Steelers vs. Browns Point Spread: NFL Week 17 Odds, Prediction
One of the more meaningful matchups takes place in Cleveland, where the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Browns at Huntington Bank Field. Cleveland is coming off a narrow home loss to the Bills, but there were enough positives to suggest the performance was better than the final score indicated. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, edged out the Lions last week and now sits one win, or one Ravens loss, away from locking up the AFC North.
With the Browns looking to respond and the Steelers aiming to clinch the division, here’s a closer look at the Steelers vs. Browns odds and predictions for Sunday’s Week 17 matchup.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Despite appearing to be the weaker team on paper, Cleveland is only listed as a four-point home underdog against Pittsburgh. The Browns’ quarterback situation remains unsettled late in the season, but the expected weather could play in their favour. Forecasts call for strong winds and rain, conditions that should benefit the Cleveland defence and limit explosive plays.
With both offences likely to be affected by the weather, the total sitting at 34 makes sense. Cleveland is 6-9 against the spread this season, while Pittsburgh has covered in eight of 15 games. Browns games have leaned slightly toward the over, with eight of 15 clearing the total. The same holds true for the Steelers, who have also seen eight of their 15 games finish above the number.
Pittsburgh Steelers
After a midseason slump that briefly opened the door for Baltimore in the AFC North, the Steelers have stabilized and may be playing their most complete football of the year. Aaron Rodgers has not been flawless, but he has guided an offence that has quietly found its footing in recent wins over the Lions and Ravens.
This week presents a tougher test against a disciplined Browns defence, especially given the weather. Still, Pittsburgh’s familiarity with this matchup and its ability to lean on the run game gives the Steelers a reliable foundation in what projects as a grind-it-out contest.
Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders had shown gradual improvement over the previous few weeks, but his performance in the Week 16 loss to Buffalo marked a step backward. Through six starts, the rookie has thrown six touchdowns against eight interceptions, and the conditions this week are unlikely to make life easier.
With rain and wind expected, Cleveland will probably struggle to stretch the field through the air. That puts added pressure on the Browns to control the game on the ground and keep possessions short. If Cleveland can slow the pace and limit mistakes, it should have a chance to stay within striking distance into the fourth quarter.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Steelers vs. Browns?
Weather introduces some uncertainty, but there is more trust in Pittsburgh’s offence to function effectively in these conditions. If the Steelers can establish the run and avoid falling behind the chains, they should be able to control the tempo.
This sets up as a lower-scoring divisional game, with Pittsburgh doing just enough to pull away late. The Steelers are the pick to grind out a win, with a projected final score in the range of 20-13.
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