The Cleveland Browns (11-5) travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers (12-4) on Sunday Night of Wild Card Weekend. Cleveland snapped their 18-season playoff drought after finishing the season with double-digit wins. The two teams coincidentally faced off in week 17, granted Ben Roethlisberger was rested throughout the game. Pittsburgh leads the all-time playoff series 2-0.
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland started the season on fire, however, when star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr went down with a torn ACL, there were concerns about the offense. In reality, Beckham’s injury helped Baker Mayfield spread the ball around and lead the Browns to an 11-5 record. Mayfield was also helped out by running back Nick Chubb, who finished the year with 1,067 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Browns have several important players on the injury report ahead of Sunday’s game. Defensive linemen Myles Garrett (shoulder) and Sheldon Richardson (neck) are both questionable, along with offensive lineman Jack Conklin (knee) and Wyatt Teller (ankle). Garrett, who totaled 12 sacks on the season, would be the biggest loss.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh started the season 11-0 before losing four of their last five games. Part of the problem in the last quarter of the season was the lack of a running game. Luckily, James Conner should be back and healthy for this game. On the other side of the ball, linebacker T.J. Watt led the league with 15 sacks and is the front-runner to win Defensive Player of the Year.
One of the benefits of resting players in week 17, the Steelers have no one on the final injury report and will have their full roster available to play Sunday.
Game Info
Date: January 10, 2021
Start Time: 8:15 pm ET
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Stadium: Heinz Field
TV Info: NBC
Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook
Point Spread: CLE +6 (-110) | PIT -6 (-110)
Moneyline: CLE +215 | PIT -265
Over/Under: O 47.5 (-110) | U 47.5 (-110)
Between Cleveland’s excellent pass rush and Pittsburgh’s league-leading defensive line, this game will remain close throughout. Take the under and the Browns to cover.
Prediction
With the Browns down several players and personnel due to COVID restrictions, the Steelers will win and advance to the second round of the playoffs. Due to both defenses playing well as of late, the game will stay close throughout.
Final Score: Cleveland Browns 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 24
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
