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Browns vs. Steelers, Why Am I Watching?

It’s Browns vs. Steelers round two, that’s why I’m watching. Pittsburg hosts Cleveland this Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, 1:00pm EST. Last week the Steelers (9-3) beat the Bengals 44-38, and the Browns (3-9) lost to the Broncos 32-41. Cleveland has not beaten the Steelers in Pittsburg during the regular season since 2003, 33-13. Pittsburg is a 6.5-point favorite.

Browns Offense vs. Steelers Defense

Cleveland is ranked 22nd in total offense (314.1 yards per game), 13th in passing offense (226.8 yards per game), 29th in rushing offense (87.3 yards per game) and 29th in scoring offense (18.2 points per game). Pittsburg is ranked 6th in total defense (311 yards per game), 19th in passing defense (220.5 yards per game), 4th in rushing defense (90.5 yards per game) and 6th in scoring defense (18.7 points per game). Like in game one, the Browns will need to run the ball. They were kind of successful until the weather turned nasty, 85 yards, mostly in the first half. Nick Chubb had 59 yards on 20 carries (3.0 YPC) and Jerome Ford had 19 yards on four carries (4.8 YPC). The Browns passing game is alive and well (497 yards passing by Jameis Winston last week). The chemistry between Jameis Winston and Jerry Jeudy is growing stronger with every game. Wide receiver Elijah Moore had 111 yards receiving (13.9 average) and Micheal Woods added 43 yards receiving (14.3 average) in his first game back from injury. Keeping Winston clean will be difficult and made even tougher with the return of LB Alex Highsmith. Winston can’t turn the ball over and the Browns will have to score more than 20 points to win. Browns kicker Dustin Hopkins Can’t miss any kicks.

Browns Defense vs. Steelers Offense

Cleveland is ranked 24th in total defense (349.6 yards per game), 20th in passing defense (221 yards per game), 23rd in rushing defense (128.6 yards per game) and 26th in scoring defense (25.7 points per game). Pittsburg is ranked 14th in total offense (344 yards per game), 20th in passing offense (210.9 yards per game), 9th in rushing offense (133.1 yards per game) and 10th in scoring offense (24.7 points per game). Last week against the Bengals, Russell Wilson threw for 414 yards. He spread the ball around to wide receivers Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, George Pickens, tight end Pat Freiermuth and running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The Steelers offense looked effortless last week. Pittsburg’s offensive line has played well, especially on the interior, which features two rookies, center Zach Frazier and right guard Mason McCormick. They’ve only given up two sacks all year. The Browns will need to attack the Steeler’s two tackles, Dan Moore and Brodrick Jones, they’ve given up 14 sacks. In the first game, the Browns brought pressure and rattled Wilson, he was hit several times after the throw and sacked four times. Cleveland has to stop giving up the big chunk plays. In the first game, Warren, Harris, Pickens and Justin Fields all had big plays, the return of safety Juan Thornhill will help. Cleveland will need to stop the run, especially on early downs and force the Steelers into third and long.

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