NFL Cleveland BrownsPittsburgh Steelers

Predicting the Final Score of Steelers vs. Browns In Week 6

Fresh Videos

By

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers-Cleveland Browns rivalry has faded in the past 15 years thanks to the Steelers’ dominance over the Browns. Since 1999, the Steelers are 27-5 against the Browns, with their last loss to Cleveland coming in 2012. But this year, that rivalry could be reborn, as the Browns are playing some good football. They are coming off an emotional come-from-behind win over the Tennessee Titans, the biggest road comeback in NFL history. Add in Cleveland’s big comeback in Week 1 against the Steelers and this week could be a recipe for a Browns’ win over Pittsburgh.

The Browns have a three-headed monster in the backfield in the form of Ben Tate, Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell. Tate left the first game of the season against the Steelers with an injury. West replaced him and ran for 100 yards on 16 carries. Crowell was a big part of the Browns’ second-half comeback against the Steelers, scoring twice in the third quarter. The Browns racked up 191 yards rushing in Week 1 against the Steelers, and they are averaging 127 yards on the ground per game. The Steelers rank 12th against the run, giving up a little more than 100 yards a game on the ground. If the Browns repeat their running attack from Week 1, they could beat the Steelers.

One thing that will hold the Browns back is that several key guys on defense are dealing with injuries. Cornerback Joe Haden is dealing with a hip injury, and he missed another practice on Thursday. Linebacker Paul Kruger also missed Thursday’s practice with a back injury. Defensive linemen Phil Taylor and Billy Winn are also dealing with injuries. If Haden can’t go this Sunday, along with multiple injuries on the Browns’ defensive line, the Steelers should be able to expose the Browns through the air. I see Ben Roethlisberger throwing downfield more this week, so look for Markus Wheaton to have a more significant role in the passing game. He hauled in six passes for 97 yards the first time these two teams met this season. The Browns have shown that they can give up big points in the first half of games, and I think the Steelers will capitalize on that.

The bottom line is Cleveland should be able to run the ball effectively, eating up the game clock with long drives, but I still am not sold on QB Brian Hoyer. I predict he makes a mistake or two in this game. I  also expect the Steelers to open up the passing game, and Big Ben will complete at least one big touchdown pass of over 50 yards.  The rivalry is getting closer and closer to being restored to the good old days, but I don’t see Cleveland beating the Steelers this time.

Steelers 24, Browns 20

Nate Vandergrift is a Pirates writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter@natevandergrift, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on