Nearly 10 months after their high-scoring playoff showdown, the Steelers and Browns will face off again this Sunday in Cleveland. Both teams are trying to keep pace with the Bengals and Ravens in the AFC North standings. The winner will have sole possession of third place in the standings, while the loser will be alone in last place.
The Browns are coming off of an impressive home win over the Denver Broncos that saw D’Ernest Johnson run for 146 yards and a score on 22 carries. The Steelers enjoyed a bye week after winning consecutive games over the Broncos and Seahawks. Cleveland is 4-3 entering Sunday’s game, while Pittsburgh is 3-3 overall and 0-1 in AFC North play.
We’ll preview the game along with giving our prediction for Sunday’s outcome. Here’s how you can follow the action in real time.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 31 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: FirstEnergy Stadium (Cleveland, Ohio)
TV: CBS | Stream: Paramount+ (click here)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Browns -3, 42.5
When the Browns have the ball
Regardless of who is at running back, look for the Browns to try to impose their will against Pittsburgh’s defensive line. While the Steelers’ defensive line includes perennial Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward, the unit does not have much depth with Stephon Tuitt sidelined and Tyson Alualu out with a season-ending injury. Because of their lack of depth, the Steelers’ defensive line has a tendency to tire late in games, which has resulted in points for opposing offenses. If the Browns’ top-ranked rushing attack has its way with the Steelers, that will further open things up for Cleveland’s passing attack. But if the Steelers can keep Cleveland’s running game at bay, the momentum of the game could sway in Pittsburgh’s direction.
When the Steelers have the ball
It’s fitting that in a game between the AFC’s longest rivals, the outcome of Sunday’s game will likely come down to the trenches. Similar to when Cleveland has the ball, Pittsburgh’s young offensive line will have to hold its own against a Browns front that includes Myles Garrett, Malik Jackson and Jadeveon Clowney. Pittsburgh’s offensive line had its best game of the season in Week 6, as they helped rookie Najee Harris post his first 100-yard game. The unit regressed a little against Seattle, which led to Ben Roethlisberger putting the ball in the air 40 times. Pittsburgh needs to avoid putting Roethlisberger in that many passing situations in Cleveland.
Prediction
Latest Odds: Pittsburgh Steelers +4
Cleveland clearly has an advantage as far as its running game is concerned. But given the Browns’ laundry list of injuries, I’m going with the Steelers to pull off the upset. Pittsburgh’s defense is out to prove that they are one of the NFL‘s best units after having a so-so start to the season, while the Steelers’ offense should be able to take advantage of a Browns defense that is just 28th in the NFL in third down efficiency and 23rd in red zone efficiency.
Score: Steelers 23, Browns 20
