Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Betting Preview
22 September 2022
The Thursday Night Football game today is between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. The Steelers, reeling from a 17-14 loss to the New England Patriots, are hoping to bounce back this week.
However, taking on the Cleveland Browns' running game won't be easy, especially with Nick Chubb in the backfield. So, how can the Steelers come away with a win?
The Cleveland Browns are coming off a loss of their own to the New York Jets. Several players, including Nick Chubb, shouldered the burden for that loss. This week, they'll look to be a much more efficient team in the final quarter.
Although they're coming off of a loss, the Browns can't underestimate the Steelers. Let's go over each of these teams and make our pick for today.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Could Mitch Trubisky be benched?
There hasn't been any news yet, but QB Mitch Trubisky could lose his starting spot. A poor performance to start the game could see Kenny Pickett take his spot.
Last week, Trubisky went 21-33, throwing for 168 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The interceptions are troubling as they can lead to points at the other end. Still, he's likely their best option right now.
What the Steelers need to do is get back to the basics, like running the ball. Averaging 83 yards per game, the Steelers rank 26th overall in this category. It'd be different if their passing game was effective, but it isn't.
Through two games, the Steelers have averaged 172 passing yards per game, ranking 28th. If they establish the running game, it'll likely open up some passing lanes.
Cleveland Browns: Cleveland's running offense will win this game
Although RB Nick Chubb tried to shoulder the blame for last week's loss, it's not his fault. Chubb scored a touchdown, and it was on the Browns' defense to win the game.
Instead, they allowed the New York Jets to drive down the field and score two touchdowns. With such a poor defense, we're surprised the Browns aren't 0-2 right now. The good news is they can bounce back today.
With a running offense that averages 200.5 yards per game, the Browns have a significant advantage. They rank first in the NFL in rushing yards per game and seventh in points per game (28.0).
QB Jacoby Brissett needs to focus on not turning the ball over. If the Browns can play a conservative game, they should be able to walk away with this one.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Betting Pick
The Browns come into this game as -5 favorites, and we think they're definitely the better team. On average, the Steelers have given up an average of 128.5 rushing yards per game.
This plays into what the Browns do best, run the ball. Running the ball allows them to control the pace of the game. From there, all they need to do is put pressure on Trubisky.
By doing this, they'll put Trubisky and the Steelers on their heels, forcing them to make mistakes. As long as the Browns play a clean game, they should be able to win by a touchdown behind Nick Chubb. We're expecting a pretty big game from Chubb tonight and a Browns win.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Cleveland Browns -5, UNDER
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