Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 Pick
It’s our NFL Week 17 MNF preview and our Cleveland vs Pittsburgh prediction. The Cleveland Browns (7-8 Overall, 2-5 Away) are last in the AFC North and out of the playoff picture. The Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7-1, Overall, 5-2-1 Home), who are third in the AFC North, have a long shot at making the postseason, and it starts with a win tonight.
This NFL Week 17 Monday Night Football game will be played on January 3, 2022, and will kick off at 8:15 pm ET. The game will be played at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. Temperatures will be in the mid-to-low 20 with winds at 6 mph and gusts up to 9. The game will be carried on ESPN.
Browns vs Steelers Pick – Key Stats
Statistically, these two teams are quite close, as Cleveland is averaging 20.9 PPG and Pittsburgh 20.1 PPG. The Browns are averaging 362.1 offensive YPG, while the Steelers are good for 330.9 YPG. Cleveland is recording 144.9 rushing yards per game, which is 57 more than the Steelers. On the other hand, Pittsburgh is posting 243.3 passing YPG, while the Browns have been averaging 217.2 YPG.
On defense, the Browns are permitting opponents 21.9 and 336.1 total YPG, which is three fewer points than and 50 fewer than the Steelers. Our Cleveland vs Pittsburgh prediction notes that the Steelers top the Browns in sacks (43-37), TFL (79-68), FF (19-12), and FR (8-6). On the other hand, Cleveland are better on PD (65-62) and INTs (12-9).
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh Prediction – Players to Watch
This game will be a battle between quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Ben Roethlisberger. They are leading two teams that have struggled to score in the first half. Mayfield will be throwing to a deep receiving unit that’s led by Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jarvis Landry. Nick Chubb (8 TDs), who has over 1,000 yards rushing this season, leads a deep rushing unit. DE Myles Garrett (15 SCKs, 3 PD) is premium defender. He’ll need to put in extra effort, as the Cleveland secondary is depleted.
Roethlisberger, will be looking to connect with Diontae Johnson (7 TDs) and tight end Pat Freiermuth (7 TDs). RB Najee Harris (6 TDs) will likely break the 1,000-yard rushing mark in this game. For Pitt on defense, linebacker T.J. Watt has recorded 17.5 sacks, four PD, four forced fumbles, and three fumbles recovered while DT Cameron Heyward has posted eight sacks, seven PD, and one INT. Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (114 TCKLs, 5 PD, 2 INTs) is a team leader who tops the team in tackles.
Cleveland vs Pittsburgh Prediction - Spread & Totals
When the odds opened on this game, the Browns were favored by one and then eventually by as much as three. But with injuries to the Browns’ defense revealed, the odds have shifted and the Steelers are -2.5 (-110). The total comes in at 43.5 with the over at -113 and the under at -102. Our Cleveland vs Pittsburgh prediction likes the Steelers at -2.5 (-110). We’re also going with under 43.5 (-102).
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Summary – Cleveland Browns vs Pittsburgh Steelers Week 17 Pick:
Point Spread Pick – Pittsburgh Steelers -2.5 (-110)
Totals Pick - Under 43.5 (-102)
