Longtime rivals Pittsburgh and Cleveland are prepared to set football back 80 years when they meet at Cleveland Browns Stadium later this afternoon (1:00pm ET start time, CBS). The latest NFL Sunday Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Odds reflect the kind of prehistoric affair fans could witness today as the game total is presently set at a meager 34.5 points. The visiting Steelers are favored at -2 against the spread while the Browns are drawing +110 odds as a moneyline play ($100 wins $110).
The 6-4 Steelers saw their four game win streak come to an end last weekend as the Ravens knocked them off 13-10 at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh turned in a valiant effort, nearly winning the game despite a minus three turnover margin and the absence of Ben Roethlisberger.
Roethlisberger’s stand in, Byron Leftwich, looked like the backup he is, connecting on 18-of-39 passes for 199 yards and one pick in the loss. Leftwich will not be under center today, though, after suffering two cracked ribs against Baltimore. Filling in against the Browns will be veteran signal caller Charlie Batch.
Batch, who is 5-2 in seven emergency starts as a Steeler, owns a 5-1 record in six career appearances against the Browns.
Cleveland enters this game with a 2-8 record after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in last weekend’s inter-conference road showdown with the Cowboys. The Browns were up 13-0 at the half and they rallied from a 13-17 fourth quarter deficit to take a 20-17 lead with just over a minute left to play, but they still found a way to lose the game 23-20 in overtime.
While Cleveland has shown some fight this season and Pittsburgh is down its most important player, this game is still the Steelers to lose. The Browns will have trouble scoring against Pittsburgh’s defense and Batch has enough veteran savvy to navigate some scoring drives against a Cleveland team that ranks 23rd in total defense.
Free Pick: Take Pittsburgh -2.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns NFL Odds:
Pittsburgh Steelers -2 (-110), Over 34.5 (-110), -130 (Moneyline)
Cleveland Browns +2 (-110), Under 34.5 (-110), +110 (Moneyline)
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