Amid a COVID-19 outbreak among the team that includes head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns (11-5) will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) in the final game of NFL Wild Card Weekend at 8:15 p.m. ET Sunday at Heinz Field. Below, we preview the Browns-Steelers betting odds and lines and make our NFL picks and predictions.
Browns at Steelers: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 1:15 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Browns +235 (bet $100 to win $235) | Steelers -290 (bet $290 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Browns +6 (-110) | Steelers -6 (-110)
- Over/Under: 47.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Browns at Steelers: Game notes
- The Browns are 3-3 against teams with winning records (including a win over Pittsburgh last Sunday when the Steelers were resting several key starters) and have fattened up on teams .500 or worse – going 8-2 against those teams.
- Pittsburgh lost four of its last five games after being the last undefeated team in 2020, winning its first 11 games.
- Cleveland is 3-5 against the spread on the road, while Pittsburgh is 5-3 ATS at home.
- Cleveland has the third-ranked rushing attack in the league, averaging 148.4 yards per game on the ground. The Browns also average 4.8 yards per carry (5th) with 21 rushing touchdowns (5th).
- The Browns are in the postseason for the first time since 2002.
- Over their last six games, the Steelers averaged just 19.7 points per game.
Browns at Steelers: Key injuries
Browns
- OT Jack Conklin (ankle) questionable
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (concussion) doubtful
- DE Olivier Vernon (Achilles) out
- G Joel Bitonio (COVID-19) questionable
- DB Ronnie Harrison (COVID-19) questionable
Steelers
- WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) questionable
- CB Joe Haden (COVID-19) questionable
Browns at Steelers: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Steelers 24, Browns 20
Money line (?)
The Browns are at +235, which is pretty high for a divisional matchup of two playoff teams with a lot of familiarity with the other team’s personnel. The Steelers (-290) bring too little return on investment in what looks to end up as a one-score game.
I would AVOID this bet, but, if pressed to pick a side, I would recommend a small bet on Cleveland at +235 because it has the talent to grind the ball on the ground and pull out a road upset
Against the spread (?)
The spread has Pittsburgh as a 6-point favorite. This seems high, but it is likely because the Browns’ team facility was closed until Thursday after several positive COVID tests.
At this time of year, practice isn’t as taxing as it is earlier in the season. This has all the makings of the team with the final possession winning the game, so 6 points is a lot to give in a game that looks to be close.
TAKE CLEVELAND +6 (-110).
Over/Under (?)
If Pittsburgh continues to abandon the run (not a recipe for success in the playoffs), the clock will stop a lot and chunk plays will tilt field position.
Expect to see the Steelers to run the ball more than they have in recent weeks and the Browns to milk the clock with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt if they get off to a strong start. It will be close, but TAKE THE UNDER 47.5 (-110).
Want action on this NFL game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Bet Slippin’ Podcast
- Landry: ‘We’ve got to hit the curveball’ (Browns Wire)
- 4 Steelers we can’t wait to watch (Steelers Wire)
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