The Cleveland Browns’ playoff hopes are still alive after a narrow victory over Buffalo this past Sunday. The Browns have to stay on the winning path, and their next matchup with division rivals Pittsburgh Steelers could be a key. Week 11 kicks off with this AFC North showdown on Thursday Night Football, so buckle up and get ready for a thrilling game with some prop bets.
Money Line/Total Double
Pittsburgh Steelers & Over 40.5 at +320
Pittsburgh Steelers & Under 40.5 at +300
Cleveland Browns & Over 40.5 at +210
Cleveland Browns & Under 40.5 at +220
The Steelers have struggled on the offensive end since Ben Roethlisberger’s injury in Week 2. Mason Rudolph is not a bad QB, but he’s tossed for only 1330 yards, 11 touchdowns, and four interceptions in seven outings.
Still, the Steelers are on a four-game winning streak and back into the playoff picture thanks to their terrific defensive unit. Pittsburgh is allowing only 16.0 points per game over the last six outings. Last week, the Steelers beat the LA Rams 17-12 at home, allowing a TD to the Rams’ defense.
On the other side, the Browns are coming off a 19-16 win to the Bills. Baker Mayfield managed to stay away from turnovers and throw for 238 yards and a couple of touchdowns. At least, he got sacked for a safety, but it wasn’t only his fault.
The Browns have to beat the Steelers to stay in the playoff picture. They should have enough offensive firepower to do it. Of course, if Baker Mayfield continues to throw touchdowns instead of picks. Hopefully, the Steelers’ offense won’t resurrect here.
The Pick: Cleveland Browns & Under 40.5 at +220
Touchdown Scorers Anytime
Nick Chubb -125
James Conner +120
Odell Beckham Jr. +137
Juju Smith-Schuster +137
Jarvis Landry +187
Kareem Hunt +187
Jaylen Samuels +250
As I’ve already mentioned, the Steelers’ defense is doing a great job. Pittsburgh has allowed only four touchdowns on the ground which rank them 4th in the league. On the other side, the Steelers yielded 15 touchdowns through the air (15th in the NFL).
This could be a chance for Odell Beckham Jr. to finally score. The three-time Pro Bowl has only one TD this season. He scored against the Jets in Week 2. Jarvis Landry has caught two TD passes over the last two games, so he’s another tempting pick.
When it comes to the Steelers, RB James Conner should be back on the field after missing the last two games due to a shoulder injury. Conner has scored in four straight appearances and will be a huge force against the Browns’ run D that surrenders 134.9 yards per game (27th).
Cleveland has allowed eight touchdowns on the ground and 16 through the air. Juju Smith-Schuster has scored three times thus far and will look to add another one against the Browns. Still, I would rather go with the Browns’ receivers.
The Pick: Odell Beckham Jr. at +137
Player Total Rush Yards
James Conner over/under 66.5 at -120
Nick Chubb over/under 81.5 at -120
Nick Chubb is having a great season, unlike his Cleveland Browns. The second-year RB ran for 100-plus yards in four of his last six outings. Interestingly, he had exactly 20 carries in five of those six contests. Likewise, Chubb has surpassed an 81.5-yard line in six of his last seven showings.
On the other side, James Conner couldn’t run for more than 55 yards in his first six games of the season. However, he went off against the Dolphins in Week 8, posting 145 rushing yards on 23 carries. Conner missed the previous two games, but he should be fresh for the clash with the Browns’ fragile run defense.
On the other side, the Steelers’ run defense is 16th in the league, allowing 105.3 yards per game. Chubb will have a tall task in this one, while he also got a company in Week 10. Kareem Hunt returned from a suspension and tallied four totes for 30 yards along with seven receptions for 44 yards.
The Pick: James Conner Over 66.5 at -120
A Take on the Game Itself
The division matchups are always tough to bet on, especially when so much is on the table. This game can ruin the Browns’ season, but the Steelers have won four games in a row and I think another one will be too much. The Browns had some serious problems with discipline this year, and if they stay focused, I think the Browns will beat the Steelers.
