A pair of AFC North rivals meet for the second time in three weeks when the Pittsburgh Steelers play host to the Cleveland Browns. CBS will have live coverage, and kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET from Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
My Browns vs. Steelers predictions anticipate Najee Harris playing a key role against a Cleveland defense that remains susceptible on the ground.
Find out more in my NFL picks for Sunday, December 8.
Browns vs Steelers prediction
Who will win Browns vs Steelers?
The Steelers suffered just their third loss of the season to the lowly Browns in Week 12 but we can chalk that result up as more of an anomaly than anything. The game saw heavy snow and strong winds that kept both teams one-dimensional and away from their normal offensive scheme.
Coupled with a defense that’s allowing just 311 total yards per game (sixth), Pittsburgh has the clear edge on Sunday afternoon.
My best bet
Najee Harris Over 62.5 rushing yards (-115 at BetMGM)
My analysis
There is lots of talk about Russell Wilson heading into Sunday’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns, as the veteran quarterback comes into the contest on the heels of his first 400-yard passing performance since September 2019.
However, the yards may not come as easy in the air for Wilson this week, as the Browns have been one of the NFL’s better teams at pressuring opposing QBs. Cleveland ranks seventh in Blitz % (29.7%), fifth in Hurry % (10.1%), and second in QB Pressure % (27.5%).
On the flip side, the Browns have been below-average at defending the rush. Cleveland ranks 22nd in rushing yards allowed per game (1,538) while giving up 17 rushing TDs — tied for fourth-most among all teams.
If the Browns bring that type of aggression against the 36-year-old Wilson, he’ll have no choice but to defer to some of his backfield options. Fortunately for the Steelers, they’ve got a good one in Najee Harris.
Harris has been one of the busiest running backs in the NFL this season, ranking fifth in rushing attempts (207) and 13th in rushing yards per game (68.7). The Steelers running back didn’t record a touchdown until Week 6, but since then, he’s racked up four TDs while averaging 79 yards per game.
The former first-round pick has logged 63+ rushing yards in five of his last seven contests and four of five home games this season. He’s also hit the Over on rushing yards in five of his last seven contests.
Browns vs Steelers same-game parlay
Najee Harris Over 62.5 rushing yards
Steelers -6.5
George Pickens Over 71.5 receiving yards
Along with another strong rushing game for Harris, I’m also going to bank on a big performance from Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
The 23-year-old has been Pittsburgh’s busiest receiver by far this season, collecting 850 receiving yards — more than double of any teammate.
Pickens has logged 70+ receiving yards in five of his last six games, with the only exception being the snow-filled loss against the Browns. The star receiver has also cashed the Over on receiving yards in eight of his last 10 outings, averaging 73.6 yards per game during that stretch.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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More NFL picks and odds from Covers
Browns vs Steelers odds
Browns vs Steelers live odds
Browns vs Steelers opening odds
- Spread: Cleveland +7 | Pittsburgh -7
- Moneyline: Cleveland +250 | Pittsburgh -300
- Over/Under: Over 44 | Under 44
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Browns vs Steelers spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Steelers opened as 7-point favorites but that number trickled down to 6.5 at most books by Thursday night. Pittsburgh has covered the spread in six of its last seven games, while Cleveland is just 3-7 ATS in its last 10 outings.
- Sunday’s total opened at 44, with 64% of bettors opting for the Over as of Thursday night.
- The Over is 6-1 in the Steelers’ last seven contests and 4-1 in the last five head-to-head meetings.
- 54% of Covers Consensus users are backing Pittsburgh on the spread, while 61% are taking the Over.
Browns vs Steelers betting trend to know
Pittsburgh has scored first in four of its last five games (+3.20 Units / 59% ROI). Find more NFL betting trends for Browns vs. Steelers.
Browns vs Steelers game info
| Location: | Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA |
| Date: | Sunday, 12-8-2024 |
| Kickoff: | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | CBS |
Browns vs Steelers latest injuries
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