D'ernest Johnson & Browns open as home favorites against Steelers in Week 8.

One Winning Streak Set To End As Browns Host Steelers

The injury-riddled Browns (4-3 SU, 4-3 ATS) secured an impressive victory over the Broncos thanks to a breakout performance from D’Ernest Johnson. Meanwhile, the Steelers (3-3, 2-4) enjoyed a much-needed rest after grinding out consecutive victories prior to their Week 7 bye. All eyes will be on the status of Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb prior to Sunday’s tilt.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns
  • Date/Time: October 31, 1 p.m. ET
  • Stadium: FirstEnergy Stadium
  • TV Coverage: CBS
  • Sportsbook Odds: Browns -3 | O/U 45.5 (Line History)
  • Steelers vs Browns Matchup Report

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Although the Sportsbook line had the Browns as the favorite, there’s no telling how things will shift before Sunday. If Cleveland is without Mayfield and Chubb for a second game, the Steelers will likely emerge as favorites. Considering the potential firepower missing, the value at OVER 45.5 is understandable. Rolling the dice early in the week before injury updates emerge may be worth a shot.

Pittsburgh News & Notes

The Steelers escaped with a narrow Week 6 victory over the Seahawks, though it was far from a convincing performance considering Seattle was missing star quarterback Russell Wilson.

Most of Pittsburgh’s offensive stars will be fit for the occasion, with the exception of JuJu Smith-Schuster. Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool and Najee Harris are more than capable of coping with his absence.

The real issue is Ben Roethlisberger’s inability to get the best out of his weapons. Much has been made of Roethlisberger’s declining arm strength and the doubters may be on to something. He’s thrown more than one touchdown pass just once in six games.

Their last game aside, Pittsburgh’s defense is a shell of what it used to be. The Steelers will be hoping Case Keenum gets the start in this one.

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Cleveland News & Notes

It didn’t look pretty, but Keenum got the job done against the Denver Broncos, content to let D’Ernest Johnson and Cleveland’s defense take over the game.

Even if Nick Chubb does return, it won’t spell the end of Johnson’s usage. With Kareem Hunt on injured reserve, Johnson can be slotted into his role alongside Chubb.

Mayfield will also face a race against time to get cleared for Sunday’s clash. It’s a good thing the team played its Week 7 game on Thursday night, giving the Browns 10 days to prepare. Cleveland’s defense hasn’t fared any better than Pittsburgh’s this season and we may see a high-scoring contest in this one.

How Pittsburgh Will Cover

The Steelers will look to extend their win streak to three games. Cleveland may come into the game banged up, while the Steelers will be refreshed and ready to go. They kept Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf quiet last time out and now face an inferior test vs the Browns.

How Cleveland Will Cover

Much will depend on Cleveland’s active roster, but we can expect the Browns to rely on their run game to exploit Pittsburgh’s weaknesses. Cleveland barely stopped an injured Teddy Bridgewater in Week 7. The OVER is a great look right now if Mayfield and Chubb do suit up.

Computer Pick: Browns -3.5

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Shark Bites
  • Pittsburgh is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games as an underdog.
  • The OVER is 4-0 in Cleveland’s last 4 games vs the AFC North.
  • Cleveland is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games as a home favorite.
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