Prediction
This is a mammoth game for both teams. For Pittsburgh, a record of 6-4 awaits, with a trip to winless Cincinnati next on the docket. It would basically end Cleveland’s season, but… if the Browns win, that gives them two straight, with Miami next, and then a shot at the Steelers again in two weeks.
We like option A.
The Browns are gifted at wide receiver.
“From a talent standpoint, there’s no tandem that approaches those guys,” Mike Tomlin said. “They’re impactful.”
The Steelers secondary feels it is up to the challenge.
“They’re two No. 1 receivers,” Steelers cornerback Joe Haden said in regards to Odell Beckhan, Jr. and Jarvis Landry. “so we’ve got to make sure we know where they are at all times.”
This defense has been playing lights out since the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Dolphins. They relish opportunities to make a difference now.
“Those guys are amazing talents, so it’ll be a good challenge for us to compete with those guys,” corner Steven Nelson said. “It’ll be fun. You try to reduce the big, explosive plays that those guys are capable of.”
If the Browns were smart, they would run as much as they could, trying to utilize it’s best assets in Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. It would help the Browns in time of possession if they could string together a couple of long scoring drives with a successful rushing attack. It won’t be easy against a Steelers defense that is playing lights out, but it’s better than the alternative of dropping Mayfield back 30-40 times and watching him get pummeled by the likes of T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, and Cam Heyward.
That said, expect Browns head coach Freddy Kitchens to outsmart himself and walk right into the Steelers waiting hands.
It will be cold and the Dawg Pound will be barking, but this might be the game where everything finally starts coming together.
What better place to do that other than in Cleveland, in front of their fans, crushing their season hopes yet again, as this team has done year in and year out since the early ’90s?
Expect to see the running game get back on track with James Conner back from injury. This is a “man up” game for every player on this team, especially if they have dreams of chasing down the Ravens for the AFC North title.
If Baker Mayfield didn’t have bad dreams after watching game tape during the week, he will when he hits the sack after this game… pun intended.
Steelers defense will rise again and the offense will show signs of life.