AFC North Battle on TNF as Steelers Visit Browns: Picks, Prop Plays

By NEWSROOM November 19, 2024

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The Steelers may be the surprise team in the NFL as they sit atop the division after downing the Ravens on Sunday. The Browns, coming off a playoff appearance last season, may be one of the bigger disappointments, as they are destined for a top-5 pick after a disastrous year. But can they play spoiler at home? Check out the odds on our website.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers didn’t score a touchdown but managed six field goals to beat the Ravens in last week’s first-place showdown. This team is all about defense, ranking 8th in total yards, 4th against the run, and 2nd in points allowed, surrendering just 16.2 PPG. Pittsburgh has the second-best takeaway differential at +11 and has recorded 11 interceptions. Expect the pass rush to rattle Jameis Winston into making mistakes, something not uncommon with the veteran quarterback.

Russell Wilson continues to win since taking over, marking his fourth straight victory. The run game could be important here, as the Browns surrendered 131.7 YPG and gave up 214 yards to the Saints on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns

The 2-8 Browns are already looking ahead to 2025 and could be considering a succession plan at quarterback. With Deshaun Watson injured, the team may move on from him and his contract if they can draft a top-tier quarterback. For now, it’s Jameis Winston’s team, and although he has added a spark offensively, he’s not the long-term answer.

There were some positive stats as Jerry Jeudy had his best game of the year, with 6 catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. However, the run game continues to struggle, even with Nick Chubb back. Cleveland ranks 28th in the league, averaging just 88 yards on the ground. Additionally, on defense, they are 9th-worst at stopping the run.

Best Bet: Steelers -3.5 (-110)

While it’s always tempting to back the home underdog in a divisional game, the Browns seem to be going in the wrong direction and are likely looking to ‘tank’ for a better draft pick. I don’t expect this to be a high-scoring game, but I think Pittsburgh’s defense will dominate and keep Cleveland’s offense in check. Give me the Steelers on the road.

Player Prop Plays

Najee Harris OVER 63.5 Rushing Yards
Najee Harris has been a workhorse lately, with 79 carries for 332 yards over his last four games. Cleveland got torched last week by Taysom Hill, who had 138 yards, and the Saints rushed for 214 yards in total. All signs point to a big night for Harris.
Nick Chubb OVER 49.5 Rushing Yards
Since returning from injury, Nick Chubb is averaging around 40 yards per game. The Browns often fall behind early, leading to more passing attempts, but they should lean on the run game early. If the game stays close into the second half, Chubb should be able to hit this mark.