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Browns Open as 2.5-Point Favorites Over Steelers on Thursday Night Football

David Golokhov

by David Golokhov in NFL Football

Updated Apr 11, 2020 · 5:42 PM PDT

Cleveland Browns home stadium
The Cleveland Browns are a small favorite at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. Photo by Erik Drost (Wikimedia Commons) [CC License].
  • The Cleveland Browns beat the Buffalo Bills 19-16 on Sunday to end their four-game losing streak.
  • The Pittsburgh Steelers enter Thursday’s game on a four-game winning streak.
  • Cleveland has opened as a 2.5-point favorite versus the Steelers.

It took until November 10th but the Cleveland Browns finally won their first home game of the season. They’ll stay at home for Week 11 but they’ll have a quick turnaround as the Pittsburgh Steelers will visit on Thursday night. The Browns have opened as a 2.5-point favorite but can they win and cover?

Steelers vs Browns Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
Pittsburgh Steelers +2.5 (+105) N/A 40.5 (-110)
Cleveland Browns -2.5 (-125) N/A 40.5 (-110)

Odds taken Nov. 10

Browns Finally Win At Home

It’s been a tumultuous season for the Browns but it feels like things started to turn around for them on Sunday. They beat the Buffalo Bills, who entered the game 6-2, and ended their own four-game losing streak. It wasn’t pretty but unlike in previous weeks, they made plays when they needed to, and won the game.

It was mostly an ugly day for the Browns offense who had nine goal-to-go situations and came away with just three points prior to their final game-winning drive. They also gave up a safety. However, they cut down on penalties as a team (just four) and ran the ball really well, piling up 147 rushing yards.

Sunday also marked the first time this season that quarterback Baker Mayfield had at least two touchdown passes and it was his second straight week without a turnover. The Browns need to build on this as it wasn’t a perfect effort. However, this will change the mood in the locker room and hopefully build some confidence for them.

Steelers Stay Hot in Week 10

The Steelers enter Week 11 on a roll as they’ve now won four in a row. The latest win came on Sunday at home as the Los Angeles Rams visited. The Rams offense was stymied, totaling just 273 yards and three points (nine were scored by the defense).

Pittsburgh’s defense has been incredible at taking the ball away this season as they forced four more turnovers on Sunday. They’ve now compiled 26 on the season, which is the second-most only to the New England Patriots.

Which Way Will The Line Move?

I’m not expecting a ton of movement on the Steelers vs Browns odds as we’re probably going to hang out in and around a field goal all week. The Steelers have won four in a row but three of those wins were by a combined 14 points. They live and die by the turnovers as their offense isn’t doing a whole lot.

As for the Browns, they’re virtually the same story. If they can play a clean game on Thursday, they’ll probably win. If they’re back to turnovers and penalties, they’re likely to lose. That means this line is mostly asking bettors who wins the turnover battle.

That being the case, don’t expect much movement here. It’s going to be around a field goal come kickoff on Thursday.

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