Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Analysis, Odds & Picks
The Cleveland Browns (7-8) travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (7-7-1) at Heinz Field on Monday Night Football. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:15 P.M. EST.
For Cleveland, it has been a year of “almosts.” Cleveland almost won their last two games, and they almost made the playoffs. Instead, the Browns dropped both of their last two games by two points and were officially eliminated from the postseason on Sunday.
However, they still have motivation for Monday. The Browns and Steelers have a competitive rivalry, and Cleveland is undoubtedly chomping at the bit to eliminate Pittsburgh from postseason contention.
The Steelers have a complicated path to the playoffs. First off, they have to win their next two games against the Browns and the Ravens. If they are able to defeat Cleveland and Baltimore, they will then need the 2-14 Jacksonville Jaguars to defeat the Indianapolis Colts next week.
Their complicated journey towards the postseason begins on Monday against Cleveland.
We should be in store for a hard-fought game between these rivals.
Betting Analysis for Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL
Cleveland Browns Betting Stats & Analysis
People betting on this game may be tempted to automatically lock in the Steelers since they have more to play for due to Cleveland’s recent postseason elimination. But the Browns will likely still do everything they can to emerge victorious in this game.
Now is it possible the Browns decide to insert backups into the lineup? Sure. But I highly doubt it.
Cleveland has prepared all week for this game, and they likely will still play to win this contest. If the Browns were going to give second-string players a chance to start, it would probably be next week. But not on Monday Night Football against one of their biggest rivals.
Knocking the Steelers out of the playoffs while winning on national TV would be a positive note for the Browns to end their season following their past couple of brutal two-point losses.
We have seen the betting lines move because of the postseason elimination for Cleveland. But the Browns offer a strong defense that ranks seventh in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. They should have minimal issues slowing down this Pittsburgh offense that ranks just 24th in total yards per game.
If the Browns do win this game, it will be because of their defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers Betting Stats & Analysis
Could this be Ben Roethlisberger’s final regular-season home game in Pittsburgh?
Many have speculated that this may be the last time we see Roethlisberger representing the Steelers at Heinz Field. Perhaps he could have some added motivation for that reason alone.
On the other hand, this is a Steelers offense that is 21st in points per game in the NFL. They have failed to get things going offensively all season long, and that is unlikely to change against a quality Cleveland defensive unit.
But Pittsburgh might have some late life in store for this matchup. They have been atrociously bad in the first half of games this year. But as long as they limit the Brown’s offense, the Steelers might be able to squeak out the win late in the game.
It really all comes down to how well they contain Cleveland’s running attack. With Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt leading the charge, Pittsburgh will have their work cut out for them. Hunt is questionable for the game, but even if he is inactive, Chubb is still one of the NFL’s best running backs.
When you factor in that the Steelers are 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed per game, there is no question that Pittsburgh may be in some trouble.
Expect them to sell out for the run and force Baker Mayfield to throw the football. Mayfield has labored as of late so they could force him to turn the ball over.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Trends
Cleveland Browns:
- The Browns are 7-8 ATS this season.
- Cleveland is 4-3 ATS as the away team.
- They are 4-3 ATS as an underdog.
- The Browns are 3-4 ATS following a loss.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
- The Steelers are 6-9 ATS so far this year.
- Pittsburgh is 3-5 ATS as the home team.
- They are 1-5 ATS as a favorite.
- The Steelers are 3-3 ATS following a loss.
Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL Betting Odds
Betonline lists the Steelers as 1.5-point favorites for Monday’s game.
BetUS also has Pittsburgh favored to win by 1.5 points at home against the Browns.
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How To Bet On: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL – Betting lines
The Browns were originally favored by around 3 points, according to various different sportsbooks. But with Cleveland officially being knocked out of the playoffs on Sunday, the lines drastically changed and now favor Pittsburgh.
The Browns have dealt with one of the strangest seasons in the NFL. They do almost everything well in terms of playing defense and running the football. And for all of the criticism Baker Mayfield has received as of late, he is still serviceable as a quarterback.
But Cleveland has simply faltered at the end of a number of games. In fact, they have lost six games by six or less points. They had legitimate opportunities to win each of those games but ended up falling short.
This matchup on Monday projects to be close yet again. The Steelers defeated the Browns 15-10 in their last matchup. The question that bettors need to answer is whether the Browns will struggle towards the end of this game.
I believe the Browns are the better team. They should be able to limit the Steelers offensively, and the running game should place them in a position to score enough points to pull out the win.
Trusting Cleveland is difficult without question, but I am willing to take that chance on Monday.
OBS Betting Picks for Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers NFL
Take the Cleveland Browns -1.5 with your NFL betting pick.
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