Steelers vs. Browns Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Defense Carry Browns Without Deshaun Watson?
The Cleveland Browns will take on the Pittsburgh Steelers, who continue to escape with close wins. Can the Browns defense carry them to a victory, even without Deshaun Watson? Jason Radowitz examines the intriguing AFC North battle in his Steelers vs. Browns prediction.
Jason Radowitz - November 15, 2023, 9:40 AM EST
5 minSteelers vs. Browns Prediction, Pick, Odds: Can Defense Carry Browns Without Deshaun Watson?
On Sunday, a couple of 6-3 teams will face off in a rivalry matchup between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers and Browns have each won four of their last five games.
However, the Steelers have allowed more yards than they've earned this season. Will their 6-3 record start to die as the season starts to conclude?
Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns.
Steelers vs. Browns Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: November 19, 2023
- Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: CBS
Steelers vs. Browns Odds
- Spread: Steelers +4 (-110), Browns -4 (-110)
- Total Odds: O/U 36.5 (-110)
- Moneyline Odds: Steelers (+165), Browns (-195)
Steelers vs. Browns Injury Report
Steelers
Questionable: S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Hamstring), DT Montravius Adams (Ankle)
Out: LB Kwon Alexander (Achilles), TE Pat Freiermuth (Hamstring)
Browns
Questionable: OT Dawand Jones (Shoulder), WR Marquise Goodwin (Concussion), WR David Bell (Knee)
Out: RB Nick Chubb (Knee), QB Deshaun Watson (Shoulder)
Steelers vs. Browns Prediction
The Steelers are 6-3 on the season. But you wouldn't know it by the reaction of its fans. Pittsburgh's fans are calling for offensive coordinator Matt Canada to be fired. They're also not averaging nearly as many yards or points per game as the defense is giving up.
Yet, the Steelers continue to find ways to win.
The Steelers have averaged 17.33 points per game while allowing 20.22 points. They've also allowed 248.44 yards per game in the air and have earned just 180.33 yards passing per game this season. The run game is similar, with Pittsburgh averaging 103.22 yards per game on offense and the defense having given up 131.22 yards per game on the ground.
Kenny Pickett hasn't been protected very well this season at quarterback for the Steelers. With that, he's thrown six touchdown passes and 1,616 yards on the year.
He will no longer face Deshaun Watson of the Browns, who is out with a shoulder injury. Watson hasn't played many games this year. But he still had more passing touchdowns than Pickett this season. Cleveland's been much better as an offensive line. As long as the line can keep Pittsburgh's pass rush in check, the Browns shouldn't have trouble scoring against Pittsburgh with P.J. Walker under center.
On the other hand, the Browns' pass rush is lethal. As I said earlier, Pickett hasn't been protected. Don't expect him to be protected against Myles Garrett and the Browns. Cleveland has allowed under 150 yards per game in the air this season through nine games. That's elite stuff.
Plus, although Nick Chubb is currently injured, the Browns have still averaged nearly 148 yards on the ground this season. Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt have both played an integral part in the run game for the Browns.
At home, I'll take Cleveland. Eventually, the Steelers will start to regress. The offense has sustained anything this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns Pick
- Browns -3 -110 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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