Steelers Browns Spread
September 14, 2008
-Brad Marchetti
Until proven otherwise, the road to the AFC North title still runs through Pittsburgh. This game means everything to a Cleveland Browns team that has not defeated the Steelers at home since 2000. That is a long stretch run and the path to victory over the Browns, is not proving any easier this season. The Steelers opened the 2008 slate with a dominating 38-17 win over Houston and, once again, they appear to have a stranglehold of the AFC North in head coach Mike Tomlin’s second season. The NFL betting odds for the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns game is Pittsburgh -6.5 points.
Pittsburgh RB Willie Parker (4.20 40-time) is out to prove that he is more than just a speed back after having only 1 rushing TD a year ago. This team knows I’ll do anything to be the goal-line back.” Parker stated. Against the Cleveland Browns, Parker could break some long gains along with some short ones. The Browns gave up 167 yards on the ground against Dallas in the season opener and, this season the Browns must deal with both Parker and, stud rookie RB Rashard Mendenhall. The O-line looked improved against Dallas and, the Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger could torch Cleveland’s secondary. Roethlisberger can make plays on the move and the Browns were not even able to record a sack in the opener.
Protecting QB Derek Anderson, against a swarming Steelers 3-4 defense will be priority #1 for the Cleveland Browns offense. Anderson, along with WR Braylon Edwards and TE Kellen Winslow can light up the scoreboard in a hurry against Pittsburgh’s below-average coverage. The Browns will be missing WR Donte Stallworth which could affect their depth in this game. The best chance for a Browns win will be to try and win a shootout. Browns RB Jamal Lewis is one of the most punishing backs in the NFL and, it would be wise for the Browns to try and establish the run early to set up play-action passes. The Steelers excellent front 7 will try and bully a Cleveland offense around with force after holding them to an average of only 17.5 points in 2 meetings last season. The NFL betting odds for the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns OVER\UNDER is at 44.5.
This rivalry game is being treated as life or death for the Cleveland organization. The Browns are determined not to start the season in an 0-2 slump in a competitive division. The Steelers look formidable once again and, the Browns will need some help from their X-factor, return man Joshua Cribbs for some points. Cribbs, however, is battling a nagging ankle injury.
NFL Betting Odds Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns Edges
Cleveland are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 games on grass.
Road team is 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 meetings
Pittsburgh are 7-1-1 ATS in their last 9 meetings