MNF WEEK 2: Game 2 – BROWNS @ STEELERS

BY ADAM GREENE

Before Week 1, this game probably looked like an elite match up on the primary broadcast of Monday Night Football. After Week1, not so much. Still, we’re going to watch as the new-look and suddenly potent Cleveland Browns travel to Heinz Field (I’m not calling it anything else) and face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the second game of a MNF doubleheader on Monday Night Football.

The Steelers and Browns rivalry goes all the way back to 1950, with Pittsburgh holding an 80-62-1 advantage in the head-to-head series. The teams split their games last year with the Steelers claiming the final matchup 28-14 on Jan. 8. Deshaun Watson was 19 of 29 passing in the loss for 230 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He added 44 yards rushing on the ground. Nick Chubb carried the ball 12 times for 77 yards and led the team with five catches for 45 yards and a TD. Pittsburgh got a 13 of 29 day from Kenny Pickett for 195 yards and a touchdown with no picks. Najee Harris had 23 carries for 80 yards and a TD. George Pickens caught three passes for 72 yards and a score.

CLEVELAND BROWNS AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (+3, O/U: 38.5)

Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, Pa.

Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+

Kickoff: Sep. 18. 8:15 p.m.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-0)

Cleveland looked absolutely dominant on defense in Week 1, holding Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to just 82 yards passing in a 24-3 shellacking last Sunday. Deshaun Watson didn’t have to do a lot in the win, going 16 of 29 for 154 yards, one touchdown and an interception. He scrambled five times for 45 yards and a score and was sacked three times. Nick Chubb carried the ball 18 times for 106 yards. The defense sacked Burrow twice and held Cincy to just six first downs and 142 total yards.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (0-1)

While the Browns looked great in Week 1, the Steelers could not have looked worse in a 30-7 blowout loss to the visiting San Francisco 49ers. Kenny Pickett was 31 of 46 passing for 232 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He was sacked five times. The team rushed for a total of 41 yards. Allen Robinson II caught five passes for 65 yards. The defense sacked Brock Purdy three times.

THE PICK

Pittsburgh looked like the best team in the league in the preseason, but proved definitively that the preseason means absolutely nothing in the regular season. I’m not sure we’re about to witness Mike Tomlin’s first losing campaign as a head coach, but I’m confident Pittsburgh is about to open the year 0-2. Browns 27, Steelers 17

Last week

Straight up: 10-6

Against the spread: 9-7

Season

Straight up: 10-6

Against the spread: 9-7

Follow Adam Greene on Twitter @TheFirstMan.

Connect with us our socials on Twitter and Instagram for the latest sports news, viral moments, betting odds and the occasional memes.