Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers odds, picks and predictions

In the Week 18 regular-season finale, the Cleveland Browns (7-9) travel to meet the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8) at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Browns vs. Steelers odds, and make our expert NFL picks and predictions.

The Browns have won 4 of the last 6 games, while also going 4-2 ATS during the stretch. Cleveland hasn’t slowed down despite being eliminated from the postseason chase on Dec. 24 with a home loss to the New Orleans Saints.

After reportedly asking out of last week’s game, and criticizing the coaching staff publicly, DE Jadeveon Clowney has been ruled out for the finale, and his tenure with the team is more than likely over.

The Steelers are still alive for a playoff spot, although Pittsburgh needs help to get in. First and foremost, it must win on Sunday. The Steelers have won 3 in a row, but all of the victories have been 1-score games, including the last 2 wins by 3 points each.

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Browns at Steelers odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:29 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Browns +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Steelers -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Browns +2.5 (-103) | Steelers -2.5 (-117)
Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Browns at Steelers key injuries

Browns

DE Jadeveon Clowney (not injury related) out
OT Jack Conklin (ankle) out
CB Denzel Ward Jr. (shoulder) questionable

Steelers

FS Minkah Fitzpatrick (ankle) questionable
LB Myles Jack (groin) questionable

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Browns at Steelers picks and predictions

Prediction

Browns 20, Steelers 18

Moneyline

The BROWNS (+125) haven’t had a lot of success in Pittsburgh over the years, and the Steelers (-145) have never had a losing season under Mike Tomlin.

There seems to be a million reasons to pick the Steelers, especially since Pittsburgh is still mathematically alive for a playoff spot, while Cleveland has the Clowney distraction on defense, while playing for nothing but pride. But the Browns are trying to build momentum for next season.

Against the spread

BROWNS +2.5 (-103) is a solid play, although it would be a lot nicer at a flat 3 or 3.5. The Steelers -2.5 (-117) have won the last 2 games by 3 points, needing heroics from rookie QB Kenny Pickett in the 4th quarter to win it.

Pittsburgh’s luck is going to run out, and Cleveland will be more than happy to play spoiler. The defense for the Browns has been tremendously improved in the last 6 games, allowing 17 or fewer points in 5 of the outings.

Over/Under

UNDER 40.5 (-112) is the lean, as defense should rule the day in this AFC North rivalry game.

The Under is 9-2 in Pittsburgh’s last 11 home games, while going 6-2 in the last 8 inside the division. The Under is also 4-1 in Pittsburgh’s last 5 games overall.

The Under is on a 6-0 run for the Browns, while cashing at a 3-0-1 clip in the last 4 inside the division, and 8-3 in the previous 11 games on the road.

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