MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS

BY ADAM GREENE

We get what is a sure fire elimination game on Monday Night Football between two teams who, even if they win out, probably still won’t make the playoffs. The Cleveland Browns travel to Heinz Field to face their arch nemesis Pittsburgh Steelers and their own father, future Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

Roethlisberger is 25-3-1 all time against the Browns, counting the playoffs. Until this season, he was the winningest quarterback on Cleveland’s own home field.

In the official seedings, the Steelers are at No. 11 and the Browns at 12. But, every team ahead of them from 7-10 could lose and, you could argue, everyone but the Los Angeles Chargers (at No. 9) should lose. So the winner here could go into the final week of the season with a puncher’s chance at making the postseason.

Pittsburgh leads the all time series 78-61-1 and a lot of those have come since Cleveland returned to the league after a four year hiatus in 1999. Since the new Browns took the field, they’ve beaten the Steelers a total of seven times in 22 years.

The Steelers won their last meeting, because of course they did, 15-10. Roethlisberger finished 22 for 34 for 265 yards and a touchdown in the victory. Najee Harris rushed 26 times for 91 yards and a score and Dontae Johnson caught six passes for 98 yards. In the losing effort, Baker Mayfield was good for 225 yards, no touchdowns and no picks. Nick Chubb rushed for 61 yards and Jarvis Landry caught five passes for 65 yards.

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (+3.5, O/U: 40.5)

Location: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Broadcast: ESPN

Kickoff: Jan. 3, 8:15 p.m.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (7-8)

With the opportunity at a game winning drive in his hands, Mayfield once again failed to deliver in a 24-22 loss to the Green Bay Packers last week. Mayfield finished 21 of 36 for 222 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He was also sacked five times. Chubb rushed 17 times for 126 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 58 yards. Cleveland’s defense never laid a mitt on Aaron Rodgers or forced a turnover. They did hold the Packers to 109 yards on the ground.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-7-1)

The Steelers were publicly executed by the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead last Sunday, losing 36-10 in a game that wasn’t even that close. Roethlisberger finished 13 of 35 for 159 yards, one touchdown and one interception while being sacked twice. Harris rushed 19 times for 93 yards and a touchdown. Johnson caught six passes for 51 yards and a score. Pittsburgh’s defense did sack Patrick Mahomes twice.

THE PICK

Roethlisberger’s paternity of the Browns as an organization has never been in dispute. Since this is his farewell tour, you have to play the classic hits in front of the home crowd. Mayfield has proven, beyond a shadow of any doubt, that he’s not the guy in Cleveland and this should seal the deal on that. Steelers 28, Browns 23

Last Week

Straight up: 12-4

Against the spread: 10-6

Season

Straight up: 145-94-1

Against the spread: 125-115

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

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