Steelers vs Browns Predictions: Tomlin’s troops to march on

It's an all-AFC North battle on Thursday Night Football (Friday 01:15 GMT) as the Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Huntington Bank Field to face the Cleveland Browns. T

he Steelers defeated the Browns 26-22 in their last showdown in Pittsburgh last season, and after an impressive 18-16 victory over the Baltimore Ravens last week, they'll be hoping to continue their winning streak. Read on for my Steelers vs Browns prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Steelers vs Browns Odds

The Steelers are 8/15 favourites on the money line, giving them an implied win probability of 66.7%, while the Browns are priced at 6/4 to win.

The handicap is currently set at 3.5, with Cleveland (+3.5) at 10/11, with Pittsburgh (-3.5) at 10/11.

NFL Odds

Team News

The Steelers are unlikely to be at full strength with pass rusher Alex Highsmith listed as questionable again as he deals with an ankle injury.

DT Keeanu Benton (knee) and CB Joey Porter Jr. (shin) are expected to overcome the issues that forced them to miss some plays on Sunday and there may be a chance that tight end MyCole Pruitt returns from a knee injury.

As for the Browns, quarterback Jameis Winston has provided a spark since taking over, throwing for 395 yards and two touchdowns in his last outing against the Saints.

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has been a standout, averaging over 70 yards per game with Winston under centre.

However, the Browns may be depleted with cornerback Denzel Ward, who is considered day-to-day with rib and ankle injuries, and several key offensive linemen are also likely to be missing.

Steelers -3.5 @ 10/11

It appears that the Browns' season is all but over. At 2-8, Cleveland is firmly in contention for a top draft pick, a far cry from their play-off appearance last season.

The Steelers, meanwhile, are riding high at 8-2 and looking to solidify their position atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh's defence has been exceptional, ranking second in points allowed per game at just 16.2.

The Browns' offence has struggled, averaging just 16.2 points per game. Even with Winston's arrival, they remain near the bottom of the league in offensive production.

Take the Steelers to win and cover the spread.

Under 36.5 points @ 20/21

Both teams have been defensive-minded this season, with the Steelers' offence doing just enough to win games.

The total is set relatively low at 36.5, reflecting the defensive nature of both teams. Pittsburgh has been particularly stingy, while Cleveland's offence has struggled to move the ball consistently.

They were 3 of 13 on third-down attempts and converted just one of their three fourth-down tries against the Saints last Sunday. With two teams that prioritise defence and ball control, take the under on the points total.