Dec 1, 2019; Pittsburgh, PA, USA;  Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree (48) sacks Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Browns vs Steelers Betting Analysis, Prediction

The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are a combined 5-1 ATS since Week 1. Two of the hottest teams in the NFL will meet on Sunday, in what will be the game of the week.

The spread is sitting at 3.5 points as of Wednesday (check BetRivers for live updates) right now, and that half point gives Browns backers a little extra incentive to jump on Cleveland here. I like Cleveland to cover +3.5 and possibly win this game outright. 

Browns Steelers Odds: Pittsburgh -3.5 Total 51 at BetRivers | Matchup Report

Why the Browns can cover the spread

The city of Cleveland is finally getting a taste of a good football team, and not just when a good team is visiting. The Browns haven’t started a season 4-1 since 1994, and this team looks like the real deal. 

On offense, the Browns have been winning games due to their high powered run offense. The Browns have the 4th best rushing offense in the league. Even with Nick Chubb sidelined for a while, the Browns rushing offense continues to roll.

The Steelers defense is built to stop the run, however I do believe that Browns still match up well. The Steelers gave up a 74 yard TD run to Miles Sanders last week, and Kareem Hunt is capable of taking one to the house at any moment. 

The Browns also have the talent on the outside that could be a matchup nightmare for the Steelers. Pittsburgh has struggled against the pass this season, and Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry should have their way with the Steelers secondary. 

Why the Steelers can cover the spread 

The Steelers are quietly 4-0, however they haven’t played the best competition the NFL has to offer. Their four wins have come against a combined record of 3-15-1. You can only play the teams on your schedule, and I do think the Steelers are legit. 

This will be their first real test, and it will come against a defense that they should be able to move the ball against. The Steelers ran a quick passing game that absolutely torched the Eagles defense last Sunday. The Browns win on defense by getting after the QB, and the quick passing game should stall the pass rush. 

If you can’t really remember the Browns winning very often in Pittsburgh, well, that’s because they have lost 16 straight SU here and 20 of 21 overall. The Browns are also a wallet-draining 1-7 ATS in their past 8 vs the Steelers.

Browns Steelers pick

I am excited for this game. These teams are very evenly matched, which is why I like the Browns. I think this game should be a pick’em type spread, and the 3.5 is just too many points to give up. All the Browns need to do is keep this within a field goal and we think they might just spring the upset for moneyline bettors.

Brenden Deeg is from Ajax, Ontario and has been an NFL writer for over 5 years. Brenden has contributed to FanSided and 4th and Jawn. Brenden also played Defensive Line at York University, in Toronto Canada. Brenden is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, and active in the Philadelphia Eagles twitter community. You can follow his personal account here @ BrendenDeegNFP   He can reached at Brenden.Deeg@NationalFootballPost.com

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