Browns (7-9) at Steelers (8-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh
TV:
Tipico Sportsbook line: Steel
CBS ers by 3
Browns’ keys to victory: For Cleveland, it is all about hitching its wagon to star RB Nick Chubb and letting him carry the offense. If there is a spot where the Steelers defense can be exploited it is on the ground, and establishing the run will slow down the pass rush on QB Deshaun Watson. Defensively, the Browns have to shut down the run and make Pittsburgh one-dimensional. Browns DE Myles Garrett is an elite edge rusher and the Steelers offensive tackles have struggled all season.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh has found its run game so utilizing the tandem of RB Najee Harris and RB Jaylen Warren to slow down the game, dominate time of possession and keep the Browns offense off the field is the biggest key. On defense, Pittsburgh has to sell out fully to stop Chubb and hope the secondary can keep guys like WR Amari Cooper and TE David Njoku in check.
Matchup to watch: Browns’ Cooper vs. Steelers CB Cameron Sutton: Sutton has developed over the course of the 2022 season into one of the best all-around cornerbacks in the league. He has become a reliable option for Pittsburgh to shut down the opposing team’s top receiver. Sutton faces a huge challenge with Cooper coming off a two-touchdown performance.
Who wins? With the Steelers’ 16-13 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17, they remained in the playoff hunt. You know the Browns would love to play spoiler against a bitter division rival, but with everything to play for, Pittsburgh pulls off the road upset.
Steelers, 24-17