NFL Week 6 – Steelers Hoping to Hammer Browns in Cleveland

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (-1.5, 47.5)

A rematch from week 1, the Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2, 2-1 away) attempt to steady the ship Sunday afternoon when they take on the Cleveland Browns (2-2, 1-1 home). Last weekend, Cleveland overcame a 25-point deficit against the Titans (the largest road comeback in NFL history).

The Browns were also down 27-3 at halftime week 1 at Pittsburgh and, despite losing the game, managed to tie it late in the fourth quarter. The Browns have played close games all season. Cleveland’s two losses are by a combined five points, while its two wins are by three points.

The comebacks and close calls have led to a thrilling season for first year coach Mike Pettine who, at this point, would just love an outright win for his club.

Pettine said, “We showed the mental toughness we’ve been talking about. We prefer not to have that much heaped on us and dig that [big] of a hole. But at the same time, I really think it did speak to the character of the men that were in the room, coaches and players.”

The Steelers are normally the (black and) gold standard of players with talent and character, but the team is showing its age on defense. In week 1, the Browns rushed for 191 yards. Currently, Cleveland is ranked fourth, averaging 143.3 yards per game on the ground.

As for the Steelers’ offense, it sits fourth in the NFL in passing, but continues to struggle in the red zone with only seven TDs in 16 chances.

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, “We just need to continue to work, correct and rectify it and make sure it’s a strength for us. I know when we are playing well we are putting points on the board with seven.”

Despite the fact the Browns defense has been gashed for big runs, injuries and player issues for the Steelers make either Cleveland’s moneyline or Cleveland laying the points a compelling pick in this game.