Cleveland Browns (4-8) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3) NFL Betting Preview
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers have always been bitter rivals. The two teams have gone in different directions over the last few years, and the Steelers have dominated this matchup in the past decade.
Pittsburgh must continue to win to try to keep pace with the Ravens.
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Time/Date: 8:25 PM EST, December 8, 2011
Venue: Heinz Field
Broadcast: NFL Network
Browns vs. Steelers Gambling Odds from Bookmaker
Spread: Steelers -13.5
Moneyline: Steelers (-790) Browns (+610)
Over/Under: 39.5
The Browns would love nothing more than to spoil the Steelers chance at the AFC North title. These two square off Thursday night in Pittsburgh.
Cleveland’s offense has struggled all year long. Colt McCoy is progressing at the quarterback spot, but the rest of the offense just isn’t very good. Peyton Hillis was the breakout star for this unit last year, but he has been a major disappointment this season. Hillis has only played in half of the teams games, and he is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. McCoy really doesn’t have any go to receiver on the outside. The Browns average just 14.6 points per game.
Cleveland has been competitive this year thanks to a solid defense. The Browns secondary has been stellar. Joe Haden has quickly become one of the best cover corners in the entire league. Cleveland ranks first in the NFL in pass defense. The Browns haven’t been nearly as good against the run. In fact, opponents have been gashing the Browns for 151.2 yards per game on the ground. The biggest problem this unit has had has been getting off the field on third down. Opponents are converting 40.4% of their third-down conversion attempts. Phil Taylor has been a bright spot on the front line of this defense. The Browns allow 20 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Ben Roethlisberger has definitely found a major weapon on the outside in Mike Wallace. Wallace is averaging 16.8 yards per reception so far this season. The Steelers have four receivers with at least 36 catches in 2011. Big Ben is completing 64% of his passing attempts, and he has 19 touchdown passes. Rashard Mendenhall isn’t putting up the huge numbers he did last season, but he continues to perform at a solid clip. The Steelers offensive line has been better the last few games, and that is very important to this team’s long-term success.
This defense is arguably the best in all of football. Pittsburgh ranks first in the NFL in total yards allowed. There really isn’t a true weakness in this defense. The linebackers are absolutely the best in the league. James Harrison, James Farrior, LaMarr Woodley, and Lawrence Timmons are all capable of taking over the game at any point. Brett Keisel has really stepped up his game, and he is a real force on the defensive line. Troy Polamalu is probably the most valuable player to this defense. Polamalu is simply all over the field, and his leadership is vital to this team’s success.
The Browns will fight hard here, but I don’t expect that to be enough. Pittsburgh is just a much better football team. Look for the Steelers to cover in this one.
Free NFL Pick: Steelers -13.5
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