Browns vs. Steelers Prediction
The Steelers need to beat the Browns on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh and then get some outside help to make the playoffs. Still, with a potential postseason berth on the line, are the Steelers the wise play as a 2.5-point home favorite this afternoon?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
461 Cleveland Browns (+2.5) at 462 Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5); o/u 40.5
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, January 8, 2023
Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
Browns vs. Steelers Public Betting Information
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 68% of public bettors are currently backing the Steelers when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Cleveland Browns DFS Spin
Deshaun Watson completed 9-of-18 passes for 169 yards and three touchdowns in the Browns 24-10, Week 17 win over the Commanders. Watson saw an impressive 33.3 percent of his completions go for scores, thanks in part to two long touchdowns by Amari Cooper. Cooper caught a short out route and turned it into a 46-yard score early in the third quarter, and scored again on a 33-yard touchdown to ice the fourth quarter. His 18 pass attempts were his fewest in any game this season, but the Browns’ offense found plenty of success on the ground, thanks in part to Commanders defensive tackle Jonathan Allen exiting in the second quarter. Watson and the Browns may have played spoiler for the Commanders’ playoff hopes this week. Next week, they’ll try to play spoiler for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers DFS Spin
Kenny Pickett completed 15-of-27 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown in the Steelers’ 16-13, Week 17 win over the Ravens. This one came down to the wire, as the Steelers trailed 13-9 with a little over four minutes to go in the game. Despite being stifled for most of the evening, Pickett gathered his wits to throw for 64 yards on the team’s last offensive drive, ending it with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Najee Harris. This marks the second game-winning drive for Pickett in as many games, as the rookie quarterback continues to keep his cool in high-pressure moments. Still fighting for their playoff lives, Pickett and the Steelers will look to secure a spot in Week 18 with a win over the Browns.
Browns vs. Steelers Betting Trends
Under is 8-3 in Browns last 11 road games
Under is 6-0 in Browns last 6 games overall
Under is 9-2 in Steelers last 11 home games
Under is 4-1 in Steelers last 5 games overall
Browns vs. Steelers Prediction:
The underdog is 4-1 against the spread in the last five meetings between these two teams, while the Browns have covered in four of their last five divisional games. However, Cleveland is also 1-4 against the number in its last five games in Pittsburgh, has not covered in five of its last seven games versus the Steelers overall, and the home team in this series is 7-3 ATS in the last 10 meetings. With everything on the line for the Steelers and the Browns playing for nothing outside of pride, I like Pittsburgh laying the short number.
NFL WEEK 18 PREDICTION: PITTSBURGH STEELERS -2.5
