Browns vs Steelers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks

· Jan 05 - 6 minutes read

Surging Steelers Knocking on Playoff Door

In the final week of the regular season, the Cleveland Browns (7-9) visit the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) for an AFC North rivalry clash. Pittsburgh is still playing for its playoff chances. After eliminating the Washington Commanders from playoff contention in Week 17, the Browns could be the grim reaper of postseason hopes with another win.

Cleveland is 2-2 outright and against the spread (ATS) over the last four games. The Steelers are on a three-game winning streak while going 3-0 ATS. Will the Browns play spoiler, or will Pittsburgh make the next step toward the postseason?

Browns vs Steelers Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks

Let’s check the latest NFL odds, stats, injury reports, and NFL lines for Browns vs Steelers. We’ve plenty of Vegas NFL odds and NFL week 18 picks for you to consider.

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Browns vs Steelers Betting Lines

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Cleveland Embracing Eliminator Role

Despite being eliminated from the playoffs about two weeks ago, the Cleveland Browns will not go into this game unmotivated. The Browns can ruin their rival’s season, which matters to Cleveland. So don’t hesitate to back the Browns – they will be plenty motivated.

Cleveland is especially intriguing when considering it is 4-1 ATS in divisional games. Plus, the Browns are 3-2 ATS as road underdogs. The 24-10 win over the Commanders in Week 17 is also encouraging.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson had his best game as a Brown, and the defense allowed only 260 yards while forcing three turnovers. Running back Nick Chubb’s 7.4 yards per carry was his best since Week 5. However, the Steelers’ run defense will be a tough test, as it ranks fourth in allowed yards per carry. In addition, starting right tackle Jack Conklin (ankle) is questionable, which could be a big hit to the run game.

The Browns will be looking to win a defensive game. They have allowed 20 points once in the last six games. Cornerback Denzel Ward is questionable with a shoulder injury. However, Pittsburgh is 24th in passing yards per game, and Cleveland’s rookie cornerback Martin Emerson comes off another good game.

Hot Streak Fueling Steelers’ Playoff Hopes

This season has already been a success for the Pittsburgh Steelers. They started the season 1-4 and were 3-7 following Week 11. But, somehow, coach Mike Tomlin has done it again and could avoid his first losing season.

After going 5-1 outright and ATS in the last six games, the Steelers hold +450 odds to make the playoffs. This would require a win against the Browns while the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins lose.

During the 5-1 stretch, Pittsburgh allowed only 14.7 points per game. Plus, the run game has improved, and rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett led game-winning drives in the last two games. The offense still has a long way to go, ranking 29th in points per game. However, it’s doing enough with the defense’s dominance.

The offense could need to up its production due to injuries on defense. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (ankle), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (toe), and linebacker Myles Jack (groin) are questionable.

Browns vs Steelers Game Injuries

Browns vs Steelers Head-to-Head

Since 2020, the Browns are 3-3 and 2-4 ATS against the Steelers. Cleveland is also 1-9 in its last 10 trips to Pittsburgh. In Week 3, the Browns’ offense totaled 376 yards against the Steelers, leading to the 29-17 win and cover.

Browns vs Steelers Game Information

Game: Browns vs Steelers
Date: Sunday, Jan. 8
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
How to watch Browns vs Steelers: ESPN
Browns vs Steelers Live stream: NFL Game Pass

Browns vs Steelers Game Weather Conditions

Sunday’s forecast calls for overcast conditions with a high of 38°F. Low winds are expected, with a 23% chance of rain.

Browns vs Steelers Prediction

Predicted Score: Steelers 20, Browns 16

Worth Betting on the Moneyline?

This is expected to be a close matchup, which means both teams offer good NFL odds on the moneyline. The Browns are +125 while the Steelers are -145.

This will be a typical cold January game won via the run and defense. Pittsburgh has not allowed 20 or more points since Week 11, and Cleveland has reached 20 points only once in the last four games. The Browns’ run game has been inconsistent over the last month, while the Steelers are seventh in surrendered rushing yards per game. Plus, running back Najee Harris comes off a season-high 111 rushing yards, and Cleveland ranks 25th in allowed rush yards per game. Look for Pittsburgh to win outright.

Worth Betting ATS?

I learned my lesson going against the Steelers in Week 16. I backed Pittsburgh last week and it paid off. Give me the Steelers to stay hot with their fourth consecutive cover. Cleveland is 1-5 ATS after a win, and Pittsburgh is 4-2-1 ATS after a win.

Worth Betting on the Totals?

These are two of the NFL’s least entertaining offenses. Both rank 20th or worse in average yards per pass and rank in the top 10 of attempted runs per game. The Browns have gone under in six consecutive games, and the Steelers have gone under in four of the last five. Take the under.

Bet on Browns vs Steelers

BET THIS PICK: Pittsburgh Steelers -2½

BET THIS PICK: Under 40½

The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.