Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Odds, Lines, Spread, and Picks NFL Week 18

• The Pittsburgh Steelers are 2.5-point road favorites over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday
• The Steelers beat the Ravens while the Browns got tripped up by the Saints last week
• See the Browns vs Steelers odds and picks ahead of their Week 18 matchup, and our prediction below

The Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday will feature chilly weather and cloudy conditions. Temperatures in Pittsburgh expect to be around 40 degrees. Carolina has won four of their last six games and have a 6-9 record. Right now they are 2.5-point home favorites vs the Browns. Read on for Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers prediction and analysis.

The Steelers can still make the playoffs. Pittsburgh can accomplish this goal by defeating Cleveland on Sunday. Then, the Steelers need losses by both the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. Now. New England plays the rival Buffalo Bills and Miami entertains the New York Jets.

Pittsburgh still has a puncher’s chance as they say.

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers gets underway Sunday from Acrisure Stadium at 1:00 pm ET, in a game that can be seen live on CBS.

Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Odds

Odds as of January 7th from Barstool Sportsbook. Sign-up at Barstool Sportsbook Ohio to bet on the Browns vs Steelers game.

Pittsburgh’s odds shifted from 2 to 2.5 points. The over has stayed mostly between 40 and 41… It resides at 40 now.

The NFL betting trends are peculiar. 62% of the moneyline bets are placed for the Steelers and overall, 83% of the bets are on the Browns covering the spread and 59% on the over for Sunday. Now, the betting percentage on the wagers lies at 83% for the Browns, while 86% of the money is flooding to the Steelers.

Browns Looking to Play Spoiler

The tipping point for the Browns was Christmas Eve in their loss to the New Orleans Saints. Cleveland rebounded to knock Washington out of the playoffs last week. Could the Browns spoil their rivals’ slight hopes of making the postseason?

Cleveland understands their mission on Sunday.

https://twitter.com/BrownsChat/status/1611451035440005120

Last week, the Browns’ defense contained Washington in a 24-10 win over the Washington Commanders. Cleveland yielded a mere 260 yards and picked off three passes to boot.

The Cleveland Browns remain solid against the pass. Arguably, little impact on their pass defense but their run defense does rank in the bottom third of the league. Pittsburgh’s offensive line improved from earlier in the season and could cause Cleveland some headaches.

Deshaun Watson and the Steelers’ offensive strategy might need to throw a little deep if Pittsburgh puts eight in the box. Also, a little more Nick Chubb never hurts. Chubb ran for 113 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers in Week 3.

Steelers Need Win for Playoffs

At home, the Steelers are a mere 3-4. That seems insane for a Mike Tomlin-coached team. Pittsburgh plays offense and arguably defense low and slow. The Steelers scored 30 or more points just once this season. They average a mere 17.5 points per game (29th in the NFL).

With Cleveland having some internal issues, that could make Pittsburgh’s life a little easier on Sunday. Pittsburgh must take care of business, however. That will not be easy. Their 5-1 run features low point totals. None of these games have gone over 41 points combined.

The Steelers’ offense knocks few socks off. However, it can be effective. They ran for 198 yards last week against Baltimore.

The Steelers are 16th in the NFL in offensive EPA/play

But since week 14 they’ve been in the top 5…?

— Blaiden Kirk (@blaiden) January 6, 2023

Again, this week is problematic as Cleveland likes to play almost as deliberate as Pittsburgh. Honestly, Kenny Pickett makes his share of mistakes, but has a flair for the dramatic. Look at his wins over the past three weeks.

Pittsburgh ranks 1st in rushing touchdowns allowed with a mere seven. That is something rarely seen and indicates the Steelers may bend some, but rarely break.

Finally, the Steelers picked opposing passes off 18 times on the season. That also tops the NFL. If Cleveland is forced into passing situations, Watson may make a mistake or two.

Browns vs Steelers Prediction

This game expects to key in on the turnover and field position battles.

Now, AFC North rivals of Pittsburgh and Cleveland’s caliber battle till the final whistle and sometimes after. Expect a huge battle in the trenches and not much in the way of scoring. Pittsburgh’s postseason lives err Mike Tomlin’s streak of seasons over .500 could come down to the final possession again.

The Pick: Under 40 (-108) 1 unit

2022 Record: 11-5; Overall: 11-5, +5.5 units

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