The Cleveland Browns managed to finally get a win last week. They avoided the dubious distinction of being the second team in NFL history to go 0-16. Now they’ll have an opportunity to build on their performance and end the season with a couple of wins. While it might not seem like much, it’s something for a franchise that is looking to turn things around. On the other hand, the Browns are currently in the lead for the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, so do they really want to over-exert themselves? Speaking of effort, the Steelers won’t be putting forth much of a fight in this one as they are resting their big stars: Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell. That makes it a tricky game to handicap.
Moneyline: Steelers -240
Handicap/Spread Odds: Steelers -6
Total O/U: 42.5
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 11/20/2016 | PIT 24 – CLE 9 | PIT -8 | U 45.5 |
| 1/3/2016 | PIT 28 – CLE 12 | PIT -13 | U 47 |
| 11/15/2015 | CLE 9 – PIT 30 | PIT -7 | U 43.5 |
| 10/12/2014 | PIT 10 – CLE 31 | CLE -2.5 | U 46.5 |
| 9/7/2014 | CLE 27 – PIT 30 | CLE 5.5 | O 41.5 |
On The Browns Side of the Ball (1-14 Record, 3-12 ATS)
The Browns played well enough to beat San Diego, although they got a little luck from the football gods as well. That takes some pressure off the Browns, who will probably start Robert Griffin III under center, but don’t be surprised if Cody Kessler gets a few reps as well. The Browns have a lot of players they can try out on both sides of the ball, and head coach Hue Jackson will likely be flexible in terms of who is playing. Expect to hear some names you have never heard of as Jackson spreads around the playing time.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/24/2016 | SD | W 20-17 | W 4.5 | U 45 |
| 12/18/2016 | @BUF | L 13-33 | L 10.5 | O 43 |
| 12/11/2016 | CIN | L 10-23 | L 4.5 | U 42 |
| 11/27/2016 | NYG | L 13-27 | L 6.5 | U 46.5 |
| 11/20/2016 | PIT | L 9-24 | L 8 | U 45.5 |
On The Steelers Side of the Ball (10-5 Record, 9-6 ATS)
The Steelers beat their rivals from Baltimore to clinch the AFC North and they’re going to the playoffs, but Pittsburgh hasn’t played particularly well lately. Ben Roethlisberger was great in the fourth quarter against the Ravens, but he wasn’t that good for the first three quarters. He might need to play a little more than usual in this game, although knowing Roethlisberger, he could be hurt and simply need a week off. Le’Veon Bell is probably going to get a rest, which means more work for DeAngelo Williams coming out of the backfield. Antonio Brown will also likely sit for most of the game, while fellow receiver Sammie Coates is battling a hamstring problem and could be out; keep an eye on Friday’s injury report following the Steelers’ final practice of the week.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/25/2016 | BAL | W 31-27 | L -5.5 | O 46.5 |
| 12/18/2016 | @CIN | W 24-20 | W -3 | U 45.5 |
| 12/11/2016 | @BUF | W 27-20 | W -1 | O 45.5 |
| 12/4/2016 | NYG | W 24-14 | W -6.5 | U 49.5 |
| 11/24/2016 | @IND | W 28-7 | W -8 | U 50 |
Quick Analysis
The Browns are 3-12 ATS on the season along with 2-5 ATS on the road, 1-4 ATS as an underdog and 7-8 O/U on the over/under. The Steelers are 9-6 ATS overall, going 4-3 ATS at home and 9-5 ATS as the favorite, along with 5-10 O/U in terms of totals. The Steelers are 4-1 SU and 3-2 ATS in their last five meetings with the Browns, who fell 24-9 in Pittsburgh in Week 11.
Prediction
While this is a meaningless game for the Steelers, they’ll still want to go into the playoffs with a win and keep their momentum going. This is a team that’s won six straight. Even those that will be playing in place of the starters will have some pride as no one wants to lose to the Browns, who are ripe for a letdown after their huge win last week. The Steelers’ second and third-string players are still better than their Cleveland counterparts – especially in the trenches, which is where this game will be won. Look for the Steelers to pound the Browns feeble run defense and grind out a win. They are locked into the third seed in the AFC and their main mission will be to stay healthy, but they can’t lose to their AFC North rivals.
Pick: Steelers -6
Note: The betting odds are subject to change throughout the week leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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