Sports Betting Picks

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Preview – December 8

The Cleveland Browns head to Acrisure Stadium on Sunday to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC North rivalry game. Both teams have plenty of history, and while the Browns are out of playoff contention, they aim to break their 20-game regular-season losing streak in Pittsburgh. The Steelers, on the other hand, are sitting comfortably at the top of the division and are looking to keep their momentum alive in the postseason race.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns have had a tough season, sitting at 3-9, but their offense has shown signs of life under quarterback Jameis Winston. Since taking over for Deshaun Watson, Winston has led Cleveland to score 24 or more points in three of his five starts. In last week’s loss to Denver, Winston threw for a franchise-record 497 yards and four touchdowns, though he also had three costly interceptions. Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy had a breakout game against his former team with 235 yards and a touchdown, giving the Browns a reliable deep threat.

Defensively, Myles Garrett remains a force to be reckoned with. He tallied three sacks the last time these two teams met and is closing in on 100 career sacks. However, the Browns’ defense has struggled overall, ranking near the bottom in rushing yards allowed. Injuries have further hampered their lineup, with key players like Cedric Tillman and Jedrick Wills Jr. questionable for this matchup.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have been one of the NFL’s most consistent teams this season, boasting a 9-3 record and a potent offense led by quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson is coming off a season-high 414-yard performance in a shootout win against Cincinnati, showcasing his ability to guide the team in high-pressure situations. Running back Najee Harris has also been solid, providing balance to Pittsburgh’s attack alongside receivers George Pickens and Mike Williams.

On defense, T.J. Watt continues to anchor a unit that ranks among the league’s best in limiting points. The return of linebacker Alex Highsmith from injury is a boost, adding to the Steelers’ pass-rushing depth. Pittsburgh’s defense will be focused on forcing turnovers against Winston, who has been prone to interceptions this season. At home, the Steelers have been dominant, going 4-1 at Acrisure Stadium this year.

Pick and Prediction

The Browns stunned the Steelers in their last meeting, but replicating that success in Pittsburgh is a tall order. Cleveland’s offensive firepower will likely be contained by Pittsburgh’s disciplined defense, and Jameis Winston’s turnover issues could spell trouble against the opportunistic Steelers. Meanwhile, Russell Wilson and the Pittsburgh offense should find plenty of opportunities to exploit a Cleveland defense that has struggled on the road.

Expect Pittsburgh to control the game with a balanced attack and secure a key divisional win as they march toward the playoffs.

  • Prediction: Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Cleveland Browns 17

 

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