The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns will see a quick turnaround this week, as the two AFC North rivals are set to face off Thursday night at Huntington Bank Field in Week 12.
Pittsburgh is coming off a huge victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11, keeping head coach Mike Tomlin’s team in first place in the division. The Steelers struggled offensively in the victory, but sensational efforts from the defense and kicker Chris Boswell propelled them to the top.
The Browns’ disastrous season continued to deteriorate last week with a blowout loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. Cleveland has now lost two in a row and seven of its last eight.
Based on how these two teams’ seasons have gone, you can probably already guess who the experts are picking to win this game. Here’s a look at some of the experts’ picks and predictions for the Browns vs. Steelers.
NFL Picks, Predictions Week 12: Steelers vs. Browns
Vinnie Iyer, Sports News: Steelers 24, Browns 13
Iyer: “The Steelers’ defense and special teams have been the foundation of their division-leading success throughout the season. Their ability to transcend to become a complete, more dominant team to challenge the Bills, Chiefs and more others for the AFC title depends on the situation. The offense executes better in the red zone with Russell Wilson. The Browns defense is reeling from ineptitude and injuries, and starting Jameis Winston on the. D from the Steelers also looks bad.
Bill Bender, Sports News: Steelers 24, Browns 17
Bender: “Is this a disappointing game for Pittsburgh on a short week? The Browns are 1-4 S/U at home, and Jameis Winston has taken a combined total of eight sacks in losses to the Ravens and Chargers. Pittsburgh has allowed more than 17 points just twice this season, Russell Wilson has had three or more sacks in four starts, but he’s limiting interceptions here.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Steelers 21, Browns 17
Cluff: “It’s safe to say that Russell Wilson’s experiment in Pittsburgh has been a resounding success thus far. The Steelers will continue that momentum with a victory against the Browns on Thursday Night Football.”
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