At the beginning of the NFL season, not many would have predicted the Steelers and Browns to be the two teams leading the AFC North after seven weeks of football. There were serious questions over how Pittsburgh would fare with Aaron Rodgers back at the helm, while Cleveland has been a perennial basement dweller in the division.
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Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers is sacked by Maliek Collins at Huntington Bank Field in 2026.
But as Week 8 approaches, the matchup between the two franchises not only pits the North’s two best teams against each other, but will decide who will be atop the standings as the season reaches its midway point. With plenty on the line for the Steelers this weekend, a closer look at betting markets provides some insight into how the divisional game might go.
Steelers open as favorites, but close game expected
After picking up a third consecutive win in the first NFL game in Paris against the New Orleans Saints, sportsbooks expect the Steelers to keep that momentum going in Week 8. Moneyline markets opened with Pittsburgh as the favorites, with the home team priced at -175 to beat Cleveland at home.
However, it’s not expected to be a one-sided affair. The Browns are considered a capable opponent for the hosts, especially with Todd Monken’s roster putting together a winning streak of their own following victories against the Ravens and Titans. Their odds of +145 indicate a potential upset is a real possibility, while spread market odds point to a close game.
The Browns have won four games by a margin of three points or fewer, including the 27-24 victory against the Steelers at the start of October. Cleveland’s line (+3.5) has odds of -108, highlighting belief among sportsbooks that fine margins could once again dictate the winner.
Sack futures and player props to consider
Along with the pre-game odds, in-play markets, specifically regarding player props, will be options to keep an eye on when Cleveland travels to Pittsburgh. Prop menus differ by operator, but an NFL betting guide will compare sportsbooks based on that variety alongside live-betting stability.
Passing yards could be an interesting market to focus on for Rodgers. He has hit the over in five out of seven games this season, throwing for 1,699 through seven games. He has only dropped below 200 yards against New England, but will need to impress against a Browns defense that has only allowed 1,545 yards so far.
Jaylen Warren has also found joy this year when running the ball, hitting the over in all games bar the 26-19 victory against Tampa Bay. Coming off a 101-yard game against the Saints, he will look to keep his form going against the Browns.
Kim Klement Neitzel / Imagn Images
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) hands the ball off to Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
For those keeping one eye on player futures markets, this could be a match where particular players rack up numbers in the race for most sacks. Both Deshaun Watson (25) and Aaron Rodgers (22) rank as the two most sacked quarterbacks this season in the NFL, which points to that trend continuing when the teams meet.
With pass protection not a strength for either team, that opens the door for defensive stars on both sides to make big plays. For Pittsburgh, it’s impossible to look beyond T.J. Watt, whose 5.5 sacks this season rank him among the top five in the NFL. While he is head and shoulders above his teammates this season, both Mason Graham and Maliek Collins have 3.5 sacks or more for the Browns, and both will hope to exploit any weaknesses on the Steelers’ offensive line.