Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
1:00pm ET @ Heinz Field, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.
Projected Score: Steelers: 34 / Browns 17
Game Lines: Steelers (-8) - O/U 49.0
TV Broadcast:
Broadcast starts at 1pm ET with Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (analyst) and Evan Washburn (sideline) are calling the game.
Radio Broadcast:
Steelers Radio Network- Game coverage begins at 1:00 p.m. ET. Calling the game will be Bill Hillgrove (play-by-play), Tunch Ilkin (color analyst) and Craig Wolfley (sideline).
All fans in the Pittsburgh area can listen locally on WDVE 102.5 FM & WBGG 970 AM.
Injury Report:
WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Ankle) - Questionable
RT Marcus Gilbert (Knee) - Out
TE Xaiver Grimble (Concussion) - Questionable
What to Watch For:
1.Return of Morgan Burnett
Burnett has not yet made an impact in the secondary this season due to a groin injury. Burnett's only extensive game appearance this season came against the Chiefs but yielded the start to Rookie Terrell Edmunds. Tomorrow he is expected to be a big contributor for the defense after participating in a full week of practice, the first time since early September.
The return of Burnett brings more versatility to the defense. OLB Bud Dupree said this week, " Morgan adds a physical presence for us. He can play in the box, he can cover guys, be a safety. He’s a big body who can bring it down hill.” This week Keith Butler also claimed the return of Burnett to be a boost due to his ability to play the dollar scheme which has been greatly ineffective this season. At 6-foot-1, 209 pounds, he’s two inches taller and 20 pounds heavier than Sutton, who has been playing Burnett's role in the dollar scheme.
2. Turnovers
In Week One the Steelers turned the ball over 6 times (3 INT/3FUM) with 5 of the turnovers being at the hands of Big Ben. It will be imperative the Steelers come out tomorrow on the positive side of the turnover battle. The Browns currently lead the NFL in Turnover margin at (+10) which has been the reason for their appearance in four overtime games this season. In the Browns blowout 38-14 loss to the Chargers in Week 6 they failed to win the turnover battle for the first time all season, which should be an indication to the Steelers offense that taking care of the football needs to be their number one concern.
3. Alejandro Villanueva vs Myles Garrett
After watching the Steelers first matchup with the Browns, one thing was very apparent, Villanueva was severely overmatched. Myles Garrett completely and utterly dominated in Week 1 with 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, a pass defense and 5 solo tackles with 2 being for a loss. For the Steelers to win Villanueva will need to be much better which will not be easy. Garrett has been one of the best edge defenders in the league this season with 7 total sacks.
Gambling Advice
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are 2-4-1 overall and 5-2 ATS. The Browns have played in a lot of close games this season including four games that went into overtime, but they still have a losing record and have only won two games this season. Cleveland is 5-2 ATS overall, 3-0 ATS after a loss, 2-1 ATS on the road and 4-1 ATS as a favorite.
Baker Mayfield leads the team in passing with 1,291 yards for 6 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Carlos Hyde leads the team in rushing with 382 yards and 5 touchdowns. Jarvis Landry leads the team in receiving with 41 receptions for 489 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Cleveland is averaging 21.57 points per game which ranks 23rd in the NFL. They are averaging 135 rushing yards per game which ranks 5th in the NFL. They are averaging 222.43 passing yards per game which ranks 23rd in the NFL.
The Browns are allowing 25.29 points per game which ranks 19th in the NFL. They are allowing 134.71 rushing yards per game which ranks 28th in the NFL. They are allowing 278.86 passing yards per game which ranks 26th in the NFL.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are 3-2-1 overall and 3-3 ATS. After a slow start, the Steelers are starting to become the elite teammany expected them to be as they won two straight heading into their bye week and now take on the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh is 3-3 ATS overall, 1-1 ATS after a win, 1-2 ATS at home and 1-3 ATS as a favorite.
Ben Roethlisberger leads the team in passing with 2,033 yards for 12 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. James Conner leads the team in rushing with 453 yards and 7 touchdowns. JuJu Smith-Schuster leads the team in receiving with 42 receptions for 561 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh is averaging 28.5 points per game which ranks 5th in the NFL. They are averaging 88.67 rushing yards per game which ranks 26th in the NFL. They are averaging 329 passing yards per game which ranks 2nd in the NFL.
The Steelers are allowing 25.67 points per game which ranks 21st in the NFL. They are allowing 97.83 rushing yards per game which ranks 22nd in the NFL. They are allowing 282.33 passing yards per game which ranks 27th in the NFL.
Cleveland covers, but the Steelers get the win
Cleveland has played in a lot of close games including their tie against the Steelers in week 1 and has played in three other overtime games this season. Their largest loss came in week 6 against the Chargers which they loss by a score of 14-38, but the rest of their games have been decided by no more than 4 points. I look for the Steelers to get the win, but I see the Browns getting the cover in this game.
