills both lose this weekend.
Photo Credit: Visn.com
Browns vs. Steelers Betting Odds
Pittsburgh will host the Browns in the early window of NFL games on Sunday. They are currently favored by -2.5 points with -110 odds at Caesars Sportsbook Ohio.
Outside of playing the spoiler to Pittsburgh’s playoff aspirations, the Browns do not have much to play for. However, considering the history between these two clubs, you know the Browns will be playing hard.
4-2 in their past six games, including a 3-2 mark since the return of Deshaun Watson, the Browns are still testing the water with their controversial franchise quarterback. Sunday will be the first time Watson takes part in this storied AFC North rivalry.
Pittsburgh enters this game as winners of five of their past six games, including three consecutive victories. Pittsburgh’s offense has not looked great, but we are seeing Pickett trend in the right direction, stringing together game-winning drives in consecutive games.
What is carrying Pittsburgh, of course, is the team’s defense. The organization’s bread and butter since the 1970's. The Pittsburgh defense appeared to have taken a step back this season, but injuries, primarily to T.J. Watt, played a role.
Since Watt’s Week 9 return, Pittsburgh’s defense has turned a corner. While the team won six of their next eight games entering Week 18, the Pittsburgh defense conceded fewer than 17 points in seven of those outings, winning six of them.
Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Browns vs. Steelers Best Bets
The best bet that you can make for the Browns vs. Steelers matchup in the Week 18 season finale is on the Steelers to cover the -2.5 spread.
The Steelers are 5-1 ATS overall in their past six games. Covering in all five of their straight-up wins in that period. They are also 4-1 straight up and against the spread in their past five games against the Browns at home. Furthermore, the home team is also 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings between these two AFC North rivals.
These trends suggest backing the Steelers in a must-have matchup. Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 15-year tenure as the Steelers' head coach. That trend will not be broken in Week 18.
Another terrific bet to make is on Najee Harris to score a touchdown. Harris anytime touchdown scorer odds are -130 at Caesars Sportsbook Ohio.
Harris has played the Browns three times in this two-year career. He’s scored a touchdown in all three of those games. Harris has also rushed for at least 91 yards and totaled at least 120 yards in two of those three outings as well.
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