Week 8 NFL Picks: Browns Favorable to Cover Against Steelers in AFC North Rivalry

Cleveland Browns (+3.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Preseason expectations should not convince bettors that Pittsburgh is the automatic choice at home.

The records indicate these teams are far more evenly matched than most anticipated.

Moreover, their most recent AFC North meeting suggests Cleveland warrants more respect than the current spread implies.

Cleveland defeated Pittsburgh 27-24 on October 1, though the final score understates the havoc its defense wrought upon Aaron Rodgers.

The Browns recorded five sacks, two interceptions, and eight pass deflections against the Steelers quarterback.

Pittsburgh has passed on 64.2 percent of its offensive plays this season, the second-highest rate in the NFL entering Week 8—a risky tendency against a defense that has already proven it can pressure the quarterback.

The Steelers have sputtered offensively lately, scoring just 16 points in their victory over the Saints in Paris.

Pittsburgh now returns from its international trip to face a division rival.

Cleveland’s offense has been inconsistent, yet there are positive signs as well.

Deshaun Watson, resurgent recently, orchestrated a 491-yard performance against Tennessee on Sunday, including a late drive that set up the winning field goal.

The Browns have not won a regular-season game in Pittsburgh since 2003, and this pick does not necessarily forecast an end to that streak.

However, with the total set at 39.5, laying more than a field goal is difficult to justify.

Source link