Pittsburgh Steelers Vs Cleveland Browns: Las Vegas Line & Pick Against the Spread

The Pittsburgh Steelers head to frigid Cleveland to take on the Cleveland Browns in a game that could have home field implications for the Pittsburgh Steelers January 2nd. The Cleveland Browns showed signs of life in the first half of the season and now they are limping to the finish line. The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to enter the NFL Playoffs on a high note by beating their NFC North rivals.

Pittsburgh Steelers Offense vs Cleveland Browns Defense

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers offense have not been setting the NFL on fire this season but they have done their best to keep up with their potent defense. The running game for the Pittsburgh Steelers has come alive in recent weeks and Rashard Mendenhall is a major factor.

Mike Wallace has stepped in to replace Santonio Holmes this season in the Pittsburgh Steelers offense but their old veteran possession receiver, Hines Ward is still a favorite of Ben Roethlisberger. The passing offense is only averaging 213 yards per game and they will need to establish themselves in this game to set the tone for the NFL Playoffs.

The Cleveland Browns defense has been solid all season long and they have not received credit this season among many NFL pundits. They are giving up 129 yards on the ground which is below average but they have improved throughout the NFL season. The Cleveland Browns secondary has been strong this season. They have only allowed 222 yards per game through the air by opposing quarterbacks. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense and the Cleveland Browns defense are even and neither has the edge in this game.

Pittsburgh Steelers Defense vs Cleveland Browns Offense

Defense is the reason the Pittsburgh Steelers are a competitive team and Troy Polamalu has been a major reason for their success. With Polamalu out the Pittsburgh Steelers defense has lost it's edge and if he is not in this game against the Cleveland Browns consider this a serious calculation when betting this game.

There are plenty of defensive weapons on the Pittsburgh Steelers but without Polamalu they are not as effective. Aaron Smith's loss is also felt on this defense up front but they have managed to step it up on the front line. Defense against the run is going to play big in this game with Peyton Hillis on the Cleveland Browns offense but there may be some issues with his durability.

The Cleveland Browns offense revolves around Peyton Hillis and the running game of late and this may be a partial reason for their recent decline. Hillis has been wearing down over the last few games and as the NFL season reaches it's conclusion Hillis is limping to the finish line along with his team. The Pittsburgh Steelers defense has the edge over the Cleveland Browns offense.

Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 vs Cleveland Browns: Pick Against the Spread & Breakdown

The Las Vegas Hilton Superbook has made the Pittsburgh Steelers a three and a half point favorite over the Cleveland Browns. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-6 against the spread overall entering this game against the Cleveland Browns and they are 4-3 against the spread on the road. The Cleveland Browns play their second consecutive home game and they are 2-5 against the spread on the road. Take the Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 points over the Cleveland Browns.

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Statistical sources:

www.lasvegasinsideinfo.com

www.yahoosports.com

www.espn.go.com