17 Nov 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) passes against the Baltimore Ravens during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Image by Charles LeClaire-Imagn The Pittsburgh Steelers take on what is usually an unenviable task – traveling on a short week for a primetime Saturday night game.
However, there are a few things Pittsburgh likes to do as Week 12 of the NFL regular season begins. That is, the “trip” to Cleveland is more than two hours by road and when the Steelers get there, they will be facing the backup quarterback on a 2-8 Browns team that is overwhelming.
The Steelers (8-2) are coming off a big win over Baltimore to stay atop the AFC North. And Pittsburgh is starting to set its sights on potential home-field advantage come playoff time.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The Steelers are the consensus 3.5-point favorite. That includes BetRivers, where they have made 80 percent of the spread-line money. Pittsburgh’s -195 moneyline to just win the game has been even more popular, drawing 95 percent of all money wagered.
The Browns enter Thursday night having failed to cover the spread in nine of their past 12 games. Meanwhile, the Steelers have covered the spread in every game during their five-game winning streak.
37.0 total points line has been seen Over made by 65 percent of the money and 70 percent of the total bet. Each of Cleveland’s past eight home games have been on the point total line.
CHOICE OF PROP
–Steelers WR George Pickens Over 50 Receiving Yards (-195 on DraftKings): Russell Wilson has thrown six touchdowns in four games since taking over as the starting quarterback. Two of those have gone to Pickens, who has at least 74 receiving yards in each of those games. There was some concern that Pittsburgh would get out to a big early lead and be a heavy hitter, but Wilson throws a nice deep ball and that could be Pickens’ strength. This is the most popular player prop in the book.
–Steelers RB Najee Harris Kapan TD (+100 at BetRivers): The potential for a run-heavy approach should benefit Harris, who found sledding difficult against Baltimore with 63 yards on the ground. He was also held out of the end zone for the second time in three games. Keep in mind that Cleveland has allowed only three touchdowns on the ground all season, but the Browns have allowed 12 through the air. Harris had a trio of scores on the ground and received over 10 games.
MAIN STAT
The Browns have won the first quarter in five consecutive home games against the Steelers.
INFORMATION
The Steelers have always been locked in. They are currently riding a five game winning streak, most recently edging the Baltimore Ravens 18-16 on Saturday.
Chris Boswell made six field goals against Baltimore, while Wilson completed 23 of 36 passes for 205 yards and an interception.
Meanwhile, Cleveland continues to go through the wringer. The Browns finished on the wrong end of a 35-14 blowout when they faced the host New Orleans Saints on Saturday, marking their seventh loss in the past eight games.
Cleveland now has to contend with one of the least forgiving defenses in the league. Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is determined to lead a solid performance against Pittsburgh, which allows the second-fewest points per game in the NFL (16.2).
“It’s precision passing. Get the ball out on time. Elite operation and just do our job. It’s simple,” Winston said. “This team (Steelers) is not going to try and trick you. They’re going to line up and say, ‘Give us our best, we’ll give our best.’
Winston threw for 395 yards and two touchdowns on 30-for-46 passes in the setback against New Orleans, with Jerry Jeudy hauling in six catches for 142 yards and a score. Star running back Nick Chubb continued to struggle since returning from a knee injury that shortened his 2023 season, finishing with 50 yards on 11 carries.
REPORT INJURIES
The Browns could be without standout defensive back Myles Garrett, who missed practice on Saturday because of a hip injury. Wide receiver Elijah Moore (shoulder), guard Joel Bitonio (pectoral) and cornerbacks Denzel Ward (ribs/ankle) and Greg Newsome II (Shoulder) were among those limited during the session.
Linebacker Alex Highsmith has an ankle problem and was lost by the Steelers along with cornerback Cory Trice Jr. (hamstring).
The people said
Wilson started to feel like he could be a part of something special, but he also didn’t want Pittsburgh to go any further.
“I definitely think we have a chance (to make a deep playoff run),” said Wilson, who has played in two Super Bowls. “I think the biggest thing for us is to continue to take each week as the most important week.
“I think it’s not just a week, it’s just a day, it’s just a little bit of time in between. I think the greatest team, the greatest player, in any sport, especially the team I’ve been on, is the moment. — it’s not that far away, and you just locked.
PREDICTION
Divisional road games on short weeks are usually a tough task. Not so for the Steelers, who will be very focused on not getting caught early before enjoying 10 days before their trip to Cleveland. With a second game against the Browns before a big game in Philadelphia, this is not an opponent Pittsburgh will look past. –Steelers 27, Browns 19
–Field Level Media
