Browns Open as 2.5-Point Favorites Over Steelers on Thursday Night Football
By David Golokhov in NFL Football
Updated: April 11, 2020 at 5:42 pm EDTPublished:
- 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.
Baker Mayfield for the lead and the Browns hang on for the win! ?
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/OMyZf4JwMZ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 10, 2019
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).
FINAL: Four straight wins for the @steelers! #LARvsPIT #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/A8PvnMhp8N
— NFL (@NFL) November 11, 2019
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.
Joe Haden & Minkah Fitzpatrick seal the deal in Pittsburgh!
Steelers win 17-12#LARvsPITpic.twitter.com/NtpXbW2wP0
— Charles McBride (@AllEyezOnM3dia) November 11, 2019
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.
Sports Writer
For over 15 years, Dave has been working in mainstream media and sports betting. He hosted a station on Sirius Satellite Radio for four years, and is currently a senior writer for AskMen. He's interviewed hundreds of hundreds of high-profile sports stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Floyd Mayweather.
