Dave Dameshek, a football lover, is here to share my top picks for this Thursday night’s matchup between Cleveland and Pittsburgh.
I suppose I should state right away that I support the Steelers, but I won’t let my personal preferences for orange, brown, gold, or black cloud my judgment because my main goal is to make you and I some green. Furthermore, I’ve never understood why people consider these two clubs to be rivals.
The head-to-head record is the most evident cause of this sentiment: In the 105 games the teams have played since 1970, Pittsburgh has won 72 of them. Beyond that injustice, the Browns’ rival should be with the other consistent contender in the AFC North—you know, the team that left Cleveland to relocate to Baltimore. (That team would be known as the Purples if there were any justice in this world.)
In fact, Pittsburgh fans protested the transfer in solidarity with their depressed neighbors across the Ohio/Pennylvania border, but I guess the Pittsburgh Steelers’ overcrowding in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is only an hour away from Cleveland, has left some scars that will never go away.
Anyway, back to the topic at hand:
Steelers vs. Browns betting preview
Even before you take into account Mike Tomlin’s career-long kryptonite: road games versus weak teams, this is the ultimate trap game for a frontrunning squad.The first-place Steelers are -3.5 points favorites at BetRivers Sportsbook.
Pittsburgh is feeling good after an emotional victory against the Ravens, in which Russell Wilson and the Steelers offense scored exactly zero touchdowns against Baltimore’s unsteady defense. Too good considering the dearth of output? Here’s a big maybe, though.
By unlocking George Pickens in the throw game, Russ has shown to be more than just a charming tale thus far in 24. The Steelers’ rushing assault is also flourishing behind its youthful but strong offensive line.
The calendar has reached the point where inexperienced teams can derive satisfaction from sabotaging the hopes of successful teams, and Cleveland’s defense is designed to cause trouble. However, I believe that the Steelers defense will eventually force one or two turnovers against Jameis Winston, which should be sufficient for Pittsburgh to avoid a scare but insufficient to cover the -3.5-point line at Fanatics Sportsbook eventually.
Steelers vs. Browns prop betting
Before the game starts at 8:15 PM EST on Thursday, we’ll unveil four prop bets that can be placed at the top PA online sportsbooks below:
Nick Chubb Anytime TD (+155, FanDuel)
After Nick Chubb’s arduous recovery from his knee injury sustained during his most recent game against Pittsburgh, head coach Kevin Stefanski and the assembled crowd would undoubtedly be thrilled to see him enter the end zone. Chubb has +155 chances to score his second touchdown of 2024 at FanDuel Sportsbook.
Pat Freiermuth 25+ Rec. Yards (+140, DraftKings)
The secondary is more potent on the perimeter than in the middle, but the Browns defense hasn’t been the same lockdown team as it was a year ago. Watch for Pittsburgh to capitalize with its best tight end who can catch passes. This season, Pat Freiermuth has surpassed the 25-yard mark five times, and at DraftKings Sportsbook, he has a plus chance to do it against Cleveland.
Jerry Jeudy Over 3.5 Rec. (-115, BetMGM)
Since Amari Cooper fled to Buffalo, Jerry Jeudy has come to prominence. Given that the tight end has been sidelined by injury this week, I think his prospects are a little better than David Njoku’s. Jeudy is a good pick at BetMGM Sportsbook because he has registered four or more receptions in each of his last three games.
Jaylen Warren 80+ Rush/Rec. Combined Yards (+280, Caesars)
If Jaylen Warren, the superior blocking back and the running back employed on third downs, covers much of this number in a single play, don’t be shocked. Warren has been gaining momentum lately, and Caesars Sportsbook’s +280 odds are a good value.