NFL Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns

Added on Jan 01, 2011 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers conclude their 2010 regular season against a longtime rival as they go on the road to face the Cleveland Browns. Pittsburgh is tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North with a record of 11-4. Cleveland has played hard for most of the year and shown promise, but they enter their final game of the year with a 5-10 record.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
January 2, 2011 10:00 AM Pacific

We’ve used Cleveland a few times this season as underdogs and why not? They’ve played tough for much of the season and are on a 10-3 ATS run as a dog of +3′ to +9′ points. At this point, however, they looked to be a team that is mentally and physically worn down. Much of the Browns’ success this season has been due to the power rushing game facilitated by Peyton Hillis but he may not play here. Hillis has missed practice all week and he’s listed as ‘questionable’ here. Even if he does play, he’s struggled in recent weeks as the punishing workload has caught up to him. Browns have lost 3 straight and 5 of their last 7 and are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games.

The Steelers’ offense has struggled at points this season, but the defense has remained solid. Hillis’ injuries/fatigue make the situation even more problematic for Cleveland against a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed only one 100 yard rusher in their last 49 games. This means that Colt McCoy will have to beat them through the air and we’re thinking that’s a lot to ask of him at this stage of his career. Steelers are 4-1 SU/ATS against divisional foes this season and had little trouble beating the Browns earlier this season winning 28-10 at home. We’ll lay the price with the better, more motivated and healthier team.

Bet Pittsburgh Steelers -5′ over Cleveland Browns